Cilantro-Lime Coconut Rice

August 14, 2015 Amanda Plott

Let's see... the first time I had cilantro-lime coconut rice was quite a few many years back now. Right about when I first started getting into cooking. As far as I can remember, my mom and I were trying to come up with a rice to go with a Thai inspired dish that wouldn't be quite so traditional.

I remember that I was more than a little apprehensive because coconut is not one of my favorite flavors and I hadn't yet really been exposed to the wonderfulness that is coconut milk. My attitude towards coconut started to change with this rice right here.

One of the great things about cilantro-lime rice is that it can pair well with almost any Asian, Thai, or even Indian style dish. Yes, I've been known to sneak it in with a Mexican style dinner as well, though I usually leave the coconut milk for that variation!...

Cheesy Spinach & Kale Verde Enchiladas

August 10, 2015 Amanda Plott

So, I made a test run of these enchiladas a few weeks back. I've had some enchilada scares in the past before, and always made them way more complicated than they needed to be. They were so good the first time that I just knew that I had to make them again with just a few minor tweaks!

These bad boys were so awesome that my brother's finance left me a note (or two) which I found the next morning after our family dinner saying that she loved them so much. Thanks Jess, that really tickled my pickle!

With it being so hot here right now, I was forced to bake these on our outdoor grill, which ended up working out just as well as in the oven so long as I kept an eye on the grill's temperature. How's that for being clever? The Texas heat will force you to be resourceful!...

Blueberry, Banana & Coconut Parfait

August 4, 2015 Amanda Plott

Introducing #TopItTuesday – Tuesday is the perfect day of the week that could use a little bit more love. For my de{light}ful #TopItTuesday, I decided to make a parfait. Not just any parfait either, but one of my most favorite parfaits!

Blueberry, banana and toasted coconut chips - oh my! That's how I add a little flavor to my life. This parfait is a perfect little treat to enjoy fro breakfast, lunch, or even as dessert to stave off that insistent sweet tooth after dinner.

What's better is that this tasty treat is gluten-free and vegan! Plus, with under 350 calories in a rather nicely sized portion there's nothing to feel guilty about - other than not having made it before. The tartness of the blueberries, the sweetness of the banana and yogurt, and the bit of a crunch with the toppings makes this a perfect bite...

Easy Ratatouille & Cheesy Parmesan Polenta (Crock Pot)

July 29, 2015 Amanda Plott

So, I've been on the hunt for a good way of making ratatouille lately. I had tried it many many years back when I was a brand new mother. But, it didn't turn out at all the way that I had wanted. It soured my opinion on ratatouille and eggplant for years to come. Eggplant is not my most favorite vegetable, but ratatouille is one way that I will eat it.

I think that I'll eat almost anything if it's got pasta sauce and/or zucchini involved.

A few weeks back, I had tried this recipe out while my grandmother was still visiting. It got rave reviews from around the table. As it turns out, I got an eggplant and an acorn squash in my most recent local produce box, and knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. Another ratatouille!...

Skinny Mexican Style Caprese Salad

July 21, 2015 Amanda Plott

I've been in love with caprese salads for a long time now. I think that my love of them actually started some years ago when I worked as a waitress in a newly opening restaurant when I was visiting home for the summer one year from college. It was a horrific experience, but only because I am not good at the whole waitressing thing. That job takes a very skilled and specific type of person to do properly. And I am not skilled or specific to customer servicing!

It did give me an entirely new perspective though on restaurants and I have always had another level or respect for those that wait tables.

Anyway, the restaurant had a caprese salad and I felt like eating vegetarian that day; plus, I mean... I got half off meals and they had great food there so I was pretty set on trying almost everything on the menu. It was love at first bite...

Mediterranean Olive Salad

July 15, 2015 Amanda Plott

Thank you California Ripe Olives for sponsoring this post. Click here to enter the California Ripe Olives Facebook sweepstakes for a chance to win a Midsummer Mediterranean prize package!

As a health food blogger, I like to stay in the know about all the different diets and ways of eating that are currently being circulated. One of the ones that's become quite popular over the past few years has been the Mediterranean Diet.

The Mediterranean Diet is pretty simple and incorporates the basics of healthy eating; including fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and limited unhealthy fats. Any way of eating that allows for olive oil and a few glasses of wine is a bonus in my eyes.

The basis of the Mediterranean Diet is eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Replacing butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil. Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor your foods. Limiting red meat and eating fish and poultry at least two times a week. Plus, red wine in moderation!

All of these things are pretty much how we eat in my house on a day to day basis...