Sticky Tahini Sweet Potatoes (With Chili Crunch)

August 3, 2025 Amanda Plott

If you’ve never considered tahini for your potatoes, prepare to have your culinary world rocked. Sticky Tahini Sweet Potatoes are here to flip the script on your typical side dish game—offering crispy, tender potatoes cloaked in a luscious, nutty tahini glaze that’s both addictive and guilt-free. Yes, you heard right: health-conscious meets downright crave-worthy.

Why Tahini? Why Sweet Potatoes?

Tahini, the creamy sesame seed paste, is not just for hummus. It’s packed with healthy fats, protein, and calcium, making it a superstar ingredient when you want flavor and nourishment. Potatoes get a bad rap sometimes, but they’re actually a great source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber — especially when you keep the skins on (hello, extra nutrients and fiber!).

Combining the two is a match made in flavor heaven. The tahini adds a rich, slightly earthy creaminess with a hint of nuttiness that coats the sweet potatoes perfectly, turning every bite into a sticky, savory sensation…

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!…

Strawberry Shortcake Waffles

February 14, 2023 Amanda Plott

I’ve made strawberry waffles before, but I was in a bit of a rush today so I thought instead of making them from scratch, I’d save some time with a box mix. Also, there’s a trick to packing as much strawberry goodness into baked goods as possible without adding moisture and that’s by way of powder!

I added plenty of dried strawberry powder to my favorite protein packed waffle mix along with some vanilla to doctor it up as well. Now, what really makes this strawberry shortcake waffles is the crumble. It’s the same crumble that they use on those strawberry shortcake ice creams from childhood. You know the ones…

Skinny Pumpkin Crunch Cake

October 10, 2022 Amanda Plott

Ahh, pumpkin crunch cake. You know the one. The one that's super easy to make and graces almost any dessert table during Halloween and Thanksgiving. Usually pumpkin crunch cake is pretty straight forward as a 'dump-n-go' style of cake, but I've made a few simple swaps today to make this famous cake a little more guilt-free.

You know me, always trying to make some of the most complicated and indulgent recipes into something more wholesome. I believe strongly in that small changes to any recipe can leave you with a great end result that still tastes just as amazing and won't leave you feeling guilty at the end of it…

Healthified 'Tortilla Trend' Crunch Wrap

March 14, 2022 Amanda Plott

I’m back at it today with anther ‘tortilla trend’ idea! This one DOES actually use a tortilla this time and it’s a play on the infamous crunch wrap that you can get at Taco Bell, but… it’s made healthified! So, how does one make a crunch wrap better-for-you? Well, I swapped out the giant tortilla for a 100 calorie spinach and seed one, but really any 100 calorie flower-like tortilla will work here.

I also used vegetarian ground meat in mine, but mostly because that’s what I had on hand. Lean ground turkey will work here too. Other than that? I used my own seasonings and spices, and also a plain fat-free greek yogurt in place of the sour cream. Tada. Healthier crunch wrap!…

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Banana Bread

June 7, 2020 Amanda Plott

This banana bread is jazzed up with cinnamon and sugar and topped off with a crispy crunchy crumb that is out of this world delicious - if I do say so myself. The idea for this banana bread is actually based on the cinnamon toast cereal that we all know and love. I’ve had a box stocked away in my pantry for some time now since my daughter suddenly decided after a week of eating it that she now doesn’t like it.

So, what do you do to use up cereal? You use it in a crumb topping for banana bread, of course! And let me just say, this banana bread is the perfect combination of the two. A tasty banana bread and cinnamon cereal all in one bite together. The best of both worlds!…

Recent Forkable Bites

Gochujang Roasted Potatoes

If roasted potatoes and Korean chili paste had a love child, this would be it. These Gochujang Roasted Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender and pillowy inside, and coated with a sweet-spicy glaze that’s totally addictive — but without the guilt trip. I’ve given the classic roasted spud a health-conscious twist that keeps the flavor big and the oil minimal. Perfect as a side, snack, or the star of a casual weeknight dinner…

Korean Scallion Pop Over Pancake "Dutch Baby"

You’ve just found your new kitchen obsession: the Korean Scallion Pop Over Pancake. Think of it as the love child of a light-as-air popover and the garlicky, green-onion-forward goodness of pajeon. It’s quick, a little bit showy, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as an appetizer that will convince friends you are doing something wildly gourmet without breaking a sweat…

Tex-mex Tortilla Breakfast Bake

If breakfast had a fiesta, this Tex-Mex Tortilla Breakfast Bake would be the life of the party. It’s cheesy, bright with salsa, and full of Tex-Mex flavors—yet uses smart swaps so it’s lighter and still utterly satisfying. Think of it as nachos-turned-breakfast-casserole: layers of tortilla base, eggs, veggies, black beans, and just enough melty cheese to keep things comforting without sending your health goals running for cover…

Passion Fruit Filled Upside-Down Cheesecake (No Bake)

If your dessert game needs a tropical mic drop, meet the Passion Fruit Filled Upside-Down Cheesecake. It’s the best kind of culinary contradiction: bright, tangy passion fruit tucked into a creamy, lighter-than-it-looks cheesecake sitting below a crumbly cookie base. It’s sweet, tart, slightly exotic, and perfectly guilt-free when you use a few smart swaps. Yes, you can have cheesecake and feel like you did something good for your future self…

German Pancake "Dutch Baby"

If you grew up thinking pancakes were just flat cakey discs drowned in syrup, German pancakes (also called Dutch babies) are here to re-educate your brunch brain. These dramatic oven-baked beauties puff up like savory soufflés, then collapse into golden, creased pools of custardy goodness. They’re loud, theatrical, and oddly wholesome — the perfect plate to start a weekend with a little flair and a lot less guilt…

