Skinny Italian Beef Sandwiches

November 6, 2016 Amanda Plott

Oh, man... the history behind this recipe dates back around 6 years ago. It was right around the time that my daughter was born when I first started to make it. This was one of the first real things that I cooked for my family, and it is also one of the things they still ask me to make. Yep. Even to this very day! The recipe originated on a website that sadly is no longer around. The same website that started me off on my better-for-you cooking style.

Originally the recipe called for the beef be cooked in the slow cooker, but today it was a little chilly and I felt like blowing the dust off of my oven for the coming cold-weather season. Yay! I'm finally getting to use my oven again. Thank. Goodness. It's about time!...

Skinny 'Day Before' Mashed Potatoes

November 3, 2016 Amanda Plott

Once upon a time my mom and dad were in charge of Thanksgiving (along with all other Holiday meals) and my mom always ended up pretty stressed out, just like every other mother out there. Then along came my adult self. Together with my mom, we found the perfect end-all to the stresses of the Holiday cooking.

I had basically stumbled onto a perfectly planned out and super delicious make ahead menu plan that was complete with days, times, oven temperatures, etc. You name it, it was there. I like to consider it my Holiday Feast Code Book. Or Holiday Cooking Bible. It has been a life saver ever since it came into our lives, and I'm so happy that I've never had quite the traumatic holiday feast that some do. Oh, the horror stories I've heard...

Brownies & More Bottom Pumpkin Pie (Sponsored)

November 1, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

Phew! Now that Halloween is over, it's time to move on to the next great holiday in our paths. I think next to Halloween, Thanksgiving is my second most favorite holiday. Why? Well, that's pretty simple; it revolves entirely around food. It's no secret that I love food. Plus, Thanksgiving is full of good memories for me. When growing up, my mom always did her best (even in the worst of times) to make it amazing, memorable, and full of traditions for myself and my little brother.

Every year my mom would make two pies, a classic pumpkin one and a chocolate meringue. Sometimes she would throw a third in there, usually a pecan pie of some sort. This year though, I'm shaking it up. I'm putting a twist on two old classics and making them into one brownie bottom delectable pumpkin pie that is sure to please everyone. Don't worry though, I've lightened it up!...

Pizza Bite Eyeballs

October 28, 2016 Amanda Plott

Muahahaha! I love Halloween. It's my favorite holiday and it has been for almost all of my life. I think I enjoy it so much because there's a lot of excitement in the air. Especially when you have little ones! It's the start of the holiday season and everyone is ripe with anticipation for now. Plus, Halloween is generally the beginning of our cooler weather here in Texas. We're already down into the 80's on most days! Whohoo.

I've been working on some fun Halloween inspired bites this week and I think these Pizza Bite Eyeballs are a big winner! They are so easy to do and fun. Not scary. I even managed to get my 6 year old on board with them. After my 'scary' black Halloween spaghetti from last year, I thought I'd lost her on Trick-or-Treat eats, but these managed to get the seal of approval...

Crock Pot Pasta e Fagioli

October 26, 2016 Amanda Plott

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Barilla® and Johnsonville®. The opinions and texts are all mine.

It's no secret that one of my most favorite soups at almost any Italian restaurant is Pasta e Fagioli. That's generally because it's got some of everything in it without being too heavy, and that's exactly where I am with fall right now. It's nice and cool and crisp in the mornings, but still rather hot here during the day. So, I find myself craving more hearty dishes on a lighter side.

This soup isn't only lighter on the scale (being that it's made from home), it's also lighter on the wallet since it's made from simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your fridge and pantry! Let's face it, almost any soup is a great economical option for an all inclusive meal in a bowl, and when you involve a slow cooker you're almost always insured an easy-fix meal as well...

Skinny Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Crepes

October 24, 2016 Amanda Plott

Last weekend my dad was here to visit for a few days, and that always means that I get spoiled on crepes. The man is basically famous for his crepe making skills, and naturally I'm always pushing him outside the box with interesting flavor ideas. We've done everything from red velvet to a more savory chive and cheese crepe. His go to combination is and has always been a plain crepe with a strawberry cream cheese filling, and trust me when I say that those are absolutely out of this world.

But... it's pumpkin season and I'm going to take full advantage of it. So, we ended up making these pumpkin spice crepes filled with a lightly sweetened cream cheese mixture. Yum! One of my wonderful cousins is a pumpkin spice fanatic just like I am, so I know she's going to have to talk my dad into making these sometime for her too! Sick'em Sam!...