Berry & Cream Cheese Danishes

February 24, 2020 Amanda Plott

While I’m not big on sweets anymore, if I’m going to have sweets, I want them in the morning usually. And what’s better as a sweet in the morning than a pastry? And at that… a danish? Mm… I have always had a love for danishes. Something about the mixture of soft flaky pastry dough, cream cheese, and fruit just seems like the perfect combination.

The problem with most danishes out there? Super high in calories and sugar! That’s why I decided to try my hand at making my own. And let me just tell you, these are so crazy simple to make, that they may just become a family staple!…

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

February 8, 2020 Amanda Plott

Being as I’m a Irish girl, leading into the month of March is one of my favorite times of year. The weather usually starts warming up and I get to play around a lot more with Irish staples! Shepherd’s Pie is a staple Irish meal and I’ve made it a few different times in a few different ways. I’ve got to say though… I think this vegetarian one is now probably my favorite version.

That is no lie. This Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie is loaded with flavor and plenty of fresh vegetables. I even used fresh peas! No canned or frozen veggies here. Not today…

Savory Cheddar & Rosemary Thumbprints

February 6, 2020 Amanda Plott

I’ve been toying with the idea of savory twists on classic sweets for a while now. And these Savory Cheddar & Rosemary Thumbprints just seemed to fit the bill this time around. I managed to get my hand on some local made roasted tomato jam and well… just couldn’t help myself.

To make these savory thumbprints, I used a mix of whole wheat white flour and semolina flour. I’ve never used semolina flour before, but it reminds me a whole hell of a lot of cornmeal. Maybe a little finer of a grain than cornmeal is all…

Healthified 'Swamp' Soup

January 30, 2020 Amanda Plott

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away... whoops! Wrong story. Ahem. A long time ago, I made this heavenly soup for my family in the midst of winter and it was an instant hit! And it still is to this day. But, the post here needed some updating so here you go!

I've made the soup a few times over the years and each time seem to make it more and more my own. While the base of the soup remains the same, I've definitely built my own little swamp here.

This soup is pretty hearty and rather filling for being loaded with basically nothing but vegetables. And no, that isn't a complaint in the least. I love my vegetables almost any which way, cooked, raw, steamed, grilled, etc…

Air-Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

January 15, 2020 Amanda Plott

Game day is getting closer and closer and I’m over here getting ready with some of my favorite kinds of food; game day bites! I am SO excited to share these Air-Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings. I have tried more than a few times in the past to make CRISPY buffalo cauliflower, but for one reason or another it has never, NOT ONCE, turned out well for me.

Finally, I’ve cracked the code with the use of a new handy dandy kitchen gadget called… the air-fryer! I never had any intention of having a fryer of any kind in my home, but then the air-fryer became a thing and well… that all changed…

Skinny Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip

January 6, 2020 Amanda Plott

The big game is coming up soon - less than a month away, and if you’re looking for a great dip to add to your game day spread, look no further. This Skinny Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip is a real winner. One of my favorite things about this hot dip is that it’s super quick and easy to make while being so damn good that no one will ever guess that it’s made to be a little better-for-you.

To lighten this dip up, I used some plain greek yogurt and reduced fat cheeses. The real powerhouses of flavor are the lemon and the spinach. So don’t skip out on that squeeze of lemon juice. The seasoning in there is important too. Garlic, crushed red pepper, and of course salt & pepper…