Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

March 5, 2018 Amanda Plott

With the schedule around my house changing up a bit recently, I've had to make some adjustments to when and how I cook. So, I've been cooking a lot less and mostly just for myself since my little one is still a rather picky eater and lately dinner time is our mommy-daughter time.

That being said, dinner time for me has included quicker, easier dishes that are either meal prepped or a one and done toss together sort of salad. Most recently I've had a stockpile of leftover feta in my fridge that needed to be used up, which for me always means it's time for a Greek/Mediterranean style salad!...

Carrot Cake Granola

March 3, 2018 Amanda Plott

Spring is coming.

I don't know about you, but I can see the changes in the season here in Austin Texas already. It's staying daylight out longer and longer in the evenings now and the sky is a brighter shade of blue. The birds are chirping, the grass is turning green, and it's warming up to a perfect 70 degrees on most days.

I know that we will likely have a few more 'winter' days or grey rain, but it's always nice to see the onset of Spring. It's probably my favorite season (when it comes to the weather especially.) That's why I've started this weekend off right with this Spring inspired carrot cake granola!...

Baked Beet Chips

March 1, 2018 Amanda Plott

Last week I had some beets leftover that needed to be used and decided to use them up in one of my favorite ways - as chips! Beets are really the perfect root vegetable to make chips with. They turn out crisp and crunchy while not having a completely overwhelming flavor. In fact, if you closed your eyes and ate one, you might not even know it was a beet at all!

Beets are truly one of my favorite vegetables, mostly because of their beautiful colors and versatility. I really don't think I've ever met a beet that I didn't like, but these chips are quick, easy, and simple; with just 2 ingredients needed...

Healthified Gorgonzola Port 'Blue Cheese' Dressing

February 27, 2018 Amanda Plott

I've been trying for years now to create a perfect blue cheese dressing/dip. I think that I've gone through a good ten different recipe variations by now, and none of them have really stuck. None of them were to the level that I wanted. None of them impressed me... until now.

I had all but given up in my quest. But then, my desire... nay, my need for a good homemade blue cheese dressing started back up a couple months back when I went to dinner at one of my favorite places where they happen to serve a salad that's served with a gorgonzola-port dressing...

Baked Amish Overnight Oatmeal

February 19, 2018 Amanda Plott

As I think back, I'm not sure when or how I got turned on to Amish Oatmeal. But, I do know that it was pretty much an instant hit with my family. It's quick and easy to prepare with just a handful of basic kitchen staples that soak together overnight to bake up beautifully the next morning.

So, what is Amish Oatmeal anyway? Well, it's sort of a cross between oatmeal and bread pudding. Eggs, vanilla and milk are whisked together to create the 'custard' that the oatmeal is baked in.

Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti

February 17, 2018 Amanda Plott

This post was sponsored by Green Giant as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Many years ago I started making my own spaghetti sauce. Don't get me wrong, jarred spaghetti sauce has it's place and time in my life too. But, when given the option, I will always prefer making my own. I've made several types and kind. Some in the crockpot, others with meatballs, this one though is easy, simple and full of tomato flavor.

This Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti is a perfect weeknight dinner to make when you're looking for something quick and easy that is also guilt-free and a more wholesome option. The sauce here is loaded up with big hearty chunks of tomato, onion, garlic, and fresh basil (the secret weapon.)...