Roasted Beets

January 11, 2017 Amanda Plott

I got some fresh local beets this past week, and while beets are definitely one of my favorite salad toppings, I hardly ever buy them at the store for myself. I'm not entirely sure why I don't either. I've used them to make some pretty awesome things in the past couple of years, like this Beet Pesto. Or with being added to another salad that I paired with my Skinny Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.

These oven roasted beets have to be one of the most simple, easy to do, and flavorful things you can make. They take just an hour to roast and just two ingredients to make. Plus, the prep work is minimal. Giving you an hour to go about your business doing whatever else you need or want. What better is that these roasted beets can be made ahead of time as part of a weekly meal prep...

Skinny Honey Roasted Almonds

December 27, 2016 Amanda Plott

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Whole Earth Sweetener Co. All opinions are 100% mine.

Who needs scented candles around the holidays when all you have to do is roast some almonds?! These Skinny Honey Roasted Almonds are amazing! I can't tell you all how great my house smells right now. Even my 6 year old (who doesn't care for almonds) ran into the kitchen to ask me if she could have some of whatever it was I was cooking. And trust me when I say that they taste every bit as good as they smell!

I love almonds for so many reasons, and I've always got some tucked away in my pantry for quick and easy snacking. Almonds carry a massive amount of nutrients: fiber, protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E to name a few. They are completely loaded with antioxidants and can even help control blood sugar. It helps too that they are great for helping to lose weight too...

Healthy Gingerbread Loaf

December 22, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's that crazy time of year when it just doesn't seem like there's enough hours in the day! I'm busy shopping, wrapping, decorating, and getting everything in order for Christmas and New Years. Come on 2017. That being said, I woke up this morning and decided to get this Healthy Gingerbread Loaf whipped up and ready for the influx of company to enjoy.

If you love pumpkin bread and you love gingerbread cookies, then you are going to adore this Healthy Gingerbread Loaf! It's got just enough gingery spice and sweetness to blend perfectly together. One of my favorite things about this bread is that it's great for a holiday breakfast, gifting, or just having around to snack on. Plus, you can make it a few days in advance!...

Skinny Whole Wheat Egg Nog Pancakes

December 19, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's day one of having my little girl home and officially off of school for the holidays and I could not be more excited! On top of all of the holiday fun and festivities, she's started getting her 6 year molars and her first 'big girl' tooth. Looks like the tooth fairy will be stopping by in the next month or so!

But, before all of that we have the Holidays right around the corner. To get us all in the holiday spirit on this joyous Monday morning, I decided to whip up a batch of these Skinny Whole Wheat Egg Nog Pancakes. Don't worry though, there's no alcohol in these, just the wonderful flavors of egg not that even the kiddos can enjoy!...

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix & Cookie Spoons

December 14, 2016 Amanda Plott

My daughter and I were singing Rudolph all morning long! While eating breakfast, while driving to school. I'm a little scared and also excited that come Friday, I'll have her home for two and a half weeks of winter break! Now... ask me at the end of the two and a half weeks to see if I still feel the same about that.

The holidays are always a fun time, especially when you've got little ones running around with all of their excitement. There is something to be said about homemade gifts, and I've always said that. They mean the most to me and always have. I would much rather have something that I know someone spent the time, effort, and thought into... than anything else! To know that you were in someone's special thoughts is a gift in itself...

Elf Cookies

December 8, 2016 Amanda Plott

A few years back now we had a silly little Elf on the Shelf named Candy Cane show up at our house shortly after Thanksgiving. And oh-what-a-joy it has been to see what shenanigans Candy Cane get's into every night after returning from her quick trip to the North Pole. She's got an important job, you know. She's in good with the big jolly man.

It's been even more interesting, the older my daughter has become. I don't know how in the world Candy Cane manages to come up with these things sometimes... ahem. Today I caught her in my kitchen making her famous Elf Cookies! Apparently she wants to surprise my daughter with them in the morning. Of course, you know I had to suggest to her that she make the cookies healthified and asked also if she would be so kind as to leave me the recipe to share! She's very nice that way...