Crispy Kale Chips

January 4, 2014 Amanda Plott

I'll readily admit that I am generally not a fan of kale. I don't like it in my soup, especially.

Zuppa Toscana and Olive Garden? Please, no.

It's not the flavor of kale that I don't find pleasant... it's the... way it holds it's form and something about the texture of the 'curly' ends.

I much prefer my spinach. I love my spinach. Raw. Cooked. Sauted. In soup. As a salad. It doesn't matter.

I keep hearing and seeing things about kale chips. Supposedly you could do the same thing with spinach. Perfect! Well... not so perfect. Unfortunately, when I tried 'spinach chips' a few months back... it didn't fair too well. As we all know, spinach is good at wilting under heat. And while it tasted good, it was not something that you could readily snack on. It just... flakes into nothingness. Sad Face....

Black-Eyed Pea Gumbo

January 2, 2014 Amanda Plott

Every year when I was growing up, my mother force fed us black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. What can I say? We're southern and it's a tradition thing. It's supposed to bring you good luck for the upcoming year. But, what eating 'dirt peas' has anything to do with a new year or good luck... escapes me entirely.

The peas were often straight from a can and without any seasoning of any kind. Usually served on the side of some sort of ham. While my mother enjoyed the out dated and rather odd tradition... the rest of us could barely stomach the one spoonful a year which we struggled down just to put a smile on my mom's pretty face. Love you, mom!

Crock Pot Red Curry Chicken

December 31, 2013 Amanda Plott

A few weeks back I went to a restaurant here in Austin called 'Thai Spice' with my family and instantly knew what to order; Curry! And Red Curry at that!

It's one of those things that is so spicy that it's almost hard to eat, but tastes so amazing that you can't help but indulge...

The 'Get Forking Skinny Meal Plan' (Week 1)

December 29, 2013 Amanda Plott

Alright everyone - here it is... Week one of the 'Get Forking Skinny Meal Plan'!

I'm pretty sure that I have everything listed accurately on the shopping list, but if you feel that you find an error just let me know! This is my first time doing this sooo it's a learning process.

Just so you know, I've created the shopping list with the notion that you have basic spices and pantry/kitchen staples on hand. So, you'll want to double check the recipes and the shopping list to be sure that you have everything you need...

Crock Pot Guinness French Onion Soup & Irish Cheddar Crouton

December 28, 2013 Amanda Plott

I spent the day revising this recipe after I had some similar comments regarding the amount of vinegar and beer being too harsh for some. I think everyone will enjoy the new final copy even more than the previous one!

I've kept the same basic recipe with a few minor adjustments and fine-tuning... since I don't want anyone to be displeased with anything they try here (within reason of course.)

Hello, gorgeous... mmm... melted irish cheddar...

Chia Fresca

December 26, 2013 Amanda Plott

After my little experiment with Spa Water, I wanted to try something else out. While I enjoy the Spa Water... I wanted something that I could toss together quickly in the morning, and that perhaps appealed further to my senses with some fruit.

I had remembered seeing something about adding chia seeds to water as a drink a while back and knew that I had some stored away in my pantry...