Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

November 27, 2016 Amanda Plott

A little chicken noodle soup for the soul, anyone? 2016 has been a year that will go down in infamy. I don't think this year hasn't touched everyone in a particularly strange (and I'll even dare to say negative) way. I for one, couldn't be more happy to see it in it's last several days. I know that 2016 will go out kicking and screaming the entire way, but I can't wait to see what next year brings.

Only good things, I hope.

My Christmas tree bit the dust last year, and I guess that should have been a sure sign of the things to come. So, I decided to add some extra Christmas tree to my life this year by including it in this soup as early as November. MOVE OVER DECEMBER. We're getting this year done and over with...

Breakfast Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

November 22, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's just a couple of days before Thanksgiving and I'm running around like a mad woman to get things done. This year we're doing things a bit different... getting the family the heck outta here for some untraditional turkey day glamping (that's camping in a glamorous manner.) I'll be the first to admit that God didn't build me in a manner that would suffice actual 'camping'. I enjoy hot showers, beds, central air, and food far too much to be the outdoorsy type.

Glamping though? Sign. Me. Up!

I got a small cabin in the woods rented out for a couple of days and I am all about this fancy-pants version of camping. Awe-SOME. While I'm getting myself in order and ready to head out on the road, I can't neglect breakfast this week. So, I'm hot on the tails of these AMAZING Breakfast Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms! Seriously. This is one of the best breakfasts I've concocted in a good while...

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 Some of them needed photography updates, others were outdated in other areas, this one though...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...

Everything Bagel Bowl

October 18, 2016 Amanda Plott

Everything bagels. ...Amirite? They are the stuff that dreams are made of. Seriously, I'm pretty sure that I dream about food. Everybody loves everything bagels. They're called 'everything' bagels because they are usually topped with, you guessed it, everything! Garlic, onion, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and more.

I decided it was about time to turn the everything bagel into something that is, hm... more guilt free. Not to say that I would shy away from a bagel all the time, but most of the time I like to stick to something that's loaded up with a lot more fresh vegetables! That's why I created this ultimate everything bagel power bowl!...

Skinny Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

October 11, 2016 Amanda Plott

Onward with the pumpkin recipes!

Yes, we're in the thick of pumpkin madness around here. I've got my pumpkin scented candles, pumpkin candies, and all sorts of pumpkin amazingness to indulge in this month.

This pumpkin pie oatmeal was the perfect treat on this slightly chill Texas morning. Can you believe that it got down into the 50's here last night?! My air conditioner hasn't kicked on in nearly 12 hours and I couldn't be more pleased...

Bruschetta

October 6, 2016 Amanda Plott

All ideas, recipes, & opinions are entirely my own. A Glassful box of wines were provided to me for this recipe and review.

Want a little cheese to go with that wine? Why, yes I do! I'll take some bruschetta as well. And maybe a full on antipasti plate while you're at it.

It's been all too long since I posted much to pair with wine. One of my favorites from a while back was the Anatomy of a Cheese Plate, which gives a good break down of what all you could have available for a wine tasting or wine enthusiast sort of party. We live in an age of wine, people! My generation is said to drink nearly half of all the wine in the United States. That's a lot of wine for one generation. I guess we were all just raised right.

My inspiration for my antipasti tonight came from one of my dear grade-school friends over at Sweet Hersey Living. Her food and recipes always leave me drooling. She's truly one of the most creative people that I've ever known...

Recent Forkable Bites

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…

Tomato Salad

There’s something about a great tomato salad that makes summer feel like it lasts forever. Ripe tomatoes are the literal embodiment of sunny days—vibrant color, juicy sweetness, and a little tartness that wakes up the tastebuds. But tomato salad isn’t just a summer fling; with the right ingredients and a few health-conscious swaps, it becomes an everyday side, a light main, or a refreshing starter that fits into a wholesome lifestyle…

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