The PLUSsizeRunner Part 1

So I I have been on this mission for a few year to Run my first 5K. However will power and laziness were not on the same page and laziness won all the time. With that said I started Plexus a few months ago and fell off the wagon, then I had my transition (Stay at home Mommy to Homemaker). I had tried about a year ago walking our local park, so I started back thinking I could do it. I don't know about you but I need a goal, something to work towards. So I swore up and down I was going to run my first 5k, I can do a 5K, I will run a 5k. Then laziness kicks in and I can catch a few more hours of quite sleep. So I started last Thursday, September 15, I walked 3 laps on our "track". Now just to give you a little knowledge of our park, it's got a track around the park, with tennis courts, pool, play area and baseball/softball fields. The track is about 1/3 of a mile per lap. So you have to make it 3 times around to make a whole mile. So lets go back to Thursday, I just walked the 3 laps and called it a day. So as I got ready to start my Friday "run" I was gunhold on starting back to my light pole theory.  So I started after walking 1/2 a lap, running for 1 light pole (Start at one and finish at the next) and then power walk 2 of them. Well then the bottom fell out, after being so proud of myself I got a call from my oral surgeon that they could do my wisdom teeth surgery in 2 hours, well that lead to no running for 3 days :-(. So I swore up and down I was going to get up and go running, I had to or I was going to loose my mind. I needed something to take my mind off the pain. I'm 31 years old and just had all 4 wisdom teeth removed and let me be frank. I would rather have 10 kids via c-section with no pain killers, lol... So as I started my walk to warm up I had to brace for the wave of pain that was going to hit me shortly. I picked up my left foot and took off from one the first light pole, now Friday, I proudly ran 2 light poles before walking 2 (which I called 2/2). Today I was trying for 3 well I hit pay dirt I did 2/1 and then I suddenly got a burst of energy and made it 3 poles I couldn't believe it, I couldn't believe I had ran three poles before walking 3. I was so happy with myself. I ran 3 before stopping, 3 before calling it quits, 3 before I had to stop. Then all of a sudden a wave of pain hit me like a brick wall and I put my head down and started running until my my leg pain out weighed my mouth. Then all of a sudden I counted I ran 4 poles without stopping, without breaking, without missing a beat. I was so proud of myself, my big ole booty ran 4 poles non-stop. I was so proud of myself. If you haven't ever ran, or never set a goal you don't know the accomplishment I felt by simply making it 4 light poles in a row.  As I sit here typing this all up I can't believe that even with the amount of pain that is radiating out of my mouth, I still have a smile on my face about running 4 light poles.  As a Plus Size Runner it's hard to have motivation, it's hard to see the accomplishments, small and in significant to others that are like the grand canyon to us. As a plus size runner remember MOTIVATE yourself and others will follow. As I ran today I passed a man who was very in a routine, someone not out of shape not having to motivate themselves to make it one more light pole. He smiled and simply said "Your doing Great, You got this." Those few words meant more to me than he will ever know. As I end my story, Get out There and RUN ain't nobody judging you.  Always say encouraging words to passer by's.   and Remember.. YOUR DOING GREAT, YOU GOT THIS.....

See you at the Next Light Pole,

Mandie

Product Review - 2pc Large Snap Pocket Tote by H.Tawel

So I received this purse today. I have to say I was in complete shock when I opened the package. I was in complete shock on how nice the leather was.  Once I pulled out the purse, and removed all the plastic I was in utter shock with the quality of this purse. I immediately called several friends and sent them images letting them know they needed to order this product. So lets get some things straight first. It's two-tone as you can clearly see in my photos. But what you don't see is that light brown is the back side of a pocket. AND... There is two of them one on each side.  Now on the bottom is 4 golden bottom guards which I have always loved these guards on the bottom to help when a lady sets her purse down. I'm a mom so some times my purse gets set down on the floor.  This bad boy is also super deep, I mean like it's not a huge hobo bag, but it's a  nice deep tote that I can put many things in.

Next the inside bag it's made of the same amazing quality leather, what a light brown strap. The zipper seems to go the opposite way than you would think, but it's something anyone good get use to. My over all conclusion of this tote is it's well made, good quality and beautifully stitched. It is a very good investment for a good quality black bag that every women needs in there closet. 

