Lemon, Blueberry & Poppy Seed Parfait

April 18, 2017 Amanda Plott

So, remember that Lemon Poppy Seed Granola from a couple of weeks ago? And how I told you that I had big plans for it? Well, here you go! My idea all along for #TopItTuesday was to incorporate it into some sort of super fabulous luscious lemon parfait. And what goes better with lemon other than blueberries? I got some gorgeous local blueberries in last week, and just knew that they would be the perfect addition to this particular parfait.

I'm so happy that it's Spring time. I love the mild weather and the sudden influx of seasonal fruits and berries too! Nothing says Spring time to me more than lemons and blueberries though. There's just something about that bright burst of citrus flavor that I can't help but crave being paired with those sweet blueberries...

Birthday Cake 'Cake Batter' Protein Shake

April 12, 2017 Amanda Plott

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Axe Wellness. The opinions and text are all mine.

Okay all, this is going to be my last birthday cake inspired recipe for the week! This birthday bonanza was all in honor of my little girl's birthday, which officially kicks off birthday season for my family. Almost ALL of our close family has birthday's in Spring and early Summer months. Now that the excitement is starting to wane from my mini me turning 7, I can get back to some bit of normalcy. Let's face it, none of our 'adult' birthdays are nearly as important as the little one's.

With my own birthday on the horizon and the inevitability of being another year older I thought what better time than now to introduce this Birthday Cake inspired protein shake! It's loaded up with plenty of birthday cake flavor, plus a boost of protein and collagen to keep you strong and satisfied...

Skinny Banana Pudding Poke Cake

March 20, 2017 Amanda Plott

What can I say? I needed some more dessert in my life, y'all! It's been a really hard week. I went into Spring break with my little one thinking that it was going to be smooth sailing. That I was going to get to sleep in, relax, and catch up on life. Hah! Boy, was I ever wrong.

My elderly cat (who is 13 years old now) had to get a few teeth (almost all of them) extracted. Nearly as an emergency too. He's a big boy - 18 lbs. at his heaviest as a mainecoon. Unfortunately one of their only bad qualities is their teeth. Despite my best efforts these past few years to get them cleaned regularly, it just wasn't enough and 5 of his teeth had to be pulled. Given his age and other health concerns it's been a week full of medication and even a trip to the emergency vet yesterday. Mid-recipe too!

Yep. Right after pulling this cake out of the oven I was hot-tailing it to the emergency vet. Bleh. While my poor old man is on the mend, I still am in desperate need for some dessert. Dessert, my mommy, and maybe some wine. I can't adult today...

Skinny Irish Cream Donuts

March 2, 2017 Amanda Plott

It's been a week, y'all. I'm not even going to lie. The world has really thrown me for a loop. Good ways. Bad ways. Neither which ways. ... And, what gets you better on your feet than some good ole Irish cream? Hair of the dog anyone? St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, so you know I'm all about that famous Irish liqueur to 'celebrate' with.

I based these Skinny Irish Cream Donuts off an older recipe for Skinny Vanilla Bean Donuts; with a few minor adjustments. The recipe still holds true for a soft, vanilla, cake donut that's just got enough of that Irish cream flavor to trickle the taste buds in just the right way. And as anyone that knows me can tell you... I'm all about donuts. So, don't take it lightly when there's one here for you! That means it's passed all of my donut tests through and through...

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread & Pink Grapefruit Glaze

February 23, 2017 Amanda Plott

Alright, alright... so not every recipe goes as planned. Sometimes I feel like I live in a test kitchen over here. Some things work out perfectly and amazing the first time, but other times... not so much. Baking is hard y'all. It's true what they say, that baking is both a science and an art. Trust me. I have kitchen woes just like anyone else, and this recipe right here is evidence of that if nothing else.

I've had it in my little head for a few weeks now that I wanted to make a lemon poppy seed cake/bread. However, my first attempt was a complete flop. And what's worse? I thought even up until I took it out of the oven that it was going to be great. The batter tasted great. It rose perfectly in the oven, doing everything it was supposed to do before POOF it collapsed into a dense mess of super sad lemon bread. Sigh...

Skinny Cherry Pie Monkey Bread

February 20, 2017 Amanda Plott

It's Monday, my daughter is out of school today, and we were up half of the night listening to the tornado warnings, rain, and heavy winds billowing around my house. To say that I needed some cheering up this morning would be nothing short of an understatement. So, after my morning cup of coffee and some Sudafed to unclog my head I was gearing up with this cheery cherry surprise!

Pie is one of my many achilles heels. And if it's cherry pie? I'm even more of a sucker! There's little to me that's more comforting to me (food wise) other than a nice slice of homemade cherry pie. However, since we were in the early morning hours, I thought I might not want to dive straight into an actual pie. Instead I opted for something a little more breakfast/brunch style...