Guacamole & Hummus Taquitos

November 17, 2015 Amanda Plott

Okay, okay, so these are big-as-yo-face taquitos. I get it. Taquitos are usually rolled up pretty tightly and with barely any filling, but I was hungry today y'all and in the mood for a nice hearty portion of vegetarian filling.

They're Texas size taquitos. But, if it makes anyone feel any better we could also call these baked burritos, I guess.

Either way, they're super filling and amazingly delicious. Plus, I find it pretty fun to play with fusion sometimes. I mean, who puts hummus on a taquito? Well, I do. Hummus is typically made from garbanzo beans, so this is basically a white bean taquito. Works for me!...

Ricotta & Spinach Stuffed Shells with Butternut Squash Sauce

September 25, 2015 Amanda Plott

Welcome Fall! You are a breath of fresh air. Oh, how I've missed you!

But, I think anyone here in Texas misses Fall and welcomes it with open arms. By the time the end of September rolls around, I'm always more than ready for the cooler weather and the change of the seasons. I'm done with these 90+ degree days, dang it.

To further welcome in the fall equinox, I decided I wanted to do something fun with butternut squash. I know when I think of fall foods, squashes and gourds are often the first things that come to mind.

I had gotten a mixed bag of 'super greens' in my local box a few weeks ago that I sautéed up and placed in the freezer - sort of in the same manner that you get frozen chopped spinach. I knew that it would pair perfectly with what I had in mind for fall!...

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 Baked Eggplant Parmesan

June 10, 2015 Amanda Plott

I feel that I should explain right off the bat here that I am in no way a fan of eggplant. I don't particularly dislike it, but it just isn't something that I would order of a menu or pick up from the grocery store for my own indulgence. However, if it were offered to me in the form of baba ganoush or... eggplant parmesan, I would most likely eat it and enjoy it as well.

The only reason that I had eggplant on hand today was because I was given some in my recent 'local box' that came to me from organic local farmers. And let's face it, I'm not about to toss out any vegetable or fruit that is local and/or organic.

Since I had the eggplant already, I thought it would be a great opportunity to turn it into eggplant parmesan. I love anything that's doused in tomato sauce and cheese. I mean... who doesn't?...

Baked Spicy Chicken & Cheese Taquitos (Sponsored)

March 30, 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. #JustAddRotel #CollectiveBias

Before I even get started, I should mention that there is a RO*TEL Coupon deal that ends April 6th (while supplies last.) Be sure that you get yours today to use on this amazing game day recipe.

I'm a Texas girl, so RO*TEL is just sort of a part of weekly life here. Whether it's to be used in queso, guacamole, or in something else all together. Today I'm using RO*TEL in a more non-traditional manner and actually incorporating it into a recipe to feed a crowd; a game day crowd that is!

Basket ball playoff games, as well as any other game day in Texas usually consists of lots and lots of appetizer style figner-foods, and today is no different! I'm whipping up some easy Tex-Mex chicken taquitos by using RO*TEL to spice up one of my favorite game day recipes.

Like I said, don't forget to get this RO*TEL Coupon deal while you can! The coupon expires April 6th. Right now, you can buy 3 and get 1 free! Since it expires soon, download it quickly and use it today at Walmart to get your RO*TEL for your game day grub!...

Baked Dark Chocolate Coffee Infused Donuts (Sponsored)

March 27, 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. #McCafeMyWay#CollectiveBias

I'm the mother of a rather active almost five year old girl. (I mean... what little one isn't active, am I right?) Around here, mornings are always full of chaos and about 75% of the crazythat will go along with the day. It seems like everything is a struggle. Getting dressed, brushing teeth, brushing hair, everything. It's just an all out stressful situation!

Recently, I started in with a 'chore chart' that seems to make the mornings a bit easier. For each 'chore' she does on her own to get ready in the morning, she gets a star sticker. At the end of the week if she has accumulated enough stars, she gets a special treat or prize.

Another thing that helps with my morning routine is always starting my day off with a nice big cup of coffee. It's that morning pick-me-up that I absolutely need to get through it all. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Once I get my little one dressed and settled in (whether at home or pre-school), I like to indulge in a second cup of coffee for a bit of much needed "me time".

Today I'm using McCafé coffee in yet another way to help me get through my day while indulging in a better-for-you treat at the same time! After all, what goes better with coffee than donuts anyway? Now you can enjoy both together in one glorious bite...