Protein Pack

August 10, 2016 Amanda Plott

Yes, even though I work from home - I still tend to pack my lunches and snacks! Especially during the school year. Why? Because more often than not, when I don't have lunch ready to go... I've found that it's easy for me to forego lunch all together or settle for something that isn't always a good option. With snacks, it's the same way.

If my lunch is all made up and prepared for me, there isn't much of an excuse not to enjoy it. Once my little one starts school back up this next week, I'll be back in action at the gym... and let me just say that I'm really looking forward to it. I know that protein is something I'm going to need once I fall back into my routine of exercising and this protein pack is loaded with it!...

Crock Pot Mojo Pork + Y-USA Food Desert Challenge

July 25, 2016 Amanda Plott

This post was sponsored by Y-USA as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

It's time to get serious for a minute, folks! When I was in high school my family came in on some pretty rough times and there were some scary moments when my mom even admitted to me that she 'didn't know what she was going to put on the table'. Life was hard and things were a struggle, but we made it through together as a family and were much stronger when we came out the other side because of it.

I learned a great deal from my experiences during those high school years. I'm definitely more mindful and knowledgeable about certain things in life; money and food being two of them. Let's just say that my brother and I can rock the socks off cooking ramen noodles.

Money comes and goes and there is nothing that is guaranteed. So when I was approached to take the Good Desert Challenge, it was something that I just knew I had to do.

Over the summer break, families welcome fun-in-the-sun and BBQ, but for those families who rely on school meal programs to ensure their kids eat three square meals a day, it can prove challenging...

Light White Wine Cream Sauce (Sponsored)

July 20, 2016 Amanda Plott

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #VinoBlockParty #CollectiveBias The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older.

We all know that summer is all about cook outs and block parties. Of course, here in Texas, we have to get out there early in the day or wait until the sun is starting to set to have a more enjoyable temperature. That being said, I know that when I'm entertaining it's all about simple meals with bold flavors and a nice cool glass of wine to pair!

One of my favorite quotes of all times has to be, "I enjoy cooking with wine, sometimes I even put it in the food...", and today this was my mantra! I decided that in the midst of my entertaining, I would create a lightened up white wine cream sauce to pair with some lemon pepper chicken that was cooked up in the crock pot. Hey, the oven is my enemy right now when it's 100+ degrees outside...

Southwest Grilled Pork Tenderloin Salad

July 13, 2016 Amanda Plott

I've been challenged again this year! They say that the best cooks know how to utilize any ingredients placed in front of them. I'd like to think that my handy skills with creating 'pantry' meals from my kitchen aids me in this.

Today I put my chops to the test in this Chopped At Home Challenge with Sargento®! My goal was to create a recipe within the theme of 'grilling' using all of the secret “basket” ingredients; pork tenderloin, cherry/grape tomatoes, broccoli, and Sargento Chef Blends 4 State Cheddar. Of course, looking at the last three ingredients my mind instantly went to a chef or cobb salad. But, what to do with the pork? Being from Texas, my first thought was grilled pork with a spicy seasoned kick. The spice is what kicked this off into a twist on a southwest salad...

Pesto & Ricotta Summer Tomato Tart

July 10, 2016 Amanda Plott

I'm so excited to share this amazing little bite with you, and for more than one reason too! Not only does it taste absolutely awesome, there's also a surprise below in the directions. But, you'll have to go on down to find out what!

So, back to this fun pesto and ricotta summer tart. With it being well into the 100 degree days here in Texas for a few more months, I'm all about keeping food simple and cold. With little to no cooking or heat involved. This tart is just that. Simple. Clean. Fun. ...And so tasty too. Plus, with minimal cooking involved, you won't have to heat up the house.

Tip: If you're really trying to save on heating up the house, you can always bake the pie crust ahead of time or even outdoors on a grill!...

Granola Cups

July 7, 2016 Amanda Plott

I've been looking to make breakfast a little more interesting and fun round here lately while I've got my little one home for the summer. Ugh! I can't believe she's about to be a big first grader. Anyway, these cute little granola cups were the perfect way to do that! They're cute, and little, and so easy to make!

What I love about these cups is that they are so versatile. You can use them as mini pie crusts, fill them with yogurt and/or fruit (like I did) for breakfast, or even as the base of a tart or other sort of dessert. I'm thinking mini cheesecakes!

By the way, did I mention that they are also vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free? Yep, yep, and yep! These little cuties definitely hit all the right notes. If all that isn't convincing enough, there's also chia seeds in them too; adding super crunch and even more texture...