Product Details:

New Arrive 2 pc Set Large Snap Pocket Tote Multifunction Top Handle Work Place Handbags

Get your Bag Here

• Imported
• Material: High quality Soft PU Leather;Luxury Style,New Arrivel
• It's a multifunction carry -all bag,This bag has a removeable small inside Child purse.
• Top zip closure
• Size :13"X11"X5.5"(L*H*W),Srtap :10.3".
• Elegant urban style, perfect for using in office, Dating ,party and other daily occasions.

Kick off to a New Mommy Life

So this blog isn't just about food. It's about Life, Mommy Hood (The real hood), Food, Picky Eaters, and most important KIDS..... I have been a full time mommy (with the occasional work break) for 7 years. This August started a new role in my life, a Home Maker. Moms make the transition when from stay at home mommy to Homemaker when your children all start school and you are free from 8am till 3pm. So I made this transition this year, and I will be very very very honest with you it's been extremely hard. I have went through the budding stages of Sleeping, Cleaning, and now I'm in to ME TIME.... Which I think is where many women finally find themselves. I know you have all heard of Plexus and I had started my Plexus a few months back and then fell off the wagon :-( But that is okay because I have had a great little come to mommy meeting and it's time to get mommy back to mommy.  I thought I was going to loose my mind and needing to find a job, a hobby, something to fill the time. Then I realized it was the perfect time to get myself back to a healthy state so that I can make sure I'm active and ready to have a blast when my kiddo's get home.
I started back to walking/slow jogging (yes I am a super slow runner/jogger) and had been faithfully going for a few days, when life threw it's first blow I had to have all 4 wisdom teeth removed (worse surgery of my life, and my birth stories will scare the Dickinson out of you). I haven't been able to talk and most people will tell you I am one not to take it easy and I always take care of everyone else, but I have had to rest, take it easy and relax... a Death Sentence.... handed down by myself since I needed my wisdom teeth removed since I was 16... Sure why not wait 15 years to do what needed to be done :-D.  So I am working up the courage to start back to running. I have a "fitness/plexus" buddy who is meeting me for lunch and running shoe purchases before I get back to running I'm hoping to be back to running by the end of the week, but I also know if I don't get well it won't be pretty.

So enough about my this...

I know many people are thinking what in the world is she rambling on about this is a "FOOD" blog, well my sweets it isn't just about food anymore. It's all about mommyhood and life, so I will be blogging about many many things including products that I love, I hate and I NEED....  I have many amazon products coming in the next few days that I will be publishing not only my reviews but vlogging about why I ordered these products, why I wanted to try these products and much more... Hope to see y'all soon.


Sugars,
Mandie

Diddy's PB Cookees

• My dad LOVES peanut butter cookies and it's one of the few things that will make him stalk the stove. My granny and him are the reason I cook. Together we love to experiment and try making different things. So when I adapted this recipe it was with him in mind.   We love Jif Peanut Butter and Creamy is the only way we eat it so why not start here... 

• 
  

• 
  

• Ingredients: 

• 
  

• 1 1/2 cup Jif® Creamy Peanut Butter *

• 1/2 stick Shortening 

• Or 1/2 cup Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening

• 1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar

• 4 tablespoons milk

• 1 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

• 1 3/4 cups All Purpose Flour

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 
  

• 
  

• *  I only use Jif. I normally buy the small container and use the entire thing plus a tablespoon from another jar!

• 
  

• Directions: 

1. HEAT oven to 375°F. Combine peanut butter, shortening, brown sugar, milk and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Add egg. Beat just until blended.

1. COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture at low speed. Mix just until blended. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto greased baking sheet. Flatten slightly in a crisscross pattern with tines of fork.

1. BAKE one baking sheet at a time 7 to 8 minutes, or until set and just beginning to brown. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to cooling racks to cool completely.

•  

One of my favorite things to add to the mix is Chocolate (Seriously who does not LOVE chocolate). I add chips, chunks or both... Another favorite is to put Nutella frosting in between two cookies.. :-D Yummy.. Now my mouth is watering!!!

