PB&J Oat Bars

September 1, 2016 Amanda Plott

So, there isn't much that makes me think of back-to-school and childhood other than the flavors of a good peanut butter and jelly. I've never felt inclined to limit PB&J to a mere sandwich though. In fact, one of my most favorite ways to enjoy peanut butter and jelly is in the form of a parfait. Seriously, it's good stuff. I'm a firm believer that you just can't go wrong when you mix the sweet and salty taste pf peanut butter with the tartness of fresh fruits.

Today I wanted to step outside the box even further to make these amazing PB&J Oat Bars. These would make for a perfect snack, an addition to a lunchbox, or even as breakfast; which is how I've been enjoying them all week long! Back-to-school as been crazy and this grab-and-go bar has been exactly what I needed. I've actually enjoyed them so much that I'm planning to make them again next week!...

Granola Cups

July 7, 2016 Amanda Plott

I've been looking to make breakfast a little more interesting and fun round here lately while I've got my little one home for the summer. Ugh! I can't believe she's about to be a big first grader. Anyway, these cute little granola cups were the perfect way to do that! They're cute, and little, and so easy to make!

What I love about these cups is that they are so versatile. You can use them as mini pie crusts, fill them with yogurt and/or fruit (like I did) for breakfast, or even as the base of a tart or other sort of dessert. I'm thinking mini cheesecakes!

By the way, did I mention that they are also vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free? Yep, yep, and yep! These little cuties definitely hit all the right notes. If all that isn't convincing enough, there's also chia seeds in them too; adding super crunch and even more texture...

Gluten-Free Protein Pancakes

May 14, 2016 Amanda Plott

To say that this week has been crazy, would be an understatement of epic proportions. With the school year coming to a close, getting things in order for school next year, my daughter being in two upcoming dance recitals, and the usual round of summer birthdays coming about, and my downstairs floor being replaced today, I'm just about to my limit.

One thing that did make this week more easy was having these wonderful protein packed pancakes ready to go for breakfast in the morning. Not only did they keep me full and satisfied to get through the craziness of the week, but they also tasted amazing.

I had to do a lot of my cooking ahead of time since my stove is currently out in the garage. Everything had to be up off the floor for it to be replaced. Like I said... madness is my life right now, hah!...

Crock Pot Blueberry & Banana Irish Oatmeal

July 16, 2014 Amanda Plott

A big heaping bowl of irish oatmeal for breakfast almost always hits the spot for me, but I haven't had any for quite a while now. I guess I have it in my mind that oatmeal isn't exactly a summer sort of breakfast, so I tend to brush it aside for these grueling few months of 100 degree weather.

However, oatmeal was a specific request on the part of my grandmother, and since it's getting down to her last few weeks here... I thought I would finally oblige!

I didn't want to make the same irish oatmeal that she had before when she was here last summer to visit. No, no. I wanted to try something a little different.

Blueberries and bananas anyone?...

Crock Pot Peaches & Cream Irish Oatmeal (Quicker)

April 29, 2014 Amanda Plott

I have really been in the mood for peaches lately. Perhaps I'm more ready for summer than I thought. In the summer, peaches have to be one of my most favorite things in the world to eat.

I couldn't be more happy about the city of Fredericksburg being right down the road from me. A lot of the locals from there will sell their homegrown peaches on the side of the roads here when peach season is upon us. It's heaven...

Skinny Baked Samoa Oatmeal (Overnight)

July 26, 2013 Amanda Plott

I love Samoa Girl Scout Cookies!

The other day while at the grocery store, I spotted Samoa coffee creamer and just had to have it. That was actually my inspiration for this oatmeal. What else can you do with creamer other than pour it into your coffee every morning? Apparently, a lot!...