Nice Krispies Treats

February 28, 2019 Amanda Plott

So… I’m trying my damndest to be a well balanced mom. Right? I mean… aren’t we all? I think my daughter was maybe 6 years old before she ever had her first bite of McDonalds. She still hasn’t ever tried anything from Chef Boyardee. And Vienna Sausages? NEVER. And these are all things that I grew up on. Another classic childhood favorite? Rice Krispies Treats!

I’ve been wanting to make a better-for-you version of the staple treats for YEAAAARS now. Crispy rice treats are easy to make. Quick to set up. And almost every kid loves them. So when I got my hands on some house-made marshmallows this week, I knew THIS had to happen…

Blueberry Oat Bars

February 25, 2019 Amanda Plott

I think, just like most out there, I generally go in and out of wanting sweet or savory for breakfast. Most days, savory wins out. This week though, I was in a sweets sort of mood! These Blueberry Oat Bars couldn’t have hit the spot any better. They’re sweet, tart, and perfectly acceptable for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert!

These oat bars are surprisingly easy to make, with really just a handful of pretty standard staple items too. There’s little mixing and no cooking involved. Just a few stirs and some time to bake. Plus, they’re low sodium, vegetarian, and dairy-free too. Good stuff all around…

Lightened-Up Brown Butter & Bourbon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

February 23, 2019 Amanda Plott

These cookies are legit.

They are much a mouthful to say as they are a mouthful to eat. They are absolutely STUFFED full with all sorts of yummy and delicious tidbits of YUM. We’re talking big chocolate chunks, buttered pecans, and YES even BOURBON.

To say that these cookies are full of flavor would be a sad sad sad understatement. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical that browning the butter would add more flavor, but it is DEFINITELY worth the few minutes of effort. That along with the bourbon… I’m in heaven over here…

Italian Couscous Salad

February 21, 2019 Amanda Plott

This Italian Couscous Salad is as quick and easy as a ‘pasta’ salad can come. With a few chops here, some dices there, a good hefty few stirs and a little while in the fridge, this salad is ready to go and full of flavor! It’s pretty loaded with fun bits too such as salami, fresh mozzarella, basil, olives, and plenty of Italian veggies.

I’d like to think that it’s sort of a fun twist on Antipasto. It’s light, it’s pasta based, and it’s served cold. While usually it’s as a side, I’ve enjoyed eating this for lunch with a hard-boiled egg on the side. But it would also be great served as a side at dinner. Say… paired with a pesto marinated grilled chicken breast…

Beef & Barley Stew

February 19, 2019 Amanda Plott

It is cold, raining, and yucky here today. So, naturally… that calls for a hearty meal. Stew sounds about right to me! And with St. Patrick’s Day coming up soon, you know I’ve got to be sure there’s some Irish stew going on.

This beef stew is one of my new favorite dinners for cold weather. Which let me just say, isn’t a label that comes lightly. I haven’t worked with barley a whole lot before, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But, it was a wonderful addition to stew! There’s big chunks of beef, mushroom, vegetables, and of course that barley in there to help thicken it all up…

Skinny Bacon & Cheddar Irish Soda Bread

February 17, 2019 Amanda Plott

There is one thing that I absolutely MUST make every year towards the end of February and the beginning of March, and that is Soda Bread. Again, it’s a nod to my Irish roots. Irish soda bread is a yeast-free bread that is quick and super easy to make. Really, guys… it’s almost fool-proof. Almost. Trust me, I know because baking tends to scare the pants off of me.

I used my original Healthified Irish Soda Bread as a base for this Bacon & Cheddar variation. This time around I used whole wheat flour to get a more golden color at the end, and of course… loaded this bad boy up with plenty of cheese and bacon goodness…