Breakfest Toss Up for Mop's

I'm calling this the ANYTHING GOES MINI Quiche!!!


Why? You may ask, well because I found out this morning that anything goes... These can me Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Snack, hors d'oeuvres or  Whatever you want...

So Ingredients, there will be 2 columns. One Must Haves and One Optional!

MUST HAVES
Pre-made Pie Crust (or homemade how ever you roll)
Eggs


OPTIONAL
Cheese
Green Onions
Mushrooms
Spinach
Bacon
Sausage
Chicken
Ground Chuck
Ground Turkey
Grilled Onions
Grilled Peppers (Mini or Bells)
Shredded Pork
ANYTHING!!!!

Now on to how to prepare..

Everything but the Pie Crust and Eggs should be pre-cooked.

Lets say in these we are doing bacon, sausage,spinach, mushrooms, green onions and mild chedder cheese (I did these for MOP's)


Ingrediants
12 to 18 Eggs
2 boxes of Pre-Made Pie Crust
Handfull of Spinach
1/4 Cup of Chopped Mushrooms
1/3 Cup of Green Onions
1/2 Cup of Cheese
1 cup of Ground Sausage (I used Jimmy Dean)
8 Strips of bacon fried to a crisp and crushed (highlight of my morning)

Chop everything fine these are little cups!!!

Pre-Heat Oven to 375oF
On a lightly floured surface,eat oven to 375 degrees F. On a lightly floured board, roll out pre-made pie crust (use your rolling pin to flatten them out all the way).
CLEAN TIP: Using a damp paper towel wipe down your counter, the lay clear plastic wrap as smooth as possible before sprinkling flour or rolling out dough. Makes Clean up a BREEZE!!!
 Using a 3" cookie cutter cut out circles ( I made about 42) and have circles left over to make "Stick Pie"

In a lightly sprayed non-stick muffin pan, place circles. You want the sides to go up a little these are little cups...

Saute your veggies and cook your meats until well done.. 

Now assemble you a buffet style bar LOL and here comes the fun.. 

Pick and choose what goes in each one.. A teaspoon of everything or a table spoon of one..
 
Then put just enough egg in there to set up (around a 1/2 tbs to 1 tbs, do not try to measure it. Just eye ball).

Then put some cheese on top and place in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes...
Let Cool for about 5 minutes and Enjoy!!!

Any Questions please leave Comment!

Homemade Tortilla Chips

Homemade Tortilla Chips!

1pkg of Corn Tortilla
Spritzer with with Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Fryer with Oil

There are two ways to cook these. Which one you choose is totally based on what you like. I love the fatty chips (Fried) however my daughter, son and husband prefer baked chips.. :-D

Lets do Baked first!

*Pre-Heat your oven to 400 degree's

*Take a stack of corn tortilla's and cut them into any shapes (my little girl likes hello kitty :-D)

*Lay a single layer of cut tortilla on a flat sheet pan, spritz with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt
*Place in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minuets. Make sure to keep an eye on them they go from    perfection to burnt in a matter of seconds!
* Allow to cool for about 2 minuets before putting in a bowl!

Now to FRY!
*Pre-Heat Frier to 350 degrees
*Take a stack of  tortilla's and cut into any shapes (I do wide stripes, that way I can use them in tortilla soup)
*Place a few cut tortilla's in the oil, it takes about 2 to 3 mins.
*Remove from oil and place on to a paper towel and sprinkle the chips with sea salt before they cool to much!


ENJOY!!!

What's for Dinner (Monday, September 30, 2013)

As we approach the start of the Fall/Holiday Season, I wonder what's for dinner. How does your family swap from Summer Fun to Fall Foliage?  The signs in my home are we are outside more, cars are being washed on a daily basis and of course I start baking more and more.. Since is the first day of October I think I am going to rename is Baketober! Baketober will consist of a new baked good daily. :-D This will be expanding not only my baking world but also give you a look inside my world of picky eater family!

If you have a suggestion on something you want to see me "Try and Reinvent" please feel free to comment!!!

Going Gluten Free! Making the Choice!

If we make this choice it will be hard! The question we have to ask ourselves is with the end product be worth it???

