Tropical Chicken Salad & Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

May 16, 2018 Amanda Plott

Summer lovin' happened so fast...

This salad was inspired by the one served at a local Mexican Restaurant that I first went to a few years back now. I was first introduced to the salad while at lunch with my Sister-in-Law and Aunt. I think it was of the best salads that I had ever eaten. And that's saying a lot since I have eaten my fair share of salads over my lifetime.

I've haven't been back to that restaurant in a good long while. Maybe that's because a couple of years back I cracked the code on their salad!

Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites

May 11, 2018 Amanda Plott

Is it just me or is May one of those months where you're running around like a crazy person the most? Maybe it's because we're just ahead of summer break for the kids and everything is winding down. It's the sprint to the finish line and it is not for the faint off heart!

I know that for me, it's been one thing after the other. Every day there seems to be something important that NEEDS to be done. On top of all of that, I've been getting back into the swing of exercising. So right now, more than ever, my body is craving energy; every from good food and proper rest. That's why I decided to make myself these Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites…

Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffles

August 16, 2017 Amanda Plott

It never fails. Every year around back-to-school, I get stuck on the notion of PB&Js. In the past, I've made parfaits, oat bars, and even sandwich cookies in the theme of PB&J. This time thought, I wanted to put a spin on an old breakfast classic. The waffle!

Of course, speed and ease are a huge thing with back-to-school. Especially in those first couple of weeks when you're busy getting back into the routine and setting yourself and your kids up for a successful school year. It's a lot of work, mommas. I know it! That's why I wanted to make these Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffles...

Mermaid Treasure Cupcakes

July 7, 2017 Amanda Plott

The next step into this week of Mermaid amazingness is in honor of my fabulous mother's birthday! Truly, she's more of a mermaid than I am. She spends about 75% of her summer in the water. And... about 50% of the rest of the year in and about the water as well. We're talking rivers, lakes, pools, etc. If there's a body of water, she'll find it and she'll be in it with a cocktail or two in her hand.

Every year for one another's birthday we each take the time and effort to make or go and buy one another our favorite cravable cupcakes or cake. This year I opted for a local Austin food truck that makes my most favorite strawberry cupcakes in the entire world. For my mom though? She's getting an oldie but a goodie. It's a surprise cupcake that we've made together in the past and fell in love at first bite...

Grilled Market Salad & Zesty Dressing (Chick-Fil-A Copy Cat)

February 18, 2017 Amanda Plott

So, I was telling my mom about one of my all time favorite salads at a pretty well known fast-food chain the other day when she was looking for some quick lunch options. Anytime the family wants to 'be bad' and have chicken nuggets at this place, I always tend to opt for their Grilled Market Salad. It's a really large hearty salad that's extremely filling and easily could be turned into two meals rather than just one.

That discussion got me to thinking about the salad, how good it is, and how simple it is too. Surely there had to be a way to make it myself! The hardest part would be the zesty apple cider vinaigrette. Thankfully, I found a good starting place and made a few more tweaks to that to get exactly what I was looking for after reading the ingredients on the actual dressing packet...

Matcha & Strawberry Bran Muffins

April 25, 2016 Amanda Plott

I've been playing with matcha more and more lately, trying to find clever ways to integrate it further into my daily life. So far I've made everything from Gluten-Free Matcha Waffles to Strawberry & Coconut Matcha Chocolate Bark. Today I decided to try my hand at another baked matcha treat; muffins! After all, who doesn't like a good muffin for breakfast?

So, what's so great about matcha? Plenty.

One cup of matcha has the nutritional content of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea. And that's not all. It has 137 times more antioxidants in it too. Meaning it detoxifies your body and calms your mind naturally. It enhances your mood, boosts metabolism, and burns calories. All in a mere cup of tea...