Lightened-Up S'more Chocolate Chip Cookies

June 27, 2019 Amanda Plott

The other day we had some sort of freak cold front roll through here in June and let me just tell you that the 69 degree weather that day had me inspired to turn my oven on for one of the FEW times during the summer. I ended up making chili and these absolutely delicious Lightened-Up S'more Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What’s a s’more cookie? Well, it’s everything that you love about a s’more… put into a cookie! Not just any cookie though. The base chocolate chip cookie here is pretty damn good all on it’s own. But, add on the graham, chocolate chunks, and marshmallows and you’ve got one heavenly cookie…

The Best Chili (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, and Stove Friendly!)

June 25, 2019 Amanda Plott

I was thinking about this just the other day, about how always in summer here in Texas we end up with a few ‘chilly’ days. Okay, by chilly I mean that it’s not even 70 degrees here today. Which, if you know anything about Texas summers, you know that it’s full of 100+ degree days and a plethora of issues that go along with that.

Today though? We had a storm roll through and as I sit here, it’s a ripe old 69 degrees and thundering outside. You better believe that I’m content with that and with allowing my air conditioner the much needed rest. Even so. I’m going to make use of the weather and enjoy some chili!…

Grilled Summer Vegetable Pizza (Sponsored)

June 21, 2019 Amanda Plott

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

It’s pretty much officially grilling season and I am all for it. Why? It means that I can pretty easily refuse to use my stove and oven and instead let the cooking happen outdoors. I say that now, but watch me change my tune in a couple of months when it’s 100+ degrees out! Either way. Summer is the best time for certain fruits and vegetables. A few of my favorites? Zucchini and summer squash!

While we’re using the grill, I thought now is the perfect time to make some quick, easy, and delicious grilled pizzas. Not just any pizzas, though. I wanted them to be summer-inspired and better-for-you. I’ve made a few easy-peasy swaps that will leave everyone satisfied. The first swap I made was to use Mazola® Corn Oil in a quick and easy marinade for the veggies. If you haven’t yet heard, a clinical study showed Mazola Corn Oil reduces cholesterol 2x more than extra virgin olive oil. To learn more about this claim, see Mazola.com…

Instant Pot Verde Chicken Tacos (With Creamy Jalapeño)

June 20, 2019 Amanda Plott

So while I’m currently out of town on a little mini vacation, it was taco Tuesday before I left. And with things being more than a little crazy around my place, I decided to take the easy route when it came to dinner. Tacos are a staple in our house and well… we stay pretty true to taco Tuesday. I like to shake things up a bit when it comes to tacos. While I LOVE traditional beef tacos, I also like to play around with chicken tacos, vegetarian tacos, etc.

This time around, I went with some verde chicken tacos. And added some of my FAVORITE creamy jalapeño ranch sauce. To make them even more appealing, I had the chicken cook in the instant pot for a dinner that can be made in well under an hour…

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

June 17, 2019 Amanda Plott

In the past, I’ve not been a huge fan of drinking my meals. But… over the past year or two it’s become a go-to in a lot of cases. Life continues to get more crazy and busy, and it’s just easier and quicker to down a meal in a few glugs rather than sit and focus and eat. Although the latter is still my preferred method of eating, it’s just not always doable.

Enter this Strawberry Banana Smoothie.

If I’m going to drink my meal, I want it to be made with things I love and taste amazing. So? That’s where the strawberries and banana come in…

Fairy Garden Salad

June 14, 2019 Amanda Plott

We’re coming to the close of our ‘fantasy’ themed week of summer in my house. And since the initial recipe that I made was geared more towards the kiddos, I figured for this go-round I’d create something for the ADULTS. This fairy garden salad is loaded up with greens, sprouts, berries, and of course… edible flowers!

The way I see it? If I were a fairy, I would totally be eating flowers. That just seems like the fairy thing to do. Right? Right. That pretty light pink dressing there is definitely one of my new favorites. It’s got just enough tang and zip to make this salad really stand out. And of course… you can’t go wrong with PINK dressing…