In the Works - Muffins

So why sitting and holding my monkey, I got the craving for muffins. Romulus is a very generalized healthy food picky eater.. LOL.. I know crazy right! He loves healthy food and chocolate, but not really anything fating. We made muffins the other morning and he devoured the Strawberry and blue berry muffins, but didn't touch the double chocolate chip muffins. So that got the wheels turning on some yummy yummy muffins (Didn't help that on #thechew today Daphne Oz made some amazing Muffins). So the recipe "In the works" is Muffins


My process is to fine a basic recipe and Mandieize it!!!

The Mandieized Basic's:
1 egg
1/4 cup oil  - Use Applesauce
1/2 cup milk - Use Almond Milk instead, It's healthier and Rominator prefers it!
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar - Use the Molasses
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup fresh blueberries or any berries
1 cup of Nuts (almonds, walnuts or pecans)



Please note this recipe is in the works, has either been tried and need adjustments or etc. This is BAKE AT YOUR OWN RISK.. As soon as it is tested and finalized it will posted for it's own card!!!

It's been a While

So I have not posted in a really long time, but I'm hoping to change that! As I add Recipes! If you have any request please feel free to email or message me.

Email:
amandathompson41@gmail.com

Message Me:
Skype - MandieThompson
GMail - amandathompson41@gmail.com

Buying in Bulk Classes

As many people know that buying in bulk saves you money. However most people are scared to embark upon "Bulk Shopping" because they will "waste" most of there money by wasting food.. DON"T WASTE - BUY BULK!  Let us show you how to buy in bulk.


Classes start January 8, 2012

To sign up contact us via email at amandathompsonrma@yahoo.com

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

I love Ruby Tuesday Hot Spinach & Artichoke dip (minus the different color chips). I tried making it over the Thanksgiving Holiday it was good but not something I would allow my family and friends try ( mainly my amazing neighbors Ashley and Scooter) However after laying in bed sick yesterday I was watching old Rachel Ray episodes and she did spinach and artichoke dip and the inspiration hit me. I felt better today so i embarked upon making it today. Below is my tweaked Rachel Ray recipe.

Ingredients
1 box of Frozen Spinach
1 can of Artichoke Hearts
3 tbs of Butter
4 cloves of Garlic or 2-3 tbs of Minced Garlic
3 tbs of AP Flour
1.5 cup of Chicken Stock
1 cup of Milk
1 5oz container of Gorgonzola Cheese (crumbled)
2 5oz containers of shredded Parmesan Cheese
Salt and Pepper

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
Defrost spinach based on the package directions thenn drain well by wringing out in dish towel.
Finely chop the Artichoke Hearts ( I quarter mine)
Heat a sauce pot with butter over medium to medium-high heat.
Add garlic to melted butter and stir 1 to 2 minutes, then sprinkle in flour and combine 1 minute more.
Pour in stock and milk and season with salt, and pepper.
Thicken 2 minutes then remove from heat and melt in Gorgonzola.
Stir in spinach and artichokes and half the shredded cheese then transfer to a small casserole and top with remaining cheese.
Brown and bubble in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes.Then cut off Oven turn on Broiler on High for 2-3 mins. Watch this CLOSLEY.

*The recipe is based off Rachel Ray Gorgonzola Spinach Artichoke Dip, for full recipe visit http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/gorgonzola-spinach-artichoke-dip-recipe/index.html *

Holiday Baking

With the Holiday's upon us it's time to break out the oven mitts and get to baking. I love this time of the year simply because I can bake and bake and bake some more :-D My current standing is baking pies for all of my co-workers, my boss's and of course friends and family. Currently I have 7 Sweet Potato Pies and 3 Apple Pies just for co-workers I know I have to make 2 Pecan Pies, but those maybe thanksgiving day fun.. Even though there are 7 of us in house we don't make large meals. we try our best to keep it simple, fun and of course YUMMY! We will have Ham (boss's holiday gift to us), Fried Turkey (because I don't eat Ham), Dressing, and mac and cheese. I may throw in some oddities like Pasta or something along those lines since we have mac and cheese EVERYDAY! I may even make 2ce bakes potatoes you never know with me.. Soo stayed tuned to the blog and I'll keep you posted with recipes and photos of what cooking in Mandie's Food Corner!

