Kale & Apple Quinoa Salad

January 16, 2017 Amanda Plott

So, this salad today is actually somewhat inspired by my dad who is having some health issues at the moment. We're not entirely sure what's going on, but he's been told to eat better for the time being until his next round of testing. One thing he was told to do was to 'stay away from white stuff', which clearly isn't something I stuck to here because I have to have cheese in my life. I literally think I might explode if I didn't have at least a bit of cheese every day.

What can I say? I've got to be honest here! I'm one that believes strongly in that you can enjoy everything as part of a healthy diet as long as it's in moderation. (Except of course if it's something you've been warned of by a professional.)

A few days back now, my dad and aunt were chatting at me on Facebook about how my dad is now eating more healthy and that he had tried quinoa. He wasn't a huge fan. So, I gave him some suggestions and got to thinking that some quinoa sounded really good actually. And here we are with this lovely Kale & Apple Quinoa Salad!...

Spinach & Artichoke Ravioli en Brodo

January 9, 2017 Amanda Plott

Thank you Buitoni for sponsoring this post. Check out Buitoni's no GMO, clean label, vegetable-infused pastas and sauces to create a dinnertime experience everyone will enjoy.

Almost three years ago I made this wonderful Tortellini en Brodo that was amazing and my whole family loved it. Yes, even my picky little first grader. Sometimes the most simple meals are the ones that my family and I adore the most. ...Though for different reasons, of course. I enjoy the simple recipes because I spend less time in the kitchen while my family enjoys them for their distinct and fresh flavors.

This Spinach & Artichoke Ravioli en Brodo was definitely inspired by that one from a few years ago, but it is even more simple with only 6 ingredients and yet just as much flavor (if not more!) This is a light soup that still somehow manages to be rather hearty. Those big beautiful green ravioli soak up that wonderful broth and all of the flavors that go along with it...

Broccoli & Butternut Squash Omelettata

January 6, 2017 Amanda Plott

Brrrr! It's freezing here in Austin today. No, like... literally it is. I needed an excuse to turn the oven on since that always helps warm the house up and I sure enough found that excuse when trying to figure out what I was going to do with myself for breakfast. I remembered that I had gotten these wonderful farm fresh eggs and local produce yesterday and just knew they would fit the bill.

So, I kicked on my oven and got to work.

I've made an omelettata before, but it's been a while. Almost a year to the day actually! It's pretty funny how things work out sometimes...

Skinny (2 Ingredient) Cream Cheese Rangoon

December 13, 2016 Amanda Plott

This year, we'll be doing things a little different for Christmas. Instead of our usual mass of cooking, we'll be heading out to enjoy some Asian cuisine on Christmas day. Of course, you know I'm always inspired by the goings-on around me and today is no different. With Asian food on my mind I decided that it was high time for some Cream Cheese Rangoon.

I know, I know... Generally you'll find some sort of meat inside of a rangoon, however... I'm not too big on seafood. So, I always make mine with tofu cream cheese. Sounds interesting, right? Tofu. Cream cheese. Trust me, this stuff is amazing. It looks, tastes, and feels just like traditional cream cheese (but with a lot less calories and obviously dairy free!) so I'm often using it in place of standard cream cheese. Especially if it's involving anything with an Asian flare...

Everything Bagel Bowl

October 18, 2016 Amanda Plott

Everything bagels. ...Amirite? They are the stuff that dreams are made of. Seriously, I'm pretty sure that I dream about food. Everybody loves everything bagels. They're called 'everything' bagels because they are usually topped with, you guessed it, everything! Garlic, onion, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and more.

I decided it was about time to turn the everything bagel into something that is, hm... more guilt free. Not to say that I would shy away from a bagel all the time, but most of the time I like to stick to something that's loaded up with a lot more fresh vegetables! That's why I created this ultimate everything bagel power bowl!...

Gluten-Free One Skillet Ratatouille

September 22, 2016 Amanda Plott

As a Degutabox affiliate, all ideas, recipes, & opinions are entirely my own. A Degustabox was provided to me for this recipe and review.

It's the first day of fall, y'all! I couldn't be happier. Here in Texas, we're finally getting a 'cold front' in this week that will get us into the 70's at least. Phew. It's been a hot few weeks, so I'm ready for the cooler weather. I'm also loving that I'm starting to see winter vegetables coming in.

I happened to get my hands on a local acorn squash and thought it would make a great addition to a fall style ratatouille; in place of eggplant since I am not a huge fan of eggplant unless it's entirely hidden in whatever it is I'm eating. Hey! No one ever said that ratatouille had to have eggplant in it, right?...