Lemon, Blueberry & Poppy Seed Parfait

April 18, 2017 Amanda Plott

So, remember that Lemon Poppy Seed Granola from a couple of weeks ago? And how I told you that I had big plans for it? Well, here you go! My idea all along for #TopItTuesday was to incorporate it into some sort of super fabulous luscious lemon parfait. And what goes better with lemon other than blueberries? I got some gorgeous local blueberries in last week, and just knew that they would be the perfect addition to this particular parfait.

I'm so happy that it's Spring time. I love the mild weather and the sudden influx of seasonal fruits and berries too! Nothing says Spring time to me more than lemons and blueberries though. There's just something about that bright burst of citrus flavor that I can't help but crave being paired with those sweet blueberries...

Lemon Poppy Seed Granola

March 26, 2017 Amanda Plott

I'm so happy it's spring time finally. I seriously love all the bright flavors of citrus and the beautiful berries that I'm seeing at the store; like these jumbo blueberries that I got this past week. I mean... just look at those suckers! They are the size of two or three whole almonds. Yowza! Some of my favorite spring flavors have to be lemon and blueberry, so naturally I wanted to pair my giant blueberries here with something bright and lemony!

It's been a while since I baked up some granola, so I thought it was high time to make a fun 'Spring' granola that's loaded up with the good stuff. Poppy seeds along with some chia seeds, almonds, and oats. The honey I used for this was a 50/50 blend of honey and stevia; giving me less calories and the same flavor. It's just good all the way around...

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls

March 23, 2017 Amanda Plott

I've been on a mediterranean kick lately. Can you tell with my Mediterranean Toast and now this Quinoa Bowl? I have always been a fan of Mediterranean and Greek inspired dishes. I think it's the mix of savory, salty, and the bright bold flavors that go along with it. This bowl starts out with a simple cooked quinoa on the bottom and goes from there. It's light enough to enjoy as a simple dinner and yet hearty enough to have as a filling lunch.

For this bowl, I kept it traditional with fresh tomatoes, zucchini and lemon. To get some salt in there I added greek olives, feta, and of course those artichoke hearts. The avocado is there for some smooth creamy healthy fats that you can use along with the lemon juice as a dip/spread/dressing for everything else. And... who doesn't love avocado anyway?...

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...

Detox 'Spa' Water

December 26, 2016 Amanda Plott

I've got to be honest, I feel rather toxic after the last month of constant illness and being on and off an array of medications and antibiotics. My body needs a little bit of rest and recuperation, so I'm going to give it all the help that I can get!

I should start off by saying that I am not a fan of cucumbers. I love pickles, and hate hate hate cucumbers. The taste, smell, texture... everything. But, like I said... I'm determined to give my aching body some much needed love.

I was rather surprised and delighted to find that after the lemon and mint, I didn't really taste the cucumber much... if at all!...

Skinny Raspberry Lemonade Cupcakes

July 1, 2016 Amanda Plott

So, I may or may not have gotten into a little bit of trouble with my mom to get this cupcake recipe here for you. Truth be told, my mom had started asking me about what sort of cupcakes were wanted for my birthday a week or two before it, but a whole lot of stuff went on and I never got an answer to her until we sat down together at my dad's birthday dinner.

She asked me again and I finally explained to her that I wanted to make my own cupcakes this year so that I could put it here. She was a little upset and thought it was completely strange that I wanted to make my own cupcakes. You see, she had her own little plan in mind, un un-benonced to me. Whoops!...