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...

Loaded Zucchini Skins

August 25, 2016 Amanda Plott

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. All opinions are entirely my own.

I'll be the first one to admit that I'm pretty much in love with zucchini and summer squash. They are possibly the most versatile and easy to work with vegetables that you'll ever encounter. You can do anything from eating them raw, to grilling, baking, steaming, and back again. I've definitely had my fair share of fun with zucchini based recipes.

With tailgating season upon us, I thought it would be a great time to try something new, fun, and a little different than what I'd done before. These Loaded Zucchini Skins are basically a lighter version of Loaded Potato Skins. Don't get me wrong, I love potatoes too, but this option is great for these end of the summer days where it's hot and you want something a little less heavy on your stomach...

Spring Asparagus Salad & Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

May 10, 2016 Amanda Plott

Spring vegetables are still in full swing for another couple of months, so naturally I'm taking full advantage of that. One of my favorite spring vegetables has to be asparagus. I love it's simple flavor and complete versatility to be the part of just about any meal. So, this week for lunch I decided to dive back into salads and thought that adding some cool asparagus to the mix would be perfect.

This salad is a great lunch, and would also make for a great side dish or used as part of a dinner time meal as well. Along the way I happened to come across some watercress this week, which is another fun spring green and also one that I've never had the pleasure of working with...

Skinny Buffalo Blue Cheese Deviled Eggs

October 12, 2015 Amanda Plott

This stuff right here is what dreams are made up of. I've a southern girl, so deviled eggs are a staple to any holiday or 'special event'. Instead of the same ole' same ole', I love to play around with different combinations.

My last adventure with deviled eggs was quite a big hit, so I decided to try my hand at it again. This time though, I wanted to make my deviled eggs 'game day friendly'. How do you make something more game-day inspired than to throw buffalo sauce at it and call it a day?

Plus, their orange and white just like the colors of my favorite local college football team. Hook'em!...

Healthy Fall 'Green Egg' Scramble

October 6, 2015 Amanda Plott

So, I've been eating this for a few days a week for breakfast for a while now. I wanted something that was filling, would power me on through my day, but not be overly heavy. This has been the perfect breakfast bowl for me. It's full of fall flavors with the brussels, pumpkin seeds and the cranberries, but still so very healthy.

When my mom was here this past week, she saw my bag of strange looking shredded brussels and kale and quickly pulled it out of the fridge to ask 'What is this?!' I explained to her what it was and she gave me a pretty strange look. Then I mentioned it was something I put in with my eggs and the morning and she actually gave a somewhat interested nod of approval...

Skinny Summer Jalapeño Corn Chowder (Crock Pot)

July 27, 2015 Amanda Plott

I know it's summer, and who could possibly want hot soup when it's 100 degrees outside... but, sometimes you just have to roll ahead with seasonal produce while you can. It's all about corn right now in central Texas, so I wanted to make something a little different that would stand out and make that corn shine.

This corn chowder actually reminds me quite a lot of a loaded baked potato soup, just with a lot less potato and a lot more sweet corn flavor. I got some red potatoes, jalapeño, and chives in my local produce box this week, plus I had some bacon stashed away in my fridge. All of those things instantly made me think to make my twist on on this corn soup...