PB&J Cups (Sponsored)

October 1, 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. #SpreadTheMagic #CollectiveBias

Peanut butter is my jam. Pun totally intended.

I know that when I think of peanut butter, I immediately think of peanut butter and jelly. It's a timeless classic that we all know, love, and appreciate. There's just something about the sweet and the savory/salty notes coming together that instantly take you back to a simpler time. Childhood.

Another thing that comes to mind with peanut butter is that age old question, creamy or crunchy? It seems as if though such an easy question could completely divide the world. Well, what if I told you that you could have both? What if I told you that we could all live in peace and harmony, never being forced to choose sides again?...

Healthified 5 Ingredient White Chicken Chili

September 29, 2015 Amanda Plott

This week is sure to be more than a little extra crazy. My parents are in the middle of moving, and of course complications always arrive with moving! Basically their new digs aren't going to be ready on time, so they're going to be bunking with me through the weekend; which is more than fine with me since I've had a rough few weeks of it myself. It's the bonus cat and dog in the house that will really make things interesting. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the company and the distraction.

It's been a lonely few weeks for more than one reason!

With all the chaos that's about to ensue on my humble abode, I planned a week of rather easy meals. I've got to save braincells and time where I can these days...

Southwest BBQ Smoked Chicken Tacos

September 22, 2015 Amanda Plott

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Birds Eye®, and Farm Rich® but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #FullnRichFlavor http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Life has been pretty crazy around here lately and it doesn't seem as if things are going to slow down any time soon. With that being said, it's still vastly important to me to feed my family healthy meals from my own kitchen as much as possible while keeping it all rather guilt-free.

When most people think of making a better-for-you and balanced dinner, they generally think of the time it takes. I'm here to tell you that isn't the case! You can have a well balanced meal that's quick, filling, and easy to do! These Southwest BBQ Smoked Chicken Tacos are an easy dinner that hits all the important food categories while having great bold flavor.

Flavor doesn't have to be sacrificed because of time...

Multi-Grain Chicken Tenders (Sponsored) + Give a Box

September 18, 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. #GiveABox #CollectiveBias

Starting this month, and for a limited time, you're able to gift some love (in the form of Cheerios ™) to a friend or loved one by picking up a specially marked package Walmart stores. There are currently five Cheerios ™ products that will contain a unique code that shoppers can enter online to give an e-card and mailed coupon for a free box to a recipient of their choice. Pretty nifty and thrifty, right?

I'll be gifting my free box to my Dad to re-live and remind him of the fond memories we have of the time we spent together when I was growing up. Many of those memories are still alive with my Grandfather (Papa) as well.

It's been a rough year for our family with the loss of my Grandfather weighing heavy on us all. My dad has become the rock that everyone has needed; moving back with my Grandmother to help her take care of things around her property, as well as being there for my Aunts and Cousins as well...

Skinny Hawaiian Crunch Cake

September 15, 2015 Amanda Plott

Every year at the end of summer my mom has had a Luau, a tradition that has been going on since she moved here to Austin; so let's say this was the fourth year. Each time the Luau gets bigger and better than the year before, always inviting new and old neighbors or friends. The Luau is done sort of in pot-luck style with my mom and I making a few main things that go along with the theme while guests bring their additions to the spread.

There are a few select things that I have perfected over time and made each year for this Luau. A few things have changed but for the most part it all stays the same; a pineapple salsa, Hawaiian queso, and some sort of dessert...

Healthified Shredded Buffalo Chicken (Crock Pot)

September 3, 2015 Amanda Plott

This is one of those great base recipes that could be used in many forms and fashions. It would be great in a sandwich, a wrap, incorporated into a chicken salad, or even in a grilled cheese. There's really so many uses for it that I thought it needed to be here as it is to stand on it's own.

I've kept this dish light and flavorful by letting the chicken remain simmering all day in a broth full of large chunks of fresh vegetables; allowing it to absorb all those great natural flavors. At the end of cooking, all you do is shred the chicken, toss it with a buffalo sauce of your choosing and use it as you see fit...