Skinny Vegetarian Jalapeño Poppers (Sponsored)

July 6, 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. #GrillWithATwist #CollectiveBias

My dad is the grill master of the family and has been for many years now. One thing that has become a staple item anytime my family gets together to grill (no matter the occasion) is jalapeño poppers!

My family has always done poppers a little differently. Originally, we tried to stuff the jalapeños with a cream cheese and cheddar mixture and then wrapped them with bacon, but... the bacon never cooked through evenly. So, one day we got smart, chopped cooked bacon up and mixed it in with the cream cheese mixture to stuff in the jalapeños that way. We've never breaded our poppers in anyway. My dad always felt that the breading was unneeded, and I must say that I agree. It's just wasted calories.

These jalapeño poppers are our standard way of making poppers, but with one grilling twist this time around, making them perfectly vegetarian! Because after all, meatless can still be delicious....

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!...

Skinny Guinness & Irish Cheddar Crustless Quiche

February 18, 2015 Amanda Plott

When I was growing up, quiche was basically a staple in our house. My dad would usually go through the fridge and use up any leftover meats, cheeses and vegetables to make a hearty quiche which was typically served with soup or a salad of some sort.

Quiche is definitely a good way to use up leftovers.

I've always loved quiche. It's sort of like having breakfast or brunch for dinner in my opinion and generally when you think of quiche, you don't think healthy or low calorie by any means.

The quiche of my childhood always had the usual pie crust at the bottom, so when I started off cooking I tended to follow suit. A few years ago though, I stumbled upon the idea of a crustless quiche. ...Why not? The crust to me always just seemed like wasted calories anyway...

Skinny B.L.T. Soup

November 25, 2014 Amanda Plott

I'm busy in the kitchen this week as I prepare for Thanksgiving so... I needed something super simple to make myself for lunch that I could then enjoy for a few days after the one preparation. I've been craving a nice BLT sandwich lately, but I'm also trying to stay away from gluten a little bit too. So, with bread out of mind (and BLT Lettuce Wraps already done), I started to think about how else I could enjoy the flavors of a BLT in a different form. Ta-da! BLT soup.

This soup is pretty amazing. When topped with the shredded lettuce, the greens wilt just enough to soften but still retain a bit of texture; adding another dimension to an otherwise rather smooth soup. And of course, the bacon adds all the awesome. How can you go wrong with anything involving bacon? You can't!...

Healthified Hangover Soup

October 13, 2014 Amanda Plott

I'm getting things ready around here to go on a trip this weekend to the Texas Renaissance Festival. Yes, I'm one of those women that dresses up in a tightly bound corset and faerie wings. Any excuse to play dress up... is a good excuse! Not only am I going to the Masquerade Ball this year, I'll also be going to the King's Feast for the very first time. At both events, you're served a plentiful bounty of food and either beer or wine.

Bring it on. I take no shame in the fact that I like my vino.

At any rate, I'm making this soup this week in honor of my galavanting to take place this weekend... even though I am hoping that I don't actually end up with a hangover. It'd be the first time in a few years, I think!...

Skinny Loaded Potato Breakfast Skillet

October 10, 2014 Amanda Plott

This is one of those super easy breakfasts that live in infamy. I'm not entirely sure what spurred the thought of having a loaded style potato for breakfast but... it all worked out fabulously well. There's really not much in a loaded potato that you wouldn't normally have for breakfast anyway. So why not toss an egg on top and call it done?

Done.

Cheesy bacon potatoes and an egg for right at 300 calories and a full belly? Yes, indeed! It's one of those things that looks and feels so naughty, but actually couldn't be much more guilt-free! This is a clean and lean breakfast that is sure to give you enough energy to make it through your morning...