Elf Cookies

December 8, 2016 Amanda Plott

A few years back now we had a silly little Elf on the Shelf named Candy Cane show up at our house shortly after Thanksgiving. And oh-what-a-joy it has been to see what shenanigans Candy Cane get's into every night after returning from her quick trip to the North Pole. She's got an important job, you know. She's in good with the big jolly man.

It's been even more interesting, the older my daughter has become. I don't know how in the world Candy Cane manages to come up with these things sometimes... ahem. Today I caught her in my kitchen making her famous Elf Cookies! Apparently she wants to surprise my daughter with them in the morning. Of course, you know I had to suggest to her that she make the cookies healthified and asked also if she would be so kind as to leave me the recipe to share! She's very nice that way...

Skinny Crock Pot Dulce De Leche

November 29, 2016 Amanda Plott

I know, I know... how can dulce de leche be skinny? Well, that's pretty simple actually, you make it using a reduced fat sweetened condensed milk. Tada! Really dulce de leche is similar to a caramel, though it's generally a little thicker and made with a slow cooking process using sweetened condensed milk. The slow cooking changes the taste and texture of the sweetened condensed milk, giving you a sweet caramel like sauce that literally only takes one ingredient and minimal effort!

It makes a great gift too. Especially when you put it in cute little jars with decorative notes and ribbons. Why? Because who doesn't like caramel?! Plus, like I said... it's easy to do, tastes great, and has very little hands-on time needed...

5 Ingredient Skinny Cranberry Cherry Pie

November 17, 2016 Amanda Plott

Okay, so this Skinny Cranberry Cherry Pie is one that I've been wanting to share for years now. Somehow it has completely escaped it every single holiday; which is funny since we have this same pie every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here's my theory on how and why it's never made the list; it's so good that I can't keep it around long enough to take any final photos. Yep. That's the truth of it.

This recipe is one of those that's been a family favorite for years now. It was one of my first successful contributions to a Holiday meal. I've always loved pie. Any sort really. I haven't met a pie yet that I would or could turn down. But, I do sometimes I find that single fruit pies can be overly sweet.This one though, is perfectly in the middle of sweet and tart with the combination of cherry and cranberry. It's also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect addition to any holiday table!...

Skinny Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Dip (Sponsored)

November 8, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

I hear jingle bells starting to ring off in the distance! I for one, am not going to be on Santa's naughty list this year though. This Skinny Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Dip is as nice as can be with just a handful of simple ingredients and the most amazing frosted sugar cookie taste you'll find in anything other than the real deal. Sprinkles included!

Yep! That's right, Santa. You can enjoy this tasty sweet treat and still be able to fit back up the chimney at the end of the night. *Wink, Wink.* This dip is perfect for setting the mood for the holidays, which for me are always full of warm and happy memories. I love how whimsical and fun while this dip is, while also being a light and a welcome addition to any table. Plus, no one will ever guess that it's been lightened up, because it just tastes that good!...

Brownies & More Bottom Pumpkin Pie (Sponsored)

November 1, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

Phew! Now that Halloween is over, it's time to move on to the next great holiday in our paths. I think next to Halloween, Thanksgiving is my second most favorite holiday. Why? Well, that's pretty simple; it revolves entirely around food. It's no secret that I love food. Plus, Thanksgiving is full of good memories for me. When growing up, my mom always did her best (even in the worst of times) to make it amazing, memorable, and full of traditions for myself and my little brother.

Every year my mom would make two pies, a classic pumpkin one and a chocolate meringue. Sometimes she would throw a third in there, usually a pecan pie of some sort. This year though, I'm shaking it up. I'm putting a twist on two old classics and making them into one brownie bottom delectable pumpkin pie that is sure to please everyone. Don't worry though, I've lightened it up!...

Skinny Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Crepes

October 24, 2016 Amanda Plott

Last weekend my dad was here to visit for a few days, and that always means that I get spoiled on crepes. The man is basically famous for his crepe making skills, and naturally I'm always pushing him outside the box with interesting flavor ideas. We've done everything from red velvet to a more savory chive and cheese crepe. His go to combination is and has always been a plain crepe with a strawberry cream cheese filling, and trust me when I say that those are absolutely out of this world.

But... it's pumpkin season and I'm going to take full advantage of it. So, we ended up making these pumpkin spice crepes filled with a lightly sweetened cream cheese mixture. Yum! One of my wonderful cousins is a pumpkin spice fanatic just like I am, so I know she's going to have to talk my dad into making these sometime for her too! Sick'em Sam!...