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!...

Pizza Bite Eyeballs

October 28, 2016 Amanda Plott

Muahahaha! I love Halloween. It's my favorite holiday and it has been for almost all of my life. I think I enjoy it so much because there's a lot of excitement in the air. Especially when you have little ones! It's the start of the holiday season and everyone is ripe with anticipation for now. Plus, Halloween is generally the beginning of our cooler weather here in Texas. We're already down into the 80's on most days! Whohoo.

I've been working on some fun Halloween inspired bites this week and I think these Pizza Bite Eyeballs are a big winner! They are so easy to do and fun. Not scary. I even managed to get my 6 year old on board with them. After my 'scary' black Halloween spaghetti from last year, I thought I'd lost her on Trick-or-Treat eats, but these managed to get the seal of approval...

Crock Pot Pasta e Fagioli

October 26, 2016 Amanda Plott

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Barilla® and Johnsonville®. The opinions and texts are all mine.

It's no secret that one of my most favorite soups at almost any Italian restaurant is Pasta e Fagioli. That's generally because it's got some of everything in it without being too heavy, and that's exactly where I am with fall right now. It's nice and cool and crisp in the mornings, but still rather hot here during the day. So, I find myself craving more hearty dishes on a lighter side.

This soup isn't only lighter on the scale (being that it's made from home), it's also lighter on the wallet since it's made from simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your fridge and pantry! Let's face it, almost any soup is a great economical option for an all inclusive meal in a bowl, and when you involve a slow cooker you're almost always insured an easy-fix meal as well...

Skinny Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Crepes

October 24, 2016 Amanda Plott

Last weekend my dad was here to visit for a few days, and that always means that I get spoiled on crepes. The man is basically famous for his crepe making skills, and naturally I'm always pushing him outside the box with interesting flavor ideas. We've done everything from red velvet to a more savory chive and cheese crepe. His go to combination is and has always been a plain crepe with a strawberry cream cheese filling, and trust me when I say that those are absolutely out of this world.

But... it's pumpkin season and I'm going to take full advantage of it. So, we ended up making these pumpkin spice crepes filled with a lightly sweetened cream cheese mixture. Yum! One of my wonderful cousins is a pumpkin spice fanatic just like I am, so I know she's going to have to talk my dad into making these sometime for her too! Sick'em Sam!...

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

October 20, 2016 Amanda Plott

As we get into the holidays, I'm all about speed and ease in which I make my meals. But, that doesn't mean that I have to sacrifice taste or the more wholesome options for myself or my family. This roasted red pepper dip is super tasty, easy to make, guilt-free, and is so versatile that you could eat it with any meal; breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Plus, it's not spicy at all, so the kiddos can enjoy it too!

This is definitely one of those things that you will find yourself putting on anything and everything. And, that's perfectly okay because that's what it's for! There's nothing but the good stuff loaded up into this red pepper dip. Roasted red peppers, onion, garlic, and plenty of course plenty of flavor...

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!...

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…

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