Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix & Cookie Spoons

December 14, 2016 Amanda Plott

My daughter and I were singing Rudolph all morning long! While eating breakfast, while driving to school. I'm a little scared and also excited that come Friday, I'll have her home for two and a half weeks of winter break! Now... ask me at the end of the two and a half weeks to see if I still feel the same about that.

The holidays are always a fun time, especially when you've got little ones running around with all of their excitement. There is something to be said about homemade gifts, and I've always said that. They mean the most to me and always have. I would much rather have something that I know someone spent the time, effort, and thought into... than anything else! To know that you were in someone's special thoughts is a gift in itself...

Skinny (2 Ingredient) Cream Cheese Rangoon

December 13, 2016 Amanda Plott

This year, we'll be doing things a little different for Christmas. Instead of our usual mass of cooking, we'll be heading out to enjoy some Asian cuisine on Christmas day. Of course, you know I'm always inspired by the goings-on around me and today is no different. With Asian food on my mind I decided that it was high time for some Cream Cheese Rangoon.

I know, I know... Generally you'll find some sort of meat inside of a rangoon, however... I'm not too big on seafood. So, I always make mine with tofu cream cheese. Sounds interesting, right? Tofu. Cream cheese. Trust me, this stuff is amazing. It looks, tastes, and feels just like traditional cream cheese (but with a lot less calories and obviously dairy free!) so I'm often using it in place of standard cream cheese. Especially if it's involving anything with an Asian flare...

Elf Cookies

December 8, 2016 Amanda Plott

A few years back now we had a silly little Elf on the Shelf named Candy Cane show up at our house shortly after Thanksgiving. And oh-what-a-joy it has been to see what shenanigans Candy Cane get's into every night after returning from her quick trip to the North Pole. She's got an important job, you know. She's in good with the big jolly man.

It's been even more interesting, the older my daughter has become. I don't know how in the world Candy Cane manages to come up with these things sometimes... ahem. Today I caught her in my kitchen making her famous Elf Cookies! Apparently she wants to surprise my daughter with them in the morning. Of course, you know I had to suggest to her that she make the cookies healthified and asked also if she would be so kind as to leave me the recipe to share! She's very nice that way...

Skinny Crock Pot Dulce De Leche

November 29, 2016 Amanda Plott

I know, I know... how can dulce de leche be skinny? Well, that's pretty simple actually, you make it using a reduced fat sweetened condensed milk. Tada! Really dulce de leche is similar to a caramel, though it's generally a little thicker and made with a slow cooking process using sweetened condensed milk. The slow cooking changes the taste and texture of the sweetened condensed milk, giving you a sweet caramel like sauce that literally only takes one ingredient and minimal effort!

It makes a great gift too. Especially when you put it in cute little jars with decorative notes and ribbons. Why? Because who doesn't like caramel?! Plus, like I said... it's easy to do, tastes great, and has very little hands-on time needed...

Skinny Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Dip (Sponsored)

November 8, 2016 Amanda Plott

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DelightfulMoments #CollectiveBias

I hear jingle bells starting to ring off in the distance! I for one, am not going to be on Santa's naughty list this year though. This Skinny Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Dip is as nice as can be with just a handful of simple ingredients and the most amazing frosted sugar cookie taste you'll find in anything other than the real deal. Sprinkles included!

Yep! That's right, Santa. You can enjoy this tasty sweet treat and still be able to fit back up the chimney at the end of the night. *Wink, Wink.* This dip is perfect for setting the mood for the holidays, which for me are always full of warm and happy memories. I love how whimsical and fun while this dip is, while also being a light and a welcome addition to any table. Plus, no one will ever guess that it's been lightened up, because it just tastes that good!...

Pizza Bite Eyeballs

October 28, 2016 Amanda Plott

Muahahaha! I love Halloween. It's my favorite holiday and it has been for almost all of my life. I think I enjoy it so much because there's a lot of excitement in the air. Especially when you have little ones! It's the start of the holiday season and everyone is ripe with anticipation for now. Plus, Halloween is generally the beginning of our cooler weather here in Texas. We're already down into the 80's on most days! Whohoo.

I've been working on some fun Halloween inspired bites this week and I think these Pizza Bite Eyeballs are a big winner! They are so easy to do and fun. Not scary. I even managed to get my 6 year old on board with them. After my 'scary' black Halloween spaghetti from last year, I thought I'd lost her on Trick-or-Treat eats, but these managed to get the seal of approval...