Black Bean & Roasted Butternut Squash Tostadas

September 23, 2017 Amanda Plott

A fresh local butternut squash means Fall is finally here! I love it when I start to get my hands on winter squash. They are easily one of the most tasty and versatile foods out there. Anywhere from stuffing them, to roasting them, to mashing them as a puree. I'm sold. Hook, line, and sinker.

Not only are these tostadas easy to make, they're also a meal you can make off of one baking sheet; making it a perfect weeknight go-to for any busy family. And believe you me... I've been one busy gal! Friday really tested my limits and put me through the ringer. I ran around like a crazy person getting my daughter into her doctor and off to get an x-ray on her little footsie. So, I knew dinner was going to have to be supremely quick and hassle free...

Kale & Apple Quinoa Salad

January 16, 2017 Amanda Plott

So, this salad today is actually somewhat inspired by my dad who is having some health issues at the moment. We're not entirely sure what's going on, but he's been told to eat better for the time being until his next round of testing. One thing he was told to do was to 'stay away from white stuff', which clearly isn't something I stuck to here because I have to have cheese in my life. I literally think I might explode if I didn't have at least a bit of cheese every day.

What can I say? I've got to be honest here! I'm one that believes strongly in that you can enjoy everything as part of a healthy diet as long as it's in moderation. (Except of course if it's something you've been warned of by a professional.)

A few days back now, my dad and aunt were chatting at me on Facebook about how my dad is now eating more healthy and that he had tried quinoa. He wasn't a huge fan. So, I gave him some suggestions and got to thinking that some quinoa sounded really good actually. And here we are with this lovely Kale & Apple Quinoa Salad!...

Roasted Beets

January 11, 2017 Amanda Plott

I got some fresh local beets this past week, and while beets are definitely one of my favorite salad toppings, I hardly ever buy them at the store for myself. I'm not entirely sure why I don't either. I've used them to make some pretty awesome things in the past couple of years, like this Beet Pesto. Or with being added to another salad that I paired with my Skinny Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.

These oven roasted beets have to be one of the most simple, easy to do, and flavorful things you can make. They take just an hour to roast and just two ingredients to make. Plus, the prep work is minimal. Giving you an hour to go about your business doing whatever else you need or want. What better is that these roasted beets can be made ahead of time as part of a weekly meal prep...

Skinny Honey Roasted Almonds

December 27, 2016 Amanda Plott

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Whole Earth Sweetener Co. All opinions are 100% mine.

Who needs scented candles around the holidays when all you have to do is roast some almonds?! These Skinny Honey Roasted Almonds are amazing! I can't tell you all how great my house smells right now. Even my 6 year old (who doesn't care for almonds) ran into the kitchen to ask me if she could have some of whatever it was I was cooking. And trust me when I say that they taste every bit as good as they smell!

I love almonds for so many reasons, and I've always got some tucked away in my pantry for quick and easy snacking. Almonds carry a massive amount of nutrients: fiber, protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E to name a few. They are completely loaded with antioxidants and can even help control blood sugar. It helps too that they are great for helping to lose weight too...

Healthy Gingerbread Loaf

December 22, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's that crazy time of year when it just doesn't seem like there's enough hours in the day! I'm busy shopping, wrapping, decorating, and getting everything in order for Christmas and New Years. Come on 2017. That being said, I woke up this morning and decided to get this Healthy Gingerbread Loaf whipped up and ready for the influx of company to enjoy.

If you love pumpkin bread and you love gingerbread cookies, then you are going to adore this Healthy Gingerbread Loaf! It's got just enough gingery spice and sweetness to blend perfectly together. One of my favorite things about this bread is that it's great for a holiday breakfast, gifting, or just having around to snack on. Plus, you can make it a few days in advance!...

Skinny Whole Wheat Egg Nog Pancakes

December 19, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's day one of having my little girl home and officially off of school for the holidays and I could not be more excited! On top of all of the holiday fun and festivities, she's started getting her 6 year molars and her first 'big girl' tooth. Looks like the tooth fairy will be stopping by in the next month or so!

But, before all of that we have the Holidays right around the corner. To get us all in the holiday spirit on this joyous Monday morning, I decided to whip up a batch of these Skinny Whole Wheat Egg Nog Pancakes. Don't worry though, there's no alcohol in these, just the wonderful flavors of egg not that even the kiddos can enjoy!...