Twisted stuffed shells

This is my rendition of stuffed shells! I love anything including pasta however I'm not a fan of ricotta cheese. So hence a few bored moments and a few cooking websites later my twisted on stuffed shells.

3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1 jar of your favorite Alfredo Sauce
1lb of Mozzarella Cheese
8 oz of Mushrooms
2 cloves of fresh garlic
Small to large onion ur option
1/3-1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp of Italian seasoning
1 jar of red sauce
And your choice of shells or lasagna noodles


Boil chicken (I use 10 bullion cubes for 3 breast just because I love bullion$
Once chicken is done place in bowl to cool. Place noodles in chicken broth! And cook per directions.

Chop up mushrooms and onions in a chopper as fine as possible. Throw your two cloves in chopper as well.

Once cool shred chicken, pour in Alfredo sauce, Italian seasoning, onions, mushrooms, parmesan cheese and garlic.

Lay out noodles in a pan or stuff noodles with mixture. I personally layered like a lasagna,layer noodle, mix, cheese, noodles. I layered bc i got mad at the shells. Turn oven to 450, you don't have to pre-heat. Place red
sauce all over top of you pan and sprinkle with cheese. Simply place in over for at least 30 minutes.

Any questions just ask

Taco Soup Recipe to the Rescue

Our Family's Taco Soup Recipe By Susan Eiland-Odom ( Local Paramedic/Lifesaver) 2 pounds ground beef (can use turkey too) 2 cans black beans 2 cans corn 2 cans chili beans 1 can garbanzo beans 2 cans kidney beans 2 cans diced tomatoes 2 packets dry taco season mix 2 packets dry ranch dressing mix 1 packet dry chili season mix salt, pepper, Mrs.Dash, dry minced onion to taste Half of a big loaf of Velveeta or one small box Velveeta-cut up into small cubes shredded cheese (whatever variety you like), sour cream, Frito's, red pepper seeds, etc... to serve with it individually Brown meat with salt, pepper, Mrs.Dash and onion. Drain well. Meanwhile in big pot or big crock-pot, combine all the cans of beans&tomatoes, the season mixes and cubes of Velveeta. mix well and bring to boil then turn on low and simmer. In crock-pot, you can cook on low all day or overnight. Serve with sour cream, Frito's and shredded cheese. Even better the next day. Freezes well too and easy to double the batch. You can also vary the types and number of cans of beans to put in...whatever you like or have on hand! Thanks Mrs. Susan for this!!!!

Tip # 1: Saving in Bulk

This is my first Saving in Bulk tip..
If you want to buy and bulk and make it work there is one little card that you will need. It's a Sam's or Costco Club Membership.. Yes, if you are a family of more than 1 you need to invest the $40 a year for this membership. If you have children that require diapers or formula this should be on your baby registry list :-D. There are 2 Sam's Clubs closet to me (Atmore, AL) There is one in Mobile, Al and one in Pensacola, Fl. We shop the one in Pensacola,Fl so that food items are Tax Free.. i know that with having a newborn in the house that it's not fun to run out of diapers at 4am, so when I can purchase a box of size 2 diapers (Sams you get a box of 186 diapers for $39.98 which works our to $0.214 a diaper, Wal-mart you would spend $46.50 for same amount of diapers. That is a $6.52 saving a month, if you saved that every month on diapers alone you would save $78.24 in a year thus paying for your membership in savings). Another Savings that I find just impressive is I can buy Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast for $1.67 a pound when I buy it by the case. So i normally spend $60 for about 55 to 60lbs of chicken for a month. A 10lb roll of hamburger meat (80/20) I pay around $20.00 for and get 36 - 4oz hamburger patties. There are something I don't suggest buying at Sam's unless you use a lot of it such as fruit and veggies ( we buy strawberries and potatoes but we eat a lot of them. Buying in bulk is good when you A) buy what you need B) store and use and C) When you want and need to save money...

