One Skillet Cheesy Tortellini Lasagna

August 6, 2015 Amanda Plott

Tortellini are one of my most favorite things in the world. I will eat them plain, sauced, cold, hot, and filled with just about anything. This dish is amazingly delicious and so super easy to make. Plus, you only end up dirty one pot for the entire cooking process. That's right! The tortellini are cooked up right there in the sauce before being topped with cheesy ricotta goodness.

I'll admit it. I've been on a bit of a ricotta kick lately with making two different kinds of gnocchi and finding anywhere else in my cooking to use up what is now one of my favorite cheeses.

Okay, okay, so all cheeses are my favorite. Ya caught me!...

Skinny Turkey Kofta

March 25, 2015 Amanda Plott

I think the first time that I learned of a Kofta was about a year or two ago amidst one of the many reality cooking TV shows that I frequently watch; which is one of the sources that I get so much of my inspiration from. I thought it sounded pretty great! A seasoned meatloaf or meatball on a stick? Perfect!

Still don't know what a Kofta is? Well, it's basically a mixture of meat, bread crumbs or rice, and spices to form into meatballs or skewered patties. There are a lot of variations out there, but today I'm going with a healthier play on a turkey Kofta with a sort of Greek or Lebanese twist. I added in chopped onions, egg, and some traditional spices to the meat, and served it with a lemon tahini sauce on the side.

I would have served it with some tzatziki, but I am not a fan at all of cucumbers. Sorry all!...

Green Eggs & Ham

March 4, 2015 Amanda Plott

In honor of Dr. Seuss's 111th birthday being earlier this week, and with St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, I decided to make a play on Green Eggs & Ham!

“Try them, try them, and you may! Try them and you may, I say.”
― Dr. Seuss, Green Eggs and Ham

St. Patrick's Day is actually one of my favorite holidays, and it also happens to be my dad's birthday. Happy Pre-Birthday, Daddy! My dad always thought it was fun to make Green Eggs & Ham for breakfast around his birthday. So, the idea for my take on Green Eggs & Ham was definitely inspired by him, even though I'm pretty sure that you makes his a whole lot differently...

Skinny Turkey 'Pigs in a Blanket'

January 28, 2015 Amanda Plott

I'm not the world's biggest football fan. Okay, not a fan at all. But, I love my Longhorns (Hook'em!) and I adore the Superbowl, though If I'm being honest... it's mostly for the commercials, camaraderie, and food! Yes, yes, yes! I love, love, love game day food! I couldn't tell you exactly why either, but I think it has something to do with the fact that it's all snackable little bites of finger foods.

There's just something really awesome about eating tiny food. Maybe that's the girl in me. Or... the kid in me.

Anyway, every year when the big game rolls around I always love to try my hand at healthifying and/or making traditional game day foods both skinny and delicious.

Today, I'm going with 'pigs in a blanket' which of course is usually made using little pork sausages; giving them the 'pig' in 'pigs in a blanket'. However, turkey sausages are healthier and have a lot less fat and calories to them.

So does that make these... 'gobblers in blankets' or... 'turkey in blankets'?...

Healthified Turkey Cuban Sandwich

November 10, 2014 Amanda Plott

I'm always on the lookout around Thanksgiving for recipes that I can use up my leftover turkey, and a lighter cuban sandwich is a perfect way to do just that! Don't know what a cuban sandwich is? Well, it's a wonderfully tasty little sandwich that is generally made with roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on some rather hardy cuban bread. Supposedly the sandwich originated in one of my most favorite places in the world - Key West, Florida!

Since, once again this year, I will not be making my traditional Thanksgiving meal, I've been doing my part it making turkey ahead of time; as if I need to get my quota for eating turkey in before the year is up. Then again, I tend to cook with turkey all year long since it's one of my favorite lean meats...

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!...