Healthified Huevos Rancheros

April 30, 2015 Amanda Plott

I'm a Texas girl, and with that comes lots and lots of Tex-Mex, and not just for dinner either. Breakfast, brunch, lunch... doesn't matter the time of day, there's always a good excuse for Tex-Mex! One of my most recent favorites for breakfast or brunch is a healthier take on an older classic, Huevos Rancheros!

Don't know what Huevos Rancheros is? You poor thing!

Huevos Rancheros (rancher's eggs) is a pretty basic dish, usually consisting of fried eggs over a lightly fried tortilla and served with beans, salsa, and avocado in some form or another. Everything is generally topped off with a traditional tomato-chili sauce otherwise known as 'ranchero' sauce...

Mustard & Jalapeño Grilled Chicken Sandwiches (Sponsored)

April 28, 2015 Amanda Plott

This post was brought to you by Collective Bias, Inc. and it's advertiser. I received compensation to write this post … but, all opinions expressed are my own. #KetchupsNewMustard #CollectiveBias

It's beginning to feel a lot like summer around here and I'm more ready than ever to fire up the BBQ grill outside to cook up some festive summer inspired foods. This spicy Mustard & Jalapeño Grilled Chicken Sandwich is the perfect send off into BBQing season.

Ugh, seriously the poor grill has been stuck under it's cover for far too long by now. It's time to bust that big boy out and dust him off!

The mustard marinade and sauce used on this chicken is fantastic. It's sweet, it's spicy, and it's full of flavor! Plus, it's super easy to toss together in the midst of a chaotic morning or on a lunch break even to leave your chicken marinating while you go about the rest of your day. That's one of my favorite things about mustard, you don't have to do much to it to get something amazing in the end when being used as a marinade or sauce...

Skinny Mimosarita

April 24, 2015 Amanda Plott

I'm a huge fan of mimosas. It's one of my most favorite brunch drinks! I think the first time that I ever had one was many many years ago on my parent's boat on one of our Sunday-Funday weekend excursions around the local lake at the time.

Love at first sip!

So what in the world is a mimosarita? Well, since I'm sticking with my Cinco di Mayo theme this week so I didn't want to go for the typical mimosa or margarita. Instead, I decided to go with a mimosarita! So what is that? It's basically a combination of a mimosa and a margarita; made with limeade instead of orange juice. The best of both worlds...

Skinny Verde Chicken Enchiladas

April 22, 2015 Amanda Plott

With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, I thought it would be a great week to fill with lots of Mexican inspired dishes! I'm all about Mexican food. I could seriously eat it every single day without complaint. My grandmother who is visiting me right now is the same way... and my mother as well. Oh, and my little one could eat her weight in beans and rice.

Yep, four generations of Mexican food loving women in my house right now!

I say Mexican food but, it's really more 'Tex-Mex'. I'm well aware that our idea here in the States of Mexican food is vastly different from what they actually eat in Mexico.

Yep! I've had real Mexican food before.

Regardless, one of my most favorite dishes are sour cream chicken enchiladas. So, I've taken those enchiladas and lightened them as best I can...

Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

April 20, 2015 Amanda Plott

My little one is a macaroni and cheese fiend... and also one of the most strangely picky eaters that I've ever known. For most of her five years go life, my little girl has been a vegetarian for the most part. Of course, it's not been a conscious decision on her part or for any other reason than the mere texture of meat. Apparently it's a pretty common trend among toddlers and preschoolers.

I can't say that I was much different when I was about her age. I drank water instead of any soda or juice, and had to be told that meat came from a meat tree and not from an animal. I also required that all meals be cooked by my mother. Yeah, I've always been a bit special about food.

Over the past few months, my little girl has made some great strides in adding more and more to her list of acceptable foods. I'd like to think that it has a lot to do with the fact that I encourage her to spend time with me in the kitchen. I also do my best to encourage her to simply try new things. No pressure though!...

Blueberry & Coconut Breakfast Quinoa

April 15, 2015 Amanda Plott

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

That is something that I think anyone of my generation grew up learning, and to this day I still find it to be true. Starting your morning off right can be essential. Especially when you're trying to eat better and become healthier.

This powerhouse breakfast bowl is not only one of my favorite breakfasts, it's also a great way to control your hunger and power you on through your day. It's full of the good-for-you stuff such as protein, fiber, calcium, and plenty of vitamins, and minerals. And yes, even antioxidants!

I would say that this could be comparable to a bowl of warm oatmeal or a breakfast rice cereal as far as flavor and texture. So if you're a fan of either, then you're sure to enjoy quinoa for breakfast.

Oh, and did I mention that this breakfast is entirely gluten-free and vegan? Yep!

I know, there's a fierce debate about whether honey is vegan or not... but, for the sake of this breakfast I'll say that it is. If you're a staunch vegan, you can always swap the honey out for agave...