Grandma's Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings

December 28, 2017 Amanda Plott

This year my family and I decided to do something a little outside of our usual for Christmas and for the first time in as long as I can remember, we went out of town for the holiday. While it was a bit of an undertaking to pack up everything involved and schlep it all the way from Texas to Oklahoma, I would have to say that the venture was well worth it. Even with the 5-hour trip home taking nearly 8 hours.

We were visiting my Uncle Johnnie and my Aunt Mildred who lives there. This is where I should probably explain that he is really my mother's uncle and more of a grand or great uncle to me - however that title would actually work is beyond me! He and I always seem to reminisce about one particular thing, my Great Grandma, and her amazing simple old-fashioned southern cooking. The sort you really don't come across anymore...

Low-Carb Broccoli Cheese Soup (Keto Friendly)

December 18, 2017 Amanda Plott

It finally seems like the cool weather has settled here in Austin Texas. Cool weather. Not cold weather. I'll take anything below the 80's we had around Thanksgiving though, especially as we get closer and closer to Christmas. So, between the cool weather and a second round of what I've deemed 'the plague' descending on the house, I thought that a nice hearty warm soup would be just what the doctor ordered!

This has quickly turned into one of my new favorite soups, and let me just tell you that I'm pretty fond of soups. So, for me to say it's made the list of favorites... is a pretty big deal. It wasn't just me either. My mom (the sickest of us right now) got seconds, and my little brother who happened to be visiting me as well was mighty impressed...

Creamy Dreamy Sleepy Time Drink (Sponsored)

December 4, 2017 Amanda Plott

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

The Holidays are upon us in a huge way and we all know that the countdown is on until the big man makes his appearance. In my house, it's always rather chaotic the night before Christmas, and everyone tends to have a tough time falling asleep. I know that my family isn't alone in this so... now I've got a solution; this Creamy Dreamy Sleepy Time Drink!

We've all heard the old adage to drink a cup of warm milk to settle the mind and the stomach before bed. Even Santa himself enjoys milk and cookies during his one night trip around the world. This Creamy Dreamy Sleepy Time Drink is a more wholesome version of the classic warm milk that's sure to help soothe and send you off to dream land...

Santa's 'Magical' Reindeer Poop Cookies

November 30, 2017 Amanda Plott

You know that in the Spring and Summer I'm all about rainbows and unicorns but during the winter months I like to let my imagination go with snowmen and reindeer and all things holly and jolly.

Just the other day my daughter's Elf on the Shelf (Candy Cane) brought my little girl some 'reindeer poop' chocolate mints. And while I thought they were cute and all, they weren't quite the magical poo that I had imagined Santa's reindeer to have. I mean... come on, they guide Santa's sleigh and fly around the world!...

Skinny 'Starbucks' Gingerbread Loaf

November 28, 2017 Amanda Plott

It's been a hot minute since I posted a take-out fake-out, and it's about time that I made one that was more of a breakfast or dessert. Now that pumpkin spice season is over, it's all about sugar cookies, gingerbread, and eggnog. So... here we go!

The idea for this Gingerbread Loaf comes straight from Starbucks. Let's face it, they have some of the most indulgent and tasty breakfast treats that you'll come across. But, when you're trying to save a buck or a few pounds, those numbers are scary and staggering...

Healthifed Tater Tot Casserole

November 21, 2017 Amanda Plott

Tater tot casserole. It's one of the great American classics. Almost all of us have eaten it before, mostly during our childhood years when it was one of those quick weeknight meals that the parents would put together at the end of a busy work week.

Well, that wasn't my first experience with it but I know for many of you it was. For me, it was something that I had made for my own family. At least... I'm pretty sure my mom never made it for us. She was much more about the Hamburger Helper and cans of La Choy back when I was in grade school...