Gluten-Free Banana Nut Pancakes

September 21, 2016 Amanda Plott

All ideas, recipes, & opinions are entirely my own however, this is a sponsored post on behalf of wholesome brands, Vans Simply Delicious® & Wallaby® Organic.

My mom lives out by one of the lakes here near Austin, and she keeps talking about this restaurant by her that serves some giant banana nut pancakes. And after a few too many (dozen) mentions of them, I guess the thought sort of stuck with me as inspiration. Banana nut anything is okay by me.

There's something about the smell and the taste that takes me back to my childhood. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that my mom makes some of the best banana bread around.

With the idea already locked in my mind, I decided to go ahead and try my hand at making some banana nut pancakes for myself. But, in a more wholesome way that won't leave me feeling guilty or sprinting to the gym right after indulging...

Southwest Egg Bake (For One)

September 19, 2016 Amanda Plott

This post was sponsored by Eat Smart as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. I received product samples to facilitate my review.

I'm always looking for ways to get more fresh vegetables into my life and this Southwest Egg Bake is no exception. This small sort of 'crustless quiche for one' is a perfect little breakfast that's packed with flavor and also happens to be a powerhouse of super foods and nutrition.

I'm a huge believer that living well starts with eating well, and Eat Smart Gourmet Vegetable Salad Kits make it so easy to do just that. They're not only convenient, but they're delicious and a completely versatile way to eat healthy every day. These Eat Smart Gourmet Vegetable Salad Kits are so flexible that they can be turned into almost anything from appetizers, to side dishes, and yes... even breakfast!...

Healthified Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

September 15, 2016 Amanda Plott

I'm not entirely sure why, but I just haven't been able to focus well lately. Everything has turned out really tasty, but my photography skills have just not been up to par. That means that I have to work twice as hard and it all becomes some vicious circle. Needless to say, this is now the third attempt at a decent and cohesive recipe post this week.

To say that I've exhausted myself, would be an understatement.

Even with all of that being said, I finally had success. Huge success. And all with this amazing Healthified Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Banana Bread! Look, fall is my favorite time of year, and I'll be the first to admit that I am one of those. I'm an outright pumpkin fanatic. I live for pumpkin spice anything...

Zucchini Noodle & Mozzarella Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

September 8, 2016 Amanda Plott

After a couple of weeks of visiting family, busy schedules, and meat heavy meals, my brother and I decided to call it. Together we're going mostly vegetarian this week with just one chicken meal planned and one 'wild card' night in the mix. While I generally have kept most of my vegetarian recipes rather hearty, sometimes... less is more.

This light and simple zucchini noodle salad is completely bursting with bright flavors, and with such few ingredients and low effort too! It makes for a perfect little lunch or even a decently sized side dish for a dinner. I'm thinking along side some baked Italian chicken breast. Yum!...

Steak & Potato Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

September 6, 2016 Amanda Plott

As a Stubb's Insider, all ideas, recipes, & opinions are entirely my own. Sauces, marinades and seasonings are provided to me on behalf of Stubb's Bar-B-Q.

Game day here in Texas is always a BIG deal. It's all about getting together with friends and family to eat good food, enjoy good company, and root on your favorite team. Hook'em Horns! Around here, it's always a good time.

Now, I know a salad isn't generally what someone might think of as being a tailgating or homegating food, but when you add 'steak and potatoes' to the phrase, it all starts to make a lot more sense. It's nice to shake things up and have options that are more outside the box; especially when it's still super hot outside and a nice hearty salad is just what the weatherman ordered...

PB&J Oat Bars

September 1, 2016 Amanda Plott

So, there isn't much that makes me think of back-to-school and childhood other than the flavors of a good peanut butter and jelly. I've never felt inclined to limit PB&J to a mere sandwich though. In fact, one of my most favorite ways to enjoy peanut butter and jelly is in the form of a parfait. Seriously, it's good stuff. I'm a firm believer that you just can't go wrong when you mix the sweet and salty taste pf peanut butter with the tartness of fresh fruits.

Today I wanted to step outside the box even further to make these amazing PB&J Oat Bars. These would make for a perfect snack, an addition to a lunchbox, or even as breakfast; which is how I've been enjoying them all week long! Back-to-school as been crazy and this grab-and-go bar has been exactly what I needed. I've actually enjoyed them so much that I'm planning to make them again next week!...