Crockpot Carrot Soup with Basil Herb Oil

June 7, 2017 Amanda Plott

I'm barely a week into summer break over here and I already seem to have lost track of what day it is. Is it still the weekend? Almost the weekend again? Where am I? What am I doing? One of the only things that's managing to keep me somewhat grounded, is cooking. For the past few weeks, I've been getting loads and loads of carrots in my local box of produce. I've been trying to use them up as quickly as I could, but... the bag of them only continued to expand.

I've got to be honest, raw carrots are definitely not one of my favorite vegetables. So, thinking of a way to use up over 2 pounds of carrots was a rather daunting task for me. Especially considering that I wanted to be sure to use them all up before any went bad. Waste not, want not...

My Great-Grandma's "Red Beans"

April 26, 2017 Amanda Plott

This is another oldie but goodie that I just had to rework the pictures for since they totally don't do these Red Beans justice anymore. Plus, I thought I'd add in the instructions for how to cook these old fashioned beans in the crock pot!

Today is bittersweet just like it was when I originally posted this recipe.. My grandma is heading home to Oregon soon after her extended stay of about a month. While she was staying here with me we got to talking with my mom about things that my great-grandmother use to cook for the family. I'm always looking for inspiration, and my family is one of the first places I go.

One of her most requested dishes was something she called 'red beans', but I should warn you... they aren't actually red beans (kidney beans) like one might think. They are pinto beans! I think she may have called them 'red beans' because they turn a sort of redish color after they cook all day long...

Spinach & Artichoke Ravioli en Brodo

January 9, 2017 Amanda Plott

Thank you Buitoni for sponsoring this post. Check out Buitoni's no GMO, clean label, vegetable-infused pastas and sauces to create a dinnertime experience everyone will enjoy.

Almost three years ago I made this wonderful Tortellini en Brodo that was amazing and my whole family loved it. Yes, even my picky little first grader. Sometimes the most simple meals are the ones that my family and I adore the most. ...Though for different reasons, of course. I enjoy the simple recipes because I spend less time in the kitchen while my family enjoys them for their distinct and fresh flavors.

This Spinach & Artichoke Ravioli en Brodo was definitely inspired by that one from a few years ago, but it is even more simple with only 6 ingredients and yet just as much flavor (if not more!) This is a light soup that still somehow manages to be rather hearty. Those big beautiful green ravioli soak up that wonderful broth and all of the flavors that go along with it...

Healthified Crock Pot Turkey Taco Soup

December 1, 2016 Amanda Plott

So, one of my most popular recipes has to be my Healthified Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, which also happens to be a family favorite and has been for many years now. With that being said, I decided to make something similar, but more with the flavors of another favorite; tacos! This Healthified Crock Pot Turkey Taco Soup is going to knock your socks off with it's amazing flavors, even if it wasn't really what I had planned on making today.

Yep! Even I have fails in the kitchen still. My original recipe for today turned out to be a flop. Literally. It flopped straight over into the trash. I don't know what's wrong with me lately! My brain just can't seem to get things going quite as well as it usually does. It feels like I'm on auto pilot. I could blame that on the craziness of the holidays or... that it's a particularly hard time of the year for me, as I think it is for a lot of other people too...

Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

November 27, 2016 Amanda Plott

A little chicken noodle soup for the soul, anyone? 2016 has been a year that will go down in infamy. I don't think this year hasn't touched everyone in a particularly strange (and I'll even dare to say negative) way. I for one, couldn't be more happy to see it in it's last several days. I know that 2016 will go out kicking and screaming the entire way, but I can't wait to see what next year brings.

Only good things, I hope.

My Christmas tree bit the dust last year, and I guess that should have been a sure sign of the things to come. So, I decided to add some extra Christmas tree to my life this year by including it in this soup as early as November. MOVE OVER DECEMBER. We're getting this year done and over with...

Crock Pot Pasta e Fagioli

October 26, 2016 Amanda Plott

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Barilla® and Johnsonville®. The opinions and texts are all mine.

It's no secret that one of my most favorite soups at almost any Italian restaurant is Pasta e Fagioli. That's generally because it's got some of everything in it without being too heavy, and that's exactly where I am with fall right now. It's nice and cool and crisp in the mornings, but still rather hot here during the day. So, I find myself craving more hearty dishes on a lighter side.

This soup isn't only lighter on the scale (being that it's made from home), it's also lighter on the wallet since it's made from simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your fridge and pantry! Let's face it, almost any soup is a great economical option for an all inclusive meal in a bowl, and when you involve a slow cooker you're almost always insured an easy-fix meal as well...