Seashell Pasta Salad

June 5, 2018 Amanda Plott

We're a few days into our week long theme of the ocean over here and we're really having a fun time of it! Since we're not big on seafood in this house, coming up with clever non-fishy ocean themed recipes has proved to be... well... a little challenging. It's also been so very worth it too though!

The inspiration behind this pasta salad actually came from one of my daughter's cook books. I had to do a lot of tweaking to the original though to suit our tastes. So much so, that by the time I was done with it... it's basically a whole new recipe…

Skinny Spinach Dip (AKA Seaweed Dip)

June 3, 2018 Amanda Plott

This summer I decided that my daughter and I were going to up our summer game by having a different 'themed' week for all 10 weeks. We've got arts, crafts, and even some recipes planned to make in accordance with each theme. Our first week is going to be 'ocean' themed! We'll be going to a water park, the aquarium, and learning a lot bout the ocean.

Of course, it doesn't stop there. I really wanted to involve the kitchen in our weeks of fun too. Being as we aren't really seafood lovers here in this house, it's been more than a little tricky to find 'ocean inspired' recipes to create that are kid friendly and not seafood. This Skinny Spinach dip was my first idea!…

Healthified Thai Turkey Burger (Sponsored)

June 1, 2018 Amanda Plott

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Conagra Brands. All opinions are mine alone. #ServeUpSummer #CollectiveBias

Talk about a twist on classics, y'all! Today I've combined two of my most favorite things together; spicy thai peanut dressing and burgers! I know it sounds crazy, but just hear me out. These burgers are wholesome, full of flavor, and so juicy. They are perfect for summer cookouts, being light enough not to weigh you down with any richness.

This is definitely a more refreshing burger with the cool crisp slaw, and yet is still filling enough to satisfy even the most empty of tummies. The secret? It's in the sauce! The peanut sauce that is. The Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce on this burger is what seals the deal for me. I like a good messy burger, especially when I'm entertaining!...

How to Cut a Watermelon (For a crowd!)

May 31, 2018 Amanda Plott

Hey! YOU. Yes, you! You've probably been cutting watermelon wrong for your whole life and didn't even know it.

So, you may not know it. But... I'm a room mom. That's right! I said it. I spend my fair share of time up at my daughter's school. Whether it's helping her teacher out, helping the school out, or planning and preparing things that go on behind the scenes. There's a wonderful group of us that have all become a lot closer this year and hopefully even more in the next to come!

Every year we have the dreaded end-of-the-year party. It's a pretty big deal. I mean... it's hot in Texas about this time of year. And the one fruit we like to serve up is watermelon. It's fresh, cold, and hydrating. Plus... almost every kid likes it. Win. Win…

Gluten-Free & Vegan Blueberry Peach Cobbler

May 22, 2018 Amanda Plott

It's about this time of year where my fridge is well stocked with fresh fruits and berries. Which is something I am not sad about. And there is little that tickles my pickle more than a homemade cobbler. So, when I got my hot little hands on local fresh blueberries and peaches, I knew it was high time to make a gluten-free and vegan version of a cobbler.

Being as cobbler is typically a fruit based dessert that's baked with a sweet 'crust' layer on top, how does one go about making it gluten-free or vegan? Well, to be honest, it's actually pretty easy! In fact, this has to be one of the most easy cobblers that I've ever made. And that's the truth of it…

Strawberry Grain-Free Granola (Gluten-Free too!)

May 18, 2018 Amanda Plott

Holy. Moly. We are well into the 90 degree days here in Austin Texas and summer is nipping at our heels. The house is stifling in the days, and even while the mornings are still decently cool, I am over here preparing for the onslaught that is about to befall us with raging 100 degree + days.

As the weather turns warmer, I'm starting to lean towards the cooler and more refreshing bites for breakfast. Cereals. Yogurts. Fruits. My only problem is that all the good granolas out there cost a pretty penny. That's why I've been opting to make my own. Plus, I love being able to make my own unique flavors and there is nothing more Summery to me than strawberries. Here in Texas, the strawberry season starts in Spring and seems to go almost all Summer long. We even have a festival for strawberries here in the summer! What's up Poteet Strawberry Festival!…