Fall Harvest Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette

October 9, 2017 Amanda Plott

Holy moly! It's been a busy weekend over here. I'm ready for the monotony of a Monday. For sure. It's still pretty warm here in Texas, so while the weather is working on slowly cooling off, I'm working on salads still over here.

Of course, I still need to get my fix of Fall inspired veggies. So... I decided to load this salad up with plenty of Fall-friendly veg. I started this salad off with a base of baby spinach. It's one of my most favorite salad starters, and I think that's because it's such a versatile and nutritional green...

Harvest Vegetable Soup

October 4, 2017 Amanda Plott

And then just like that, it was soup season.

We're getting into that time of year when winter squash and hearty vegetables are in season, and one of my favorite ways to use them up is a good soup! This soup is full of the bounties of a Fall harvest.

It's completely vegetarian and as filling as they come. Plus, it's completely guilt-free and feeds a crowd a pretty hefty sized bowl of soup...

5 Ingredient Skinny Cranberry Cherry Pie

November 17, 2016 Amanda Plott

Okay, so this Skinny Cranberry Cherry Pie is one that I've been wanting to share for years now. Somehow it has completely escaped it every single holiday; which is funny since we have this same pie every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here's my theory on how and why it's never made the list; it's so good that I can't keep it around long enough to take any final photos. Yep. That's the truth of it.

This recipe is one of those that's been a family favorite for years now. It was one of my first successful contributions to a Holiday meal. I've always loved pie. Any sort really. I haven't met a pie yet that I would or could turn down. But, I do sometimes I find that single fruit pies can be overly sweet.This one though, is perfectly in the middle of sweet and tart with the combination of cherry and cranberry. It's also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect addition to any holiday table!...

Crock Pot Pumpkin & Turkey Chili

November 10, 2016 Amanda Plott

As a Stubb's Insider, all ideas, recipes, & opinions are entirely my own. Sauces, marinades and seasonings are provided to me on behalf of Stubb's Bar-B-Q.

Occasionally, for one reason or another, I have started going through to rework certain older recipes. Some of them needed photography updates, others were outdated in other areas, this one though... it needed a total overhaul. My way of cooking and my thoughts towards food have changed immensely over the years as I've grown and started to come into myself as a home cook and health nut.

I never did like the original pictures that I shot to pair with this recipe, and while the recipe tasted amazing... I knew looking back at it that I could do much better by my standards today. Since we're still in the midst of pumpkin season, I thought it would be the perfect time to blow the dust of this oldie but goodie...

Skinny 'Day Before' Mashed Potatoes

November 3, 2016 Amanda Plott

Once upon a time my mom and dad were in charge of Thanksgiving (along with all other Holiday meals) and my mom always ended up pretty stressed out, just like every other mother out there. Then along came my adult self. Together with my mom, we found the perfect end-all to the stresses of the Holiday cooking.

I had basically stumbled onto a perfectly planned out and super delicious make ahead menu plan that was complete with days, times, oven temperatures, etc. You name it, it was there. I like to consider it my Holiday Feast Code Book. Or Holiday Cooking Bible. It has been a life saver ever since it came into our lives, and I'm so happy that I've never had quite the traumatic holiday feast that some do. Oh, the horror stories I've heard...

Brownies & More Bottom Pumpkin Pie (Sponsored)

November 1, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

Phew! Now that Halloween is over, it's time to move on to the next great holiday in our paths. I think next to Halloween, Thanksgiving is my second most favorite holiday. Why? Well, that's pretty simple; it revolves entirely around food. It's no secret that I love food. Plus, Thanksgiving is full of good memories for me. When growing up, my mom always did her best (even in the worst of times) to make it amazing, memorable, and full of traditions for myself and my little brother.

Every year my mom would make two pies, a classic pumpkin one and a chocolate meringue. Sometimes she would throw a third in there, usually a pecan pie of some sort. This year though, I'm shaking it up. I'm putting a twist on two old classics and making them into one brownie bottom delectable pumpkin pie that is sure to please everyone. Don't worry though, I've lightened it up!...