Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oatmeal

January 27, 2018 Amanda Plott

Weekends are for being lazy, and there is truly no more of a lazy way to cook steel cut oats than inside of a pressure cooker. I got my instant pot back for my birthday I think and I am absolutely in love with it. Not only does it work as a pressure cooker, but also as a slow cooker; which saves me valuable cabinet space.

So, while I'm slumming around still in my PJs today I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make some Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oatmeal for breakfast... around noon. That's still technically brunch, right?

Homemade Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

January 19, 2018 Amanda Plott

I'm a carrot cake freak. I love me a good carrot cake. I have a favorite 'naughty' version of a carrot cake that I make for my dad's birthday since it's one of his favorites too. Being as I'm trying to cut down some of my carb intake lately when I can though, makes the cake (especially one of this general level) a no-go.

So I started looking. Researching. Googling my fancy little fingers off until I pieced together this beauty. The original base of the cake needed some upgrades to be anything near what my sinful bliss guilty indulgence one is. But, it was a starting point. I knew that I'd be adding in carbs with my adjustments, so I decided since it's not 'low carb' but 'lower carb' that I'd stick with it being gluten-free at the very least...

Chunky Monkey Trail Mix

January 12, 2018 Amanda Plott

I've been on a bit of a nut kick lately. I blame the granola that's been made and the fact that I'm trying to get a lot more healthy fats in my life right now. This. This right here? This is some magical stuff, I tell you. And a total nod to my childhood as well.

As a child (ahem and adult) I've loved ice cream. I mean... who doesn't? Two of my families favorites were Chubby Hubby and Chunky Monkey. The Chunky Monkey flavor is a banana ice cream base with pieces of chocolate and walnuts all through it. So, being as I'm so nutty right now... I figured I'd take those flavors that I loved and turn them into a snack trail mix!...

Bunless Breakfast Sandwich (Sponsored)

January 4, 2018 Amanda Plott

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

It's the new year and we're all making strides towards our health goals right now. Hooray! This year, along with still eating a bit less meat, I'm also lowering my carb intake. While I've got no plans to be plant-based entirely, I always figure the more plants in my life, the better.

This Bunless Breakfast Sandwich really hits the spot. It's cheesy and rich and full of flavor. It satisfies any craving you might have for the real deal while being surprisingly guilt-free. What's even more impressive is that this bunless wonder is also... wait for it... meatless. *GASP* And and and, it's loaded with plant-based protein! Plus, it's quick and easy to make for a grab-and-go breakfast bite that will help me and my family in our healthier lifestyle journey this year...

Grandma's Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings

December 28, 2017 Amanda Plott

This year my family and I decided to do something a little outside of our usual for Christmas and for the first time in as long as I can remember, we went out of town for the holiday. While it was a bit of an undertaking to pack up everything involved and schlep it all the way from Texas to Oklahoma, I would have to say that the venture was well worth it. Even with the 5-hour trip home taking nearly 8 hours.

We were visiting my Uncle Johnnie and my Aunt Mildred who lives there. This is where I should probably explain that he is really my mother's uncle and more of a grand or great uncle to me - however that title would actually work is beyond me! He and I always seem to reminisce about one particular thing, my Great Grandma, and her amazing simple old-fashioned southern cooking. The sort you really don't come across anymore...

Low-Carb Broccoli Cheese Soup (Keto Friendly)

December 18, 2017 Amanda Plott

It finally seems like the cool weather has settled here in Austin Texas. Cool weather. Not cold weather. I'll take anything below the 80's we had around Thanksgiving though, especially as we get closer and closer to Christmas. So, between the cool weather and a second round of what I've deemed 'the plague' descending on the house, I thought that a nice hearty warm soup would be just what the doctor ordered!

This has quickly turned into one of my new favorite soups, and let me just tell you that I'm pretty fond of soups. So, for me to say it's made the list of favorites... is a pretty big deal. It wasn't just me either. My mom (the sickest of us right now) got seconds, and my little brother who happened to be visiting me as well was mighty impressed...