Minestrone (Instant Pot)

August 16, 2018 Amanda Plott

Yeah, so... I might be on vacation, but that doesn't stop this work engine from running. I really wanted to get at least one recipe out during the week of my being gone. So whilst in the midst of packing and sorting and getting ready, I was also busy in the kitchen. Okay. Not really busy. This Minestrone soup is delicious, simple, tradtional, and couldn't be any more quick or easy to make.

One of my favorite things about this soup, is that it's a great way to use up leftovers from the fridge or pantry. Any of the vegetables or noodles or beans can be swapped out for nearly any alternative that you might have on hand…

Low-Carb Chili (Keto-Friendly!)

June 19, 2018 Amanda Plott

There's a great debate somewhere out there in this world of ours on whether chili should have beans in it or not. Is it 'technically' chili with or without beans? {Shrug} Who knows? ...Now, being a native Texan... I've got my own opinions on the matter. And I can honestly say that any chili I've ever been served before has always had beans in it.

But, that doesn't mean that I'm not open to a bean-less version! In fact, these days... it's all about those low-carbs it seems. So when deciding to make my take on my mom's Chili Con Carne for our camp themed week this summer, I thought I'd try my hand at taking all those beans out and instead filling it full of more veggies and protein…

Garden Vegetable Soup

June 15, 2018 Amanda Plott

Last week it was 'ocean' week here in my house, and this week we're going with the theme of plants! In doing so, I decided to throw a LOT more veggies and vegetarian dishes into the mix this week. We always have a couple of vegetarian dishes every week, for health reasons, cutting the cost of food, and also because it just makes me feel better all around.

I could easily be a vegetarian. In fact, my daughter was basically a vegetarian of her own accord up until she was about 5 years old. Meat just wasn't something she was a fan of. And I can't say that I was far off from that myself with I was a little girl too.

Ready for a true side story about myself? My parents used to have to tell me that meat came from a meat tree when I was little to get me to eat it!…

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.

Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oatmeal

January 27, 2018 Amanda Plott

Weekends are for being lazy, and there is truly no more of a lazy way to cook steel cut oats than inside of a pressure cooker. I got my instant pot back for my birthday I think and I am absolutely in love with it. Not only does it work as a pressure cooker, but also as a slow cooker; which saves me valuable cabinet space.

So, while I'm slumming around still in my PJs today I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make some Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oatmeal for breakfast... around noon. That's still technically brunch, right?

Low-Carb African Peanut Stew

January 25, 2018 Amanda Plott

I've been wanting to make African Peanut Stew for a good long while now and since I'm soaking up every last drop of the 'cool' weather here in Texas, I thought there would be no better time than now. This stew is hearty. I'm talking... stick to your ribs and fill you up completely. It's a little bit of all the best things. Savory, sweet, spicy, salty, soft, crunchy...

Honestly, I really wasn't sure how I would feel about peanuts in a stew. It's never been something I thought of as being the main component in dinner. But, I was thoroughly impressed with how good it was. ...To the point, that I think this may go into my dinner rotation!...