Hope this helps and please feel free to leave comments and questions. I will gladly answer them As soon as I can.

www.samsclub.com
http://www.costco.com/

There is a Trick to Buying in bulk, so check out Trick #1 to Buying in bulk

Chicken in the Crock Pot

Well My wonderful Father, Mother, Sister and Neighbor went to black Friday Shopping at Wal-Mart for me.. They got me the Crock Pot and the Griddle which I proudly used both Tonight.... There is 7 of us in this house (Including Romulus who is proudly 2 months old tomorrow) Well I am always looking for ways to cook and bake for us all, well my neighbor got me hooked to pinterst, while surfing through there I found an awesome Chicken Salsa Crock Pot Recipe and tried it tonight.. I have 3 words for you Oh My GOODNESS... It was awesome.. It fed not only my bunch (Me, Jonathan, Trinity, Momma, Daddy, and Charley) but my Sister-N-Law, Emily and Cloe and I still have left overs.. The taste was UNBELIEVABLE!!! So here it goes:

Crock Pot on low for 5 - 6 hours..

Ingrediants:
3 to 4 Chicken Breast (I buy in bulk at Sam's and they were Huge this time so I only used 3)
1 oz of Taco Seasoning ( I used Old El Paso)
1 Cup of Salsa (I used Pace of course)
4 oz of Water
4 oz of Sour Cream


Directions.....
Place Chicken Breast in Crock Pot, pour in Salsa, Taco Seasoning and 2 oz of Water let cook for at least 5 hours.
After 5 hours Shread the Chicken with 2 forks, add the sour cream and mix well let set on low for another 10 to 30 mins and ENJOY!!!

We made chicken quesadilla's out of ours using the new griddle, flour tortilla's and Mexican mix shredded cheese...

Homemade Mack and Cheese

Ingrediants:
1lb of Elebow Macaroni
1-2 cups of Milk
1lb of Sliced Cheese (we prefer Baker & Chefs from Sam's Red Front)


*Boil Macaroni Noodles for 10 mins or until fully cooked.

*Add Milk Usually right below the edge of the noodles

*Place back over the heat and add cheese

*Mix until melted.

*Enjoy!

The longer it sits the creamer it gets same if you add more cheese

Chicken Parm

Ingredients:
*2 to 3 Chicken Breast split to make 4 to 6 pieces
* 1/2 to 3/4 cups of Italian Bread Crumbs
* 1/2 to 3/4 cups of Flour
* 2 to 3 Eggs beaten
* 4 to 5 tbsp of Soul Food Seasoning (this can be bought at Dollar General)
* 2 to 3 tbsp of Lowery's Season Salt
* Oil to Fry
* 16 oz of Mozzarella Cheese (don't skimp buy the good stuff)
* 2 Jars of your favorite Spaghetti sauce
* Your favorite Noodles or Pasta cooked by directions


Directions

~Turn oven on to 400 degrees

~Split chicken breast, place in ziploc bag (do not close it or it will bust) pound out the chicken until it's about a 1/8" thick.

~Place Flour on a Plate, place bread crumbs on a separate plate, and eggs in a roll (beaten) arrange them flour, egg, bread crumbs

~Coat chicken breast with Soul Food Seasoning and Season Salt

~Turn Fryer on or pour oil in to a pan and heat to fry the breast in

~Dredge chicken into flour then to egg then to bread crumbs and then place in fryer, cook until outside is golden brown. (if it isn't cooked all the way through that is okay your going to bake this as well)

~Take a deep dish glass baking dish and spray with cooking spray. After chicken breast have cooled on paper towels for a few place in dish.

~After all chicken breast is done and oil drained off place in cooking dish. Poor Sauce Over all the chicken breast.

~Place in Oven for 25-30 minutes.

~Pull out and place Mozzarella Cheese over the center of the breast, bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.

~ Cool and Enjoy..


Any Questions Please leave a comment I will post as soon as I see them>.

