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...

Crock Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage

January 29, 2017 Amanda Plott

I love corned beef and cabbage. I really don't know why I don't make it more often. This year, I decided to get a little ahead of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations to update the photos here from the recipe that I originally posted here back in 2013. I've had a lot of fun lately as I've started to go back and edit some of my older favorites; cleaning them up and reorganizing it all.

I'm an Irish girl (my dad's a full on red-head), so it's probably no surprise that I love corned beef. That being said, I think the first time I ever had it was sometime during my high school or college years. It's a really great meal to make anytime, but especially in March as we get closer to St. Patricks' Day!...

Skinny Honey Roasted Almonds

December 27, 2016 Amanda Plott

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Whole Earth Sweetener Co. All opinions are 100% mine.

Who needs scented candles around the holidays when all you have to do is roast some almonds?! These Skinny Honey Roasted Almonds are amazing! I can't tell you all how great my house smells right now. Even my 6 year old (who doesn't care for almonds) ran into the kitchen to ask me if she could have some of whatever it was I was cooking. And trust me when I say that they taste every bit as good as they smell!

I love almonds for so many reasons, and I've always got some tucked away in my pantry for quick and easy snacking. Almonds carry a massive amount of nutrients: fiber, protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E to name a few. They are completely loaded with antioxidants and can even help control blood sugar. It helps too that they are great for helping to lose weight too...

Healthy Gingerbread Loaf

December 22, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's that crazy time of year when it just doesn't seem like there's enough hours in the day! I'm busy shopping, wrapping, decorating, and getting everything in order for Christmas and New Years. Come on 2017. That being said, I woke up this morning and decided to get this Healthy Gingerbread Loaf whipped up and ready for the influx of company to enjoy.

If you love pumpkin bread and you love gingerbread cookies, then you are going to adore this Healthy Gingerbread Loaf! It's got just enough gingery spice and sweetness to blend perfectly together. One of my favorite things about this bread is that it's great for a holiday breakfast, gifting, or just having around to snack on. Plus, you can make it a few days in advance!...

Skinny Whole Wheat Egg Nog Pancakes

December 19, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's day one of having my little girl home and officially off of school for the holidays and I could not be more excited! On top of all of the holiday fun and festivities, she's started getting her 6 year molars and her first 'big girl' tooth. Looks like the tooth fairy will be stopping by in the next month or so!

But, before all of that we have the Holidays right around the corner. To get us all in the holiday spirit on this joyous Monday morning, I decided to whip up a batch of these Skinny Whole Wheat Egg Nog Pancakes. Don't worry though, there's no alcohol in these, just the wonderful flavors of egg not that even the kiddos can enjoy!...

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix & Cookie Spoons

December 14, 2016 Amanda Plott

My daughter and I were singing Rudolph all morning long! While eating breakfast, while driving to school. I'm a little scared and also excited that come Friday, I'll have her home for two and a half weeks of winter break! Now... ask me at the end of the two and a half weeks to see if I still feel the same about that.

The holidays are always a fun time, especially when you've got little ones running around with all of their excitement. There is something to be said about homemade gifts, and I've always said that. They mean the most to me and always have. I would much rather have something that I know someone spent the time, effort, and thought into... than anything else! To know that you were in someone's special thoughts is a gift in itself...