Elf Cookies

December 8, 2016 Amanda Plott

A few years back now we had a silly little Elf on the Shelf named Candy Cane show up at our house shortly after Thanksgiving. And oh-what-a-joy it has been to see what shenanigans Candy Cane get's into every night after returning from her quick trip to the North Pole. She's got an important job, you know. She's in good with the big jolly man.

It's been even more interesting, the older my daughter has become. I don't know how in the world Candy Cane manages to come up with these things sometimes... ahem. Today I caught her in my kitchen making her famous Elf Cookies! Apparently she wants to surprise my daughter with them in the morning. Of course, you know I had to suggest to her that she make the cookies healthified and asked also if she would be so kind as to leave me the recipe to share! She's very nice that way...

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!...

Gluten-Free Banana Nut Pancakes

September 21, 2016 Amanda Plott

All ideas, recipes, & opinions are entirely my own however, this is a sponsored post on behalf of wholesome brands, Vans Simply Delicious® & Wallaby® Organic.

My mom lives out by one of the lakes here near Austin, and she keeps talking about this restaurant by her that serves some giant banana nut pancakes. And after a few too many (dozen) mentions of them, I guess the thought sort of stuck with me as inspiration. Banana nut anything is okay by me.

There's something about the smell and the taste that takes me back to my childhood. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that my mom makes some of the best banana bread around.

With the idea already locked in my mind, I decided to go ahead and try my hand at making some banana nut pancakes for myself. But, in a more wholesome way that won't leave me feeling guilty or sprinting to the gym right after indulging...

Healthified Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

September 15, 2016 Amanda Plott

I'm not entirely sure why, but I just haven't been able to focus well lately. Everything has turned out really tasty, but my photography skills have just not been up to par. That means that I have to work twice as hard and it all becomes some vicious circle. Needless to say, this is now the third attempt at a decent and cohesive recipe post this week.

To say that I've exhausted myself, would be an understatement.

Even with all of that being said, I finally had success. Huge success. And all with this amazing Healthified Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Banana Bread! Look, fall is my favorite time of year, and I'll be the first to admit that I am one of those. I'm an outright pumpkin fanatic. I live for pumpkin spice anything...

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!...

Skinny Unicorn Ice Cream Cake (Sponsored)

August 29, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

My little girl is 6 years old now and is a little eccentric. She's a lefty and as such is incredibly creative and imaginative. Needless to say, in this house, we 'believe' in magical things like fairies, unicorns, mermaids, leprechauns, and so on. That's what childhood is for, right? Magic, wonder, and all things amazing.

Childhood is a thing worth celebrating.

Of course, this Unicorn Ice Cream Cake would be amazing for any holiday or celebration and the bright and super fun colors are completely versatile and up to you to get creative with. Maybe there's a back-to-school unicorn around your house with the primary colors? Or a holiday unicorn with red, green, and white? Today though? It was all about the infamous rainbow unicorn...