Crock Pot Beef Stew

December 31, 2017 Amanda Plott

The New Year is on the horizon and I couldn't be more excited! I've got my brother and my nephew in town visiting and one thing that my brother requested I make for dinner one night while he's here is Beef Stew! Now, I've made my fair share of beef stews in the past but since we're out and about this weekend I figured I would make a simple crock pot version.

Beef stew is pretty traditional. Beef. Veggies. Broth. And an extended cook time. Using the crock pot or instant pot is a great alternative to standing over the stove and having to worry over the stew all day. Instead, let the crock pot do all the work for you!...

Grandma's Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings

December 28, 2017 Amanda Plott

This year my family and I decided to do something a little outside of our usual for Christmas and for the first time in as long as I can remember, we went out of town for the holiday. While it was a bit of an undertaking to pack up everything involved and schlep it all the way from Texas to Oklahoma, I would have to say that the venture was well worth it. Even with the 5-hour trip home taking nearly 8 hours.

We were visiting my Uncle Johnnie and my Aunt Mildred who lives there. This is where I should probably explain that he is really my mother's uncle and more of a grand or great uncle to me - however that title would actually work is beyond me! He and I always seem to reminisce about one particular thing, my Great Grandma, and her amazing simple old-fashioned southern cooking. The sort you really don't come across anymore...

Spiked Lemon Pepper Chicken Salad

December 20, 2017 Amanda Plott

This shop has been compensated by Mike’s Hard Lemonade. All opinions are mine alone. The below message is intended for ages 21+.

Being a mom during the holidays isn’t just busy… it’s STRESSFUL. Somewhere between all the shopping, cooking, and party planning, the magic of the Holidays can be lost. No one wants to have a blue Christmas. That's why I've brightened things up and made the holidays fun again with this Spiked Lemon Pepper Chicken Salad.

This chicken salad is bright, bold and full of flavor. It makes a great grab-and-go snack or part of a meal during this busy time of year and is even better as a holiday party appetizer. It's an easy, quick-to-toss-together, nosh-worthy bite...

Low-Carb Broccoli Cheese Soup (Keto Friendly)

December 18, 2017 Amanda Plott

It finally seems like the cool weather has settled here in Austin Texas. Cool weather. Not cold weather. I'll take anything below the 80's we had around Thanksgiving though, especially as we get closer and closer to Christmas. So, between the cool weather and a second round of what I've deemed 'the plague' descending on the house, I thought that a nice hearty warm soup would be just what the doctor ordered!

This has quickly turned into one of my new favorite soups, and let me just tell you that I'm pretty fond of soups. So, for me to say it's made the list of favorites... is a pretty big deal. It wasn't just me either. My mom (the sickest of us right now) got seconds, and my little brother who happened to be visiting me as well was mighty impressed...

Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake

December 13, 2017 Amanda Plott

Can you believe that Christmas is almost here? And then after that, we're bringing in the New Year already? This year has flown by at times and at others has dragged along. It's been an interesting year here for me, and just like always, I'm happy and excited to see what the New Year brings.

Speaking of the New Year, that brings me straight around to resolutions! I can't say that I really make a staunch resolution, but I do like to challenge myself starting January 1st of every year to start eating even better. I know, that must sound like a strange thing for me to say, but even I could stand to eat better...

Baked Eggs in a Zucchini Nest

December 12, 2017 Amanda Plott

Wakey-wakey eggs and bakey! This mornings breakfast is brought to you by, leftovers! Okay, maybe not exactly leftovers but an accumulation of things that I indeed had leftover in my fridge that went unused through the week in some way shape or form.

For instance, the original plan for the spiralized zucchini was for zoodles in a vegan Pho. The same goes for the mushrooms. I'm not entirely sure why the tomatoes were untouched, but somehow everything always works out in the end. Just like these Baked Eggs in a Zucchini Nest!...