Skinny Baked Eggplant Parmesan

June 10, 2015 Amanda Plott

I feel that I should explain right off the bat here that I am in no way a fan of eggplant. I don't particularly dislike it, but it just isn't something that I would order of a menu or pick up from the grocery store for my own indulgence. However, if it were offered to me in the form of baba ganoush or... eggplant parmesan, I would most likely eat it and enjoy it as well.

The only reason that I had eggplant on hand today was because I was given some in my recent 'local box' that came to me from organic local farmers. And let's face it, I'm not about to toss out any vegetable or fruit that is local and/or organic.

Since I had the eggplant already, I thought it would be a great opportunity to turn it into eggplant parmesan. I love anything that's doused in tomato sauce and cheese. I mean... who doesn't?...

Skinny Butternut Squash & Carrot Soup

May 28, 2015 Amanda Plott

Oh, man - I've survived the great storm and flood of 2015 here in Austin! Not everyone was as fortunate as us. We had a 6+ hour power outage, multiple trees blown over, and several fences that were ripped apart by 70 mph straight-line winds here in my immediate neighborhood. At one point many places were evacuated to ground level central rooms, and I was ready to jump into the closet under my stairs with my grandmother and daughter at a seconds notice when we were under a tornado warning. Scary stuff!

Our wonderful lake is thriving off all the recent rain, which is one great thing that has come out of all this crazy weather here lately; going up from 37% full to 63% full!

Of course, as I was watching the weather on the news during the most recent storm, I was taking my mind off things as best I could by cooking. What goes better with a stormy day than a nice warm bowl of soup?...

Skinny Spinach & Sundried Tomato Omelette

May 14, 2015 Amanda Plott

This yummy vegetarian and gluten-free omelette is a great thing to wake up to. Seriously, I can't think of much else that I'd rather wake up to. I promise that you won't miss any meat here either, and as an added bonus it's still pretty packed with protein and good-for-you things; spinach, tomato, and even some mushrooms!

Breakfast has been a tricky meal for me lately. Somewhere between work and being a mommy, it's one of the last things that I happen to think about. And often by the time I have the time to make breakfast for myself... it's time for lunch!

I guess that's why I'm more of a brunch person.

That and brunch also comes with a mimosa or bloody mary!...

Healthified Huevos Rancheros

April 30, 2015 Amanda Plott

I'm a Texas girl, and with that comes lots and lots of Tex-Mex, and not just for dinner either. Breakfast, brunch, lunch... doesn't matter the time of day, there's always a good excuse for Tex-Mex! One of my most recent favorites for breakfast or brunch is a healthier take on an older classic, Huevos Rancheros!

Don't know what Huevos Rancheros is? You poor thing!

Huevos Rancheros (rancher's eggs) is a pretty basic dish, usually consisting of fried eggs over a lightly fried tortilla and served with beans, salsa, and avocado in some form or another. Everything is generally topped off with a traditional tomato-chili sauce otherwise known as 'ranchero' sauce...

Blueberry & Coconut Breakfast Quinoa

April 15, 2015 Amanda Plott

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

That is something that I think anyone of my generation grew up learning, and to this day I still find it to be true. Starting your morning off right can be essential. Especially when you're trying to eat better and become healthier.

This powerhouse breakfast bowl is not only one of my favorite breakfasts, it's also a great way to control your hunger and power you on through your day. It's full of the good-for-you stuff such as protein, fiber, calcium, and plenty of vitamins, and minerals. And yes, even antioxidants!

I would say that this could be comparable to a bowl of warm oatmeal or a breakfast rice cereal as far as flavor and texture. So if you're a fan of either, then you're sure to enjoy quinoa for breakfast.

Oh, and did I mention that this breakfast is entirely gluten-free and vegan? Yep!

I know, there's a fierce debate about whether honey is vegan or not... but, for the sake of this breakfast I'll say that it is. If you're a staunch vegan, you can always swap the honey out for agave...

Tomato Cobbler

April 13, 2015 Amanda Plott

I know what you're thinking. Tomato Cobbler?

Yes, and yes.

Lately, I've seen a lot of savory takes on treats that most would consider desserts or sweets. So, this is my savory take on a cobbler. I mean... a tomato is technically a fruit anyway. Right? Right!

"Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it into a fruit salad."

Well, at least I'm not putting the tomatoes into a fruit salad.

Tomatoes are one of my favorite things. I'm pretty sure there are not many circumstances to which I would turn one down. Pie, soup, ketchup, baked, raw, stuffed... I think I've had tomatoes in just about every manner in which you could eat possibly eat them...