Fall Harvest Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette

October 9, 2017 Amanda Plott

Holy moly! It's been a busy weekend over here. I'm ready for the monotony of a Monday. For sure. It's still pretty warm here in Texas, so while the weather is working on slowly cooling off, I'm working on salads still over here.

Of course, I still need to get my fix of Fall inspired veggies. So... I decided to load this salad up with plenty of Fall-friendly veg. I started this salad off with a base of baby spinach. It's one of my most favorite salad starters, and I think that's because it's such a versatile and nutritional green...

Harvest Vegetable Soup

October 4, 2017 Amanda Plott

And then just like that, it was soup season.

We're getting into that time of year when winter squash and hearty vegetables are in season, and one of my favorite ways to use them up is a good soup! This soup is full of the bounties of a Fall harvest.

It's completely vegetarian and as filling as they come. Plus, it's completely guilt-free and feeds a crowd a pretty hefty sized bowl of soup...

Kale & Apple Quinoa Salad

January 16, 2017 Amanda Plott

So, this salad today is actually somewhat inspired by my dad who is having some health issues at the moment. We're not entirely sure what's going on, but he's been told to eat better for the time being until his next round of testing. One thing he was told to do was to 'stay away from white stuff', which clearly isn't something I stuck to here because I have to have cheese in my life. I literally think I might explode if I didn't have at least a bit of cheese every day.

What can I say? I've got to be honest here! I'm one that believes strongly in that you can enjoy everything as part of a healthy diet as long as it's in moderation. (Except of course if it's something you've been warned of by a professional.)

A few days back now, my dad and aunt were chatting at me on Facebook about how my dad is now eating more healthy and that he had tried quinoa. He wasn't a huge fan. So, I gave him some suggestions and got to thinking that some quinoa sounded really good actually. And here we are with this lovely Kale & Apple Quinoa Salad!...

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!...

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...

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...