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!...

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...

Healthified Crock Pot French Dip

October 15, 2016 Amanda Plott

I remember the first time I ever had a french dip sandwich. It was at this cute little diner in New Port, Oregon... I think it was called 'Big Guy's Diner', I must have been about 10 years old at the time. I thought it was so strange to have a sandwich served with broth. Why in the world would anyone want to dip their sandwich and have wet bread? My grandma talked me into trying it anyway. I did. And I've been hooked ever since...

Skinny 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Brownies

October 13, 2016 Amanda Plott

Fall is nearly upon us and I am so excited to start working with the amazing flavors of the new season while preparing for the (hopefully) cooler weather to come.

Pumpkin is one of my favorite things to work with in the fall. It's such a versatile fruit! It can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Sweet, savory, or otherwise!...

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts

September 26, 2016 Amanda Plott

This post has been compensated by Acorn Influence and its advertiser EkoBrew. All opinions are mine alone.

It's been dark and gloomy outside for two days now, and quite honestly I love it! The downpour of rain and this cooling weather to me means that fall has arrived. Fall is my most favorite season and that's probably because it includes my two favorite holidays.

With the influx of fall, comes a change to my morning routine. Things have settled down finally with my little one off at school and a much needed quite lull descending on the house during the day. It also means that I get to use my oven again. Praise be it. I've missed my oven this year during the summer.

Use of my oven means baking, and baking means I get to make homemade donuts again! These easy pumpkin donuts take no time at all to make and pair perfectly with my pumpkin spice coffee as part of a great start to any morning...

Gluten-Free One Skillet Ratatouille

September 22, 2016 Amanda Plott

As a Degutabox affiliate, all ideas, recipes, & opinions are entirely my own. A Degustabox was provided to me for this recipe and review.

It's the first day of fall, y'all! I couldn't be happier. Here in Texas, we're finally getting a 'cold front' in this week that will get us into the 70's at least. Phew. It's been a hot few weeks, so I'm ready for the cooler weather. I'm also loving that I'm starting to see winter vegetables coming in.

I happened to get my hands on a local acorn squash and thought it would make a great addition to a fall style ratatouille; in place of eggplant since I am not a huge fan of eggplant unless it's entirely hidden in whatever it is I'm eating. Hey! No one ever said that ratatouille had to have eggplant in it, right?...