Black Bean Street Corn Tacos

Street corn and tacos: two food-world celebrities that, when teamed up, create a headline-making flavor duet. Add black beans—protein-packed, wallet-friendly, and endlessly comforting—and you’ve got a weeknight superstar that’s healthy, colorful, and obnoxiously easy to make. These Black Bean Street Corn Tacos bring together charred corn, smoky spices, creamy jalapeño sauce, and hearty black beans for a taco that hits every note: tasty, creamy, bright, and slightly rebellious…

French Vanilla Upside-Down Cheesecake

If you love the idea of classic French vanilla but want something a little unexpected, meet the French Vanilla Upside-Down Cheesecake — a playful flip on an indulgent favorite that keeps the texture silky and the flavor bright without dragging you into full dessert regret. This recipe flips the script with a golden french vanilla filling inside a light, creamy cheesecake so when you flip it, you get a crunchy crown of cookie and a tender, cloud-like cheesecake underneath. It’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight celebration.

Why French vanilla? French vanilla is all about the custard-forward flavor. In this cheesecake, that custardy depth and a crispy crunchy cookie crust shell is just perfect. The result is familiar and elegant — like dessert wearing a beret.

Veggie Wrap with Peanut Sauce

Bright, crunchy, and ridiculously satisfying — this Veggie Wrap with Peanut Sauce is my go-to when I want lunch that feels indulgent but doesn’t leave me sluggish. Think crisp raw veggies, tender marinated mushrooms (or tofu), fresh herbs, and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce wrapped up in a whole-grain tortilla or rice paper. It’s fresh, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep. Best part: the peanut sauce doubles as a dip for snack carrots, because nobody should deny themselves that level of deliciousness.

Why you’ll love it

Fresh and crunchy textures with a creamy, savory sauce.
Flexible — easily vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb.
Quick to assemble, great for lunches, picnics, or a light dinner.
Balances fiber, healthy fats, and plant protein for a filling meal without heaviness…

Upside Down Blueberry Filled Cheesecake (No Bake)

If cheesecake could wear a pair of comfy sneakers and a party hat, this would be it. Meet the Upside Down No-Bake Blueberry-Filled Cheesecake: a glossy, jewel-toned blueberry layer that INSIDE of a pillowy, tangy no-bake cheesecake, all cradled by a lightly sweet, cookie-forward crust.

It looks fancy. It tastes like summer. It requires zero oven time and minimal effort. Translation: perfect for heat waves, last-minute company, or when you want dessert that’s both impressive and unapologetically easy…

Skinny Caramel Banana Pudding No Bake Cheesecake

If banana pudding and cheesecake had a love child it would be this: silky, banana-forward, and just sweet enough to satisfy a dessert craving without sending you spiraling into sugar regret. This Skinny Caramel Banana Pudding No-Bake Cheesecake keeps all the cozy, nostalgic flavors—banana pudding, creamy cheesecake, and a touch of caramel—while trimming calories and ditching heavy baking. It’s perfect for hot days, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you want dessert that feels indulgent but behaves itself…

Chimichurri

Chimichurri: bright, herby, slightly spicy — and a total game-changer for everything from grilled steak to roasted veggies. If you’ve ever had a bite of anything sauced in Argentina or Uruguay, you probably met this vibrant green condiment: an herb-forward sauce that’s equal parts punchy and versatile. Here’s everything you need to know to make a fresh, health-conscious chimichurri that tastes like it belongs at a backyard grill party — without the guilt…

Hawachae

If you're hunting for a drink that’s fruity, fun, and somehow both festive and entirely guilt-free, say hello to hwachae. This Korean fruit punch is like summer in a shallow bowl: colorful, bubbly, and built for sharing. Think of it as a fruit salad you sip—refreshing, lightly sweet, and endlessly adaptable. Perfect for warm afternoons, brunches, or whenever you want something more exciting than plain water but less indulgent than a soda cocktail…

Miso Caesar Dressing

The tangy, umami-packed upgrade that your salad has been waiting for!

If you love the bold, savory comfort of classic Caesar dressing but want something lighter, brighter, and just a smidge more interesting, say hello to miso Caesar dressing. It keeps everything you adore about a Caesar—creamy texture, salty tang, garlicky bite—then swaps in miso for depth, and ties it all together with citrus brightness. It’s umami-forward, slightly funky in the best way, and totally guilt-free. Also: it makes kale feel like a party guest instead of a punishment…

Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

If you love the nostalgic bliss of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars but want a breakfast that’s fast, healthy, and won’t require a spatula duel at 7 a.m., meet Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats. This guilt-free spin captures the flavors you love — sweet strawberries, fluffy strawberry and vanilla oat vibes, and a few topping options— but in a nutrient-packed, make-ahead jar. It’s breakfast that feels like dessert and behaves like a responsible adult…

Strawberry Vinaigrette

Salads deserve better than boring dressing. Enter strawberry vinaigrette — a sweet-tart, blush-pink dressing that makes greens sing, fruits dance, and even roasted veggies look forward to showtime. It’s the kind of dressing that tricks your brain into thinking you’re indulging, while your body high-fives you for picking something wholesome. I’ve taken the classic fruit vinaigrette, given it a Skinny Fork twist, and kept it guilt-free without sacrificing flavor…

Breakfast Tomato Eggs

Tomato + eggs = morning magic. This humble combo is a breakfast staple around the world — from shakshuka to Chinese tomato-and-egg stir-fry — and for good reason. It’s fast, comforting, and jam-packed with flavor and nutrition. Think vibrant tomatoes, silky eggs, and a few tricks to boost protein and fiber while keeping things bright and fresh…

Subscribe Now!