Mermaid Noodle Salad

July 5, 2017 Amanda Plott

So, I've decided that this week on the blog is going to be all about... drumroll please... Mermaids! Ta-da! That's right. It's going to be a week full of mermaid inspired dishes; eats and treats alike. This Mermaid Noodle Salad is an old family favorite that originated in one of my daughter's cook books, but has been tweaked and adjusted so much that it's a whole new recipe by now.

After carefully transcribing all of my notes on it in the cookbook, I finally settled on the perfect end result. One thing that I love most about this noodle salad is that you can serve it hot or cold. Being as it's the middle of summer here in Texas though... I'm naturally opting for a cold noodle dish myself. However, if you still feel like being a mermaid in the winter months, feel free to enjoy it warm! Just serve it right away instead of giving it an hour+ of chill time...

Healthy 7 Layer Fourth of July Dip

July 2, 2017 Amanda Plott

It's the fourth of July weekend! While I'm spending it rather lazily at home as I recuperate from a few weeks of busy, busy, busy - I'm still finding the time to have fun and be festive! With an impromptu visit from my brother, I decided to toss together a quick 'snacky' meal that we could all graze on throughout the day at our leisure.

Naturally, my first inclination was a 7 layer dip. I think that's because it's one of those things that has something it in that everyone likes! It's one perfect montage or mashup of everything I love. Plus, it's perfectly light and cool for a hot summer day. And of course, since it's around the 4th of July, you just know I had to arrange this dip into the shape of the American flag to be all the more cute and festive!...

Lean Mean Green Power Sandwich

June 27, 2017 Amanda Plott

After a bit of a whirl wind trip to Dallas and back to Austin. And currently with a house full of two very energetic 7 year olds, momma needs some greens. How else am I going to keep up with my daughter and my nephew? With the influx of summer heat and all the madness and chaos around me right now, I figured there was no better time than now for this cool crisp veggie loaded green sandwich!

Of course, this isn't the most 'kid friendly' sandwich; unless you lucked out and have the least picky eater on the planet. So this is for the mommas, the papas, and any other parental/guardian unit that's in need of a way to power through the rest of the day. The kiddos around here opted for turkey and cheese. But, me? I'm strong, happy, and ready to go with this bad boy right here...

Mermaid Smoothie

June 23, 2017 Amanda Plott

This post was sponsored in partnership with Millennium Blend. All views are my own. #MillenniumBlend #Ad @MillenniumBlend

It's hot here in Texas. Like... real hot. As in, I can't use my oven anymore sort of hot. As in... your only escape right now is a body of water. Hm... that gets me thinking. About what, you ask? MERMAIDS. I've been head-over-heels in love with Unicorns for a while now. Buuut, when the summer rolls around, the inner mermaid in me comes out. It's time to splash around and have some fun!

This mermaid smoothie is the perfect summer treat. And what's better is that it will keep your figure seashell ready all season long while keeping you full and completely satisfied. It doesn't hurt that it's as pretty as a mermaid to boot. Tasty, healthy, and beautiful too? Yep! It's a winner all the way around...

Crockpot Chicken Verde Pozole

June 20, 2017 Amanda Plott

Today is it, y'all! It's my birthday! And while I'm off taking the galant drive to Dallas to pick up my brother and my nephew for a few days... I decided to leave you all with this to savor until I return tomorrow. It's too effing hot out. So... no stove or oven for us today. Nope. We're going straight to the crockpot. My best friend during the summer months of Texas. While it does put off a mild warmth through the day, it's nothing like what my stove or oven will do. So, here we are!

Can I be honest in saying that I've never had pozole before? Never had it. Never made it. I'm not sure why either. 'Cause I'm here to say, that after today, it's going to be a staple around these parts. And I mean that too. This verde version of pozole is so very similar to my Legion Chili. Really the main difference here is the chili has beans and the pozole has hominy in it. What's hominy? Your guess is as good as mine. Hah! I kid...

Honey Beer Cupcakes with Fresh Blueberry Buttercream

June 18, 2017 Amanda Plott

My dad's birthday always falls around Father's day, which usually means... double the celebrations! Some of his most favorite beers are from the local Austin brewery, Infamous Brewing Company. I've had the honor of meeting the owner (Josh) and hanging out at the brewery a few times. They've won a LOT of medals for their selection of regular and seasonal beers. Their Pumpkin Massacre is a family favorite when it comes around in the fall.

Their brewery was literally right down the street from my parents when they lived over near the lake. Now it's a bit of a trek for either of us, so unfortunately we don't get to go there much anymore. The good news is that they sell Infamous beer in almost any store here around Austin and most of Texas too. If you can't find Infamous near you though, you could always use another beer of your preference for these cupcakes...