'Nut & Seed' Grain-Free Pumpkin Spice Granola

August 31, 2018 Amanda Plott

It's been a hot minute since I made up a batch of homemade granola, mostly because it's just been way too hot here to even think about turning the oven on. But, sometimes... it's just worth it. And this morning? It was just that - totally worth it! With pumpkin spice season on the horizon, I thought there was no better time than now to tempt the cooler weather in with another pumpkin inspired treat!

I based this grain-free granola off of one that I made a while back. The main differences would be the spice used in it and the seeds that I chose to include. Since we're going with the Fall theme, I decided to use pumpkin seeds. Two kinds of pumpkin seeds, that is. I picked up a raw one to roast with the granola, and a lightly salted roasted seed called 'snow white' pumpkin seeds to add in at the end…

Tropical Chicken Salad & Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

May 16, 2018 Amanda Plott

Summer lovin' happened so fast...

This salad was inspired by the one served at a local Mexican Restaurant that I first went to a few years back now. I was first introduced to the salad while at lunch with my Sister-in-Law and Aunt. I think it was of the best salads that I had ever eaten. And that's saying a lot since I have eaten my fair share of salads over my lifetime.

I've haven't been back to that restaurant in a good long while. Maybe that's because a couple of years back I cracked the code on their salad!

Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites

May 11, 2018 Amanda Plott

Is it just me or is May one of those months where you're running around like a crazy person the most? Maybe it's because we're just ahead of summer break for the kids and everything is winding down. It's the sprint to the finish line and it is not for the faint off heart!

I know that for me, it's been one thing after the other. Every day there seems to be something important that NEEDS to be done. On top of all of that, I've been getting back into the swing of exercising. So right now, more than ever, my body is craving energy; every from good food and proper rest. That's why I decided to make myself these Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites…

Winter Citrus & Honey Power Breakfast

January 21, 2018 Amanda Plott

I guess you could say that this is one bee-utiful breakfast. Ba-dum-psshh! Okay. Seriously though? Let's talk about this power breakfast right here. It's winter right now and there's a plethora of fresh winter citrus going around. Right now is one of the few times of year that you'll find blood oranges out and about.

Don't be scared either. They're called blood oranges because of their usual deep red splotched on their peel and their rich ruby red color of fruit inside. If you've seen or had blood orange juice before, you know what I mean. Along with blood oranges, the grapefruits are HUGE right now too. Just the way I like 'em. Big and juicy...

Honey Beer Cupcakes with Fresh Blueberry Buttercream

June 18, 2017 Amanda Plott

My dad's birthday always falls around Father's day, which usually means... double the celebrations! Some of his most favorite beers are from the local Austin brewery, Infamous Brewing Company. I've had the honor of meeting the owner (Josh) and hanging out at the brewery a few times. They've won a LOT of medals for their selection of regular and seasonal beers. Their Pumpkin Massacre is a family favorite when it comes around in the fall.

Their brewery was literally right down the street from my parents when they lived over near the lake. Now it's a bit of a trek for either of us, so unfortunately we don't get to go there much anymore. The good news is that they sell Infamous beer in almost any store here around Austin and most of Texas too. If you can't find Infamous near you though, you could always use another beer of your preference for these cupcakes...

Lemon Poppy Seed Granola

March 26, 2017 Amanda Plott

I'm so happy it's spring time finally. I seriously love all the bright flavors of citrus and the beautiful berries that I'm seeing at the store; like these jumbo blueberries that I got this past week. I mean... just look at those suckers! They are the size of two or three whole almonds. Yowza! Some of my favorite spring flavors have to be lemon and blueberry, so naturally I wanted to pair my giant blueberries here with something bright and lemony!

It's been a while since I baked up some granola, so I thought it was high time to make a fun 'Spring' granola that's loaded up with the good stuff. Poppy seeds along with some chia seeds, almonds, and oats. The honey I used for this was a 50/50 blend of honey and stevia; giving me less calories and the same flavor. It's just good all the way around...