Skinny PB&J Sandwich Cookies

June 27, 2014 Amanda Plott

Who doesn't love peanut butter and jelly? (Well, other than those unfortunate souls that have nut allergies.) It's such a classic combination... you just can't go wrong with it!

These cookies are soft, decadent, and actually very reminiscent of little peanut butter and jelly whoopie pies. When I originally began to make plans for this tasty treat, I thought I wanted more of a crunchy peanut butter cookie... but for one reason or another it didn't work out that way.

In hindsight, this was a rather happy accident. A firmer cookie wouldn't have worked out nearly as well, since taking a bite of a hard sandwich cookie would force all that lovely jelly to squish out and make for gooey fingers. This softer more cake-like cookie seems to absorb the jelly a bit so it doesn't make a giant and unwanted mess.

Roasted Honey & Cinnamon Peaches

June 20, 2014 Amanda Plott

Okay, so... I know I've done the whole... broiled grapefruit thing, which is pretty amazing. But, as I've found out, there are actually a lot of people out there that cannot enjoy grapefruit for one reason or another. Yes, even a few in my own family! Now, I looove peach season. I think that I may have mentioned that once or twice before. So naturally, I've been waiting rather eagerly for the prices of peaches to go down and huzzah! It finally happened this last weekend!

I rather enthusiastically plucked a few gorgeous ones up and immediately began planning. Though... I pretty much knew exactly what I wanted to try. Honey roasted peaches!...

Mango Chile Lime Popsicles (Paletas)

June 15, 2014 Amanda Plott

A couple of months ago I was out at Eeyore's birthday here in Austin.

Yes... we celebrate Eeyore's birthday here. It's quite a thing, actually.

Anyway! It was pretty warm out that day and there was a vendor selling some rather interesting sounding homemade organic local popsicles. One of the flavors on the list was a mango chile flavor.

Of course, that's the one that I ordered! Unfortunately, they were all sold out. Ergh!

Well, it sounded easy enough. I've made my share of popsicles in the past so I thought I'd try my hand at this mango chile one too!

Coconut Water & Mixed Berry Popsicles

June 8, 2014 Amanda Plott

It's starting to get really hot here, and I've been busy starting to come up with healthy and refreshing ways to stay cool in the summer heat as it rears it's ugly head. Never mind that I'm dying here already and we have another 10+ degrees to go until we're really in the prime of Texas summer. Ugh.

So uhm... a whole popsicle for 30ish calories? Yes, please!

These popsicles are not only ridiculously healthy, but fresh and completely guilt free. Plus, it's an entirely fun way to eat your fruits...

Skinny Cherry Cheesecake Parfait

June 3, 2014 Amanda Plott

Parfaits make for a great breakfast or dessert during the summer months. They're easy. They're tasty. And you have virtually endless possibilities with flavor options! Plus, they don't heat up your kitchen. ... Something which is often a deal breaker for me once we start getting into 100+ days.

Can you tell that I'm already dreading July and August? Ugh...

Skinny Greek Vinaigrette

May 6, 2014 Amanda Plott

Ah, greek salads have to be one of my most favorite salads. In fact, I was so set on them that I burned myself out for a good year or two. Sad. I know. How can you burn yourself out on a favorite thing? Well, easily if you eat it every day for nearly half a year!

I'm not sure where it was that I had my first ever greek salad... but I know that it was an eye opening. I think it was even the first time that I'd ever had feta cheese. Another favorite thing that I keep close to my heart. Mm... feta...