Instant Pot Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bites

February 24, 2023 Amanda Plott

I know that I’ve made mini cheesecakes in the instant pot before, but I still have some strawberry powder and strawberry cheesecake crumbs that I need to use up and for whatever ever reason it just seemed fitting to put them together in these Instant Pot Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Bites.

The way I was able to pack so much strawberry flavor into these cheesecakes was to use a strawberry powder. It’s basically freeze dried strawberries that have been ground down to a fine powder. That’s it. That’s all. Nothing more added than that - no added colors or artificial flavors there. Just pure strawberry goodness!…

Blueberry Waffles

June 18, 2022 Amanda Plott

I have pretty much been in love with my waffle maker ever since I got it, if you couldn’t tell. I’ve been making all sorts of waffles. Sweet ones, savory ones, some with mixes, others from scratch. I’ve got to say though that these Blueberry Waffles take the cake. They’re made all in one bowl with very real and very simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

As I’ve been going through these different kinds of waffles, I’ve been playing around with different amounts and ingredients. These Blueberry Waffles end up being a bit lighter in both color and texture. And the blueberries in there add some texture and just a bit of chew…

Overnight Strawberries & Cream French Toast Bake

April 22, 2022 Amanda Plott

It’s been a rough week! But, somehow 'I’m pressing on. This Overnight Strawberries & Cream French Toast Bake is not only easy to put together and delicious, but it’s also lightened up and is the perfect make ahead breakfast for a busy weekend. I’ve made a blueberry version of it before, but I decided to change it up a little bit this time and use up these big giant beautiful sweet strawberries that we have popping up ahead of Summer now.

Which let me just say, Summer cannot come quick enough! The strawberry farm that we like to go to is open right now and I think I’m going to have to make a trip out there to pick some of my own strawberries soon. But… back to he french toast bake!…

Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

April 1, 2022 Amanda Plott

It’s Spring and that means its time for lemon bars and all things bright and light! These sweet little Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are the perfect individual lemon treat. They start out with a homemade cookie cup from scratch that’s somewhere between a sugar cookie and a short bread cookie. Then the sweet cups are filled with a homemade lemon curd that is super easy to make - and nearly fool proof too!

Now, I’ve made thumbprint lemon cookies before, but these cups take it a step further and give you a lot more cookie and lemon goodness, but the thumbprint version have their place too. Honestly these Lemon Bar Cookie Cups remind me of lemon pies too…

Caprese Pasta Salad

June 27, 2021 Amanda Plott

As it’s getting hotter and hotter outside I’m craving the cold stuff. The lighter stuff. The stuff I don’t have to turn my oven on to enjoy. This Caprese Pasta Salad is just that. Get it started in the morning when it’s cool out and then finish it off in the afternoon or evening as lunch, dinner, or a side for one of the two. The pasta dish itself is based off one of my all time favorites - caprese!

What’s a caprese? Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar in one form or another. I basically turned that into a light, easy to make salad that includes fresh baby spinach and some pasta to make it just a little more hearty…

S'mores Monkey Bread

May 2, 2021 Amanda Plott

There is just ONE month left to school and then my kiddo is out for summer. And what says summer more than some S’mores?! This S’mores inspired monkey bread has all the delicious flavors of a S’more baked right in. that’s right this S'mores Monkey Bread has grahams, chocolate, AND marshmallow goodness all up in it.

One of the best parts, is that this monkey bread is quick and easy to make and it’s one of those things that both kids AND adults can enjoy. The dough here is tossed in a graham/sweetener mixture and then piled into a bundt pan with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Perfect for weekend breakfast or brunch!…