Lemon Poppy Seed Bread & Pink Grapefruit Glaze

February 23, 2017 Amanda Plott

Alright, alright... so not every recipe goes as planned. Sometimes I feel like I live in a test kitchen over here. Some things work out perfectly and amazing the first time, but other times... not so much. Baking is hard y'all. It's true what they say, that baking is both a science and an art. Trust me. I have kitchen woes just like anyone else, and this recipe right here is evidence of that if nothing else.

I've had it in my little head for a few weeks now that I wanted to make a lemon poppy seed cake/bread. However, my first attempt was a complete flop. And what's worse? I thought even up until I took it out of the oven that it was going to be great. The batter tasted great. It rose perfectly in the oven, doing everything it was supposed to do before POOF it collapsed into a dense mess of super sad lemon bread. Sigh...

Blueberry Bagel French Toast

February 8, 2017 Amanda Plott

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

Who's busy on the weekday mornings? I am! I am! Morning time is no joke, y'all! I'm the only morning person in the house, so rallying my 6 year old in the morning is exhausting all on it's own. She has literally hid from me to avoid the inevitable morning routine to get her up, out of the house, and off to school.

One way I can manage to soften the blow of the early morning hours is to come up with fun and easy breakfasts that I can lure my daughter (and myself) downstairs with. Cereal? Pancakes? French Toast! This isn't your average french toast thought. How about french toast made out of bagels? Everything is better on a bagel or made with a bagel, even french toast!...

Lightened Up Coffee Cake

February 3, 2017 Amanda Plott

So once again I have a confession to make. This past Christmas my mom came over with this coffee cake that she had received as a gift from her boss at work. He got everyone in her office, plus all of their clients one of these coffee cakes. Now... generally I'm not the hugest fan of coffee cake. it's too crumbly and dry for me. However, this coffee cake... holy moly! It was decadent, buttery, and just the perfect amount of sweet. Yum!

I had that cafe from breakfast and dessert for a couple of days. You know, I'm all about plotting yourself those occasional treats. The coffee cake was made by a local Texas bakery which I intend to visit one day since it's only about an hour away. Though I might have to be dragged out by my hair kicking and screaming along the way. Haha...

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...

5 Ingredient Skinny Cranberry Cherry Pie

November 17, 2016 Amanda Plott

Okay, so this Skinny Cranberry Cherry Pie is one that I've been wanting to share for years now. Somehow it has completely escaped it every single holiday; which is funny since we have this same pie every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here's my theory on how and why it's never made the list; it's so good that I can't keep it around long enough to take any final photos. Yep. That's the truth of it.

This recipe is one of those that's been a family favorite for years now. It was one of my first successful contributions to a Holiday meal. I've always loved pie. Any sort really. I haven't met a pie yet that I would or could turn down. But, I do sometimes I find that single fruit pies can be overly sweet.This one though, is perfectly in the middle of sweet and tart with the combination of cherry and cranberry. It's also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect addition to any holiday table!...

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!...