Skinny Baked Pumpkin Mac-n-Cheese

September 13, 2016 Amanda Plott

We're finally settling in and getting used to being back-to-school over here. A routine is in place and things are starting to run more smoothly. It's such a busy and emotional time for parents and the kids, especially if you're starting up in a new school as my little one is. I've been determined to get my daughter off on the right foot by offering her more wholesome and meals and snacks during this transition.

I know first hand that it can be a challenge for many parents to find ways to making healthy eating both delicious and appetizing. My daughter is one of those picky eaters, which makes things all the more difficult when meal planning. One thing that almost any kid enjoys though, is macaroni and cheese!

With fall coming up on us, I decided to make a season inspired pumpkin macaroni that is not only better-for-you, but also delicious and super easy for a great weeknight meal that you can your kids can both feel good about...

Skinny Baked Tortellini Bites (Sponsored)

July 27, 2016 Amanda Plott

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BackToSchoolReady #CollectiveBias

I've been so busy with the end of summer and getting my little one ready for back-to-school that it's been a task to be a the balanced mom I know that I am. I'm all about using quality ingredients and offering better-for-you options to my family, but let's face it... sometimes schedules and lifestyle will try and to force us to make compromises.

These baked tortellini bites are the perfect balance of being quick and easy to make while also being more health conscious without sacrificing any taste! Another great thing about these little bites is that they make for a great after school snack or even used as part of a dinner; served with a side salad and some sauce for dipping...

Crock Pot Mojo Pork + Y-USA Food Desert Challenge

July 25, 2016 Amanda Plott

This post was sponsored by Y-USA as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

It's time to get serious for a minute, folks! When I was in high school my family came in on some pretty rough times and there were some scary moments when my mom even admitted to me that she 'didn't know what she was going to put on the table'. Life was hard and things were a struggle, but we made it through together as a family and were much stronger when we came out the other side because of it.

I learned a great deal from my experiences during those high school years. I'm definitely more mindful and knowledgeable about certain things in life; money and food being two of them. Let's just say that my brother and I can rock the socks off cooking ramen noodles.

Money comes and goes and there is nothing that is guaranteed. So when I was approached to take the Good Desert Challenge, it was something that I just knew I had to do.

Over the summer break, families welcome fun-in-the-sun and BBQ, but for those families who rely on school meal programs to ensure their kids eat three square meals a day, it can prove challenging...

Light White Wine Cream Sauce (Sponsored)

July 20, 2016 Amanda Plott

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #VinoBlockParty #CollectiveBias The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older.

We all know that summer is all about cook outs and block parties. Of course, here in Texas, we have to get out there early in the day or wait until the sun is starting to set to have a more enjoyable temperature. That being said, I know that when I'm entertaining it's all about simple meals with bold flavors and a nice cool glass of wine to pair!

One of my favorite quotes of all times has to be, "I enjoy cooking with wine, sometimes I even put it in the food...", and today this was my mantra! I decided that in the midst of my entertaining, I would create a lightened up white wine cream sauce to pair with some lemon pepper chicken that was cooked up in the crock pot. Hey, the oven is my enemy right now when it's 100+ degrees outside...

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...

Chicken & Waffles Sliders with Buffalo Maple Syrup (Sponsored)

June 29, 2016 Amanda Plott

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PowerTheirPlay #CollectiveBias

My little girl is a busy little bee! Phew! I never realize that more than when she's home with me for long bouts of time (like during the summer.) Of course, I do all I can to fuel her play, creativity, and mind. One way that I do this is by keeping her little tummy full and satisfied with wholesome things that I approve of.

Recently she's found her love of chicken nuggets, so today I thought I'd try my hand at creating a perfect little bite-sized slider for an old classic that most of us adults know and love; chicken and waffles! It's a great little play on sweet and savory that almost any kid or adult will love...