Loaded Zucchini Skins

August 25, 2016 Amanda Plott

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. All opinions are entirely my own.

I'll be the first one to admit that I'm pretty much in love with zucchini and summer squash. They are possibly the most versatile and easy to work with vegetables that you'll ever encounter. You can do anything from eating them raw, to grilling, baking, steaming, and back again. I've definitely had my fair share of fun with zucchini based recipes.

With tailgating season upon us, I thought it would be a great time to try something new, fun, and a little different than what I'd done before. These Loaded Zucchini Skins are basically a lighter version of Loaded Potato Skins. Don't get me wrong, I love potatoes too, but this option is great for these end of the summer days where it's hot and you want something a little less heavy on your stomach...

Skinny Baked Tortellini Bites (Sponsored)

July 27, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

I've been so busy with the end of summer and getting my little one ready for back-to-school that it's been a task to be a the balanced mom I know that I am. I'm all about using quality ingredients and offering better-for-you options to my family, but let's face it... sometimes schedules and lifestyle will try and to force us to make compromises.

These baked tortellini bites are the perfect balance of being quick and easy to make while also being more health conscious without sacrificing any taste! Another great thing about these little bites is that they make for a great after school snack or even used as part of a dinner; served with a side salad and some sauce for dipping...

Chicken & Waffles Sliders with Buffalo Maple Syrup (Sponsored)

June 29, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

My little girl is a busy little bee! Phew! I never realize that more than when she's home with me for long bouts of time (like during the summer.) Of course, I do all I can to fuel her play, creativity, and mind. One way that I do this is by keeping her little tummy full and satisfied with wholesome things that I approve of.

Recently she's found her love of chicken nuggets, so today I thought I'd try my hand at creating a perfect little bite-sized slider for an old classic that most of us adults know and love; chicken and waffles! It's a great little play on sweet and savory that almost any kid or adult will love...

Italian 'Sub' Salad

June 15, 2016 Amanda Plott

One of my favorite 'sub' sandwiches is an Italian or a 'Grinder'. It's usually loaded with Italian meats such as salami and pepperoni, provolone cheese, and plenty of vegetables including tomatoes, olives, pepper rings and lettuce. Yum! It's a powerhouse of bold flavors with lots of zest and zing! Flavor, flavor, flavor.

So, today I decided to turn that favorite sandwich of mine into a salad. Why? Mostly because we're getting into the high end of the heat index here in Texas now and I don't even feel like toasting bread for fear of adding heat to the house. Yes, I'm absolutely serious about that...

Adult Pigs-in-a-Blanket with Red Wine-Mustard Sauce

June 10, 2016 Amanda Plott

When I think of summer, I often think of the thrills and fun things that go along with being a kid again without really being a kid again. So, to savor the summer I decided to take one of my old childhood favorites and make into something meant for a more adult crowd.

Enter these adult pigs-in-a-blanket! I've taken a spicy cajun style sausage and baked in the center of crescent roll 'blankets', and paired it all with a red wine-mustard sauce for a perfectly disable bite that's sure to impress!...

5 Ingredient Skinny Summer Vegetable Dip

June 8, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's getting warm here in Texas, though I'll be the first one to say that so far we've had a perfectly mild summer. Usually by now we are well into 100+ degrees days, and so far we've barely broken past the 90's. No, that's not a complaint either! It's these perfect summer days that I love to spend out in my backyard entertaining. Whether that means my little family or the whole lot of us.

No matter who's around, it's always about 'what to eat' and this 5 Ingredient Skinner Summer Vegetable Dip is the perfect spread! I've loaded this dip up with bell pepper, jalapeño (for taste - not heat), sweet summer corn, and olives! I know, bare with me, it might sound like a rather creative and interesting combination... and it is! It's completely amazing and full of flavor. You'll fall in love from the first taste...