Easy Lasagna

Ingredients:
2lbs of Ground Meat
2 jars of Bertoli Spaghetti Sauce
1 box of Lasagna Noodles
36oz of Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded or the Block)
1 small container of Ricotta Cheese (Optional)

Directions:

Brown Hamburger meat and mix spaghetti sauce and leave on low
Boil Lasagna Noodles per Directions on box (for a 13x9 glass pan it will take approx 1/2 box)
After Cooking lasagna noodles.. Take pan and spray with non-cooking spray.
Layer Noodles, Sauce, Ricotta (if using), Mozzarella, Noodles, Sauce, Cheese
Bake at 450 for 30 to 45 minutes until cheese on top is brown.

ENJOY!!!

Easy Peasy Peanut Butter Fudge

1 1/4 cups (10 ounces or 3.5 Sticks) unsalted butter (Make Sure unsalted Stick Butter, if you use the kind in a tub it will cause it to be really oily and not set)
1 1/2 cups smooth peanut butter
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1. Butter an 8-inch non-stick baking dish (or line with buttered parchment paper) and set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the butter and peanut butter until the mixtures comes to a boil. Remove from the heat.

3. Add the salt and vanilla extract, then stir in the powdered sugar until smooth and no lumps remain.

4. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the fudge and refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour. Cut into squares and serve. Fudge can be stored at cool room temperature in an airtight container.





(Recipe Adapted from Brown Eyed Baker

Apple Muffins Which are not really Muffins :-D

I came up with this recipe when I wanted to make something fast but yummy and didn't want to destroy my kitchen, well Hello Refrigerated Biscuits. :-D I decided that I was going to see what I could do with them and my apple filling and believe me it was a Yummy Idea...


Ingredients:
1 Can of Flaky Biscuits (the regular size not grand)

Apple Filling:
2-2.5 lbs of Green Granny Smith Apples Peeled and chopped into Chuncks
1 Stick of Butter
5 Teaspoons of Light Brown Sugar
1/8 cup of White Sugar
2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon of Nutmeg

Instructions:
1) Preheat Oven to 350 degrees
2) Melt Butter, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg in Large Skillet add white sugar and apple cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
3) Pull Biscuits in to 2 halves
4) Place one half of the biscuit in the bottom of the Muffin/Cupcake Pan
5) Put in Apples (no Liquid)
6) Place 2nd half of biscuit on top and press down
7) Spoon Juice (from Apple Filling) on to the each biscuit
8) Bake as directed on the biscuit package
9) Let Cool and ENJOY!

Pe-Can Pie

After taking my Apple Muffins over to my neighbors to get their opinion, they requested a Pecan Pie, which I had never made. I wasn't really sure I was up for the challenge until I started looking at recipes. I went to the store to get pecans and came home with a FABULOUS Idea on how to make it. Hence my 1st Pecan Pie:



Ingredients:
1 cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract ( I use only Pure Vanilla Extract - I get a big bottle at Sam's )
1 bag of pecans or 6-8 oz Chopped or Whole
1 (9-inch) unbaked or frozen** deep-dish pie crust

Instructions:
1) Preheat oven to 350°F.

2) Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla using a spoon. Stir in pecans. Pour filling into pie crust.

3) Bake on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes

Yes it is that EASY and It was evidently pretty good since it was gone in like 2 days between 3 people that work full time :-D

Apple Pie

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Tart Apple Pie.. It has to be better then Choclate to me. :-D However finding a good Thick Crust Tart Style Apple Pie is extremely hard. My uncle use to bake a lot and I always got one for Birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas. However times have changed and he no longer does this. I got to craving a pie so bad that I embarked on my first Apple Pie.. Here is my Recipe.. Just to not it is Tart but OH SO GOOD and if your like me and like the Crust the best well then I suggest using Jiffy Pie Crust and rolling it out thick and then letting it sit for 24 hours before eating, yes I'm well aware of the Crazy amount of strength that this can take, however you can use the pie crust you have left over to make a few little dumpling style pies to tied ya over.. :-D




2-2.5 lbs of Green Granny Smith Apples Peeled and chopped into Chuncks
1 Stick of Butter
5 Teaspoons of Light Brown Sugar
1/8 cup of White Sugar
2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon of Nutmeg
1 Frozen 9" Deep Dish Pie Crust or Any other Pie Crust
1 Rolled Pie Crust (red box) if your not making your own

I use my large skillet, but whatever you have that will fit the apples is fine.
Melt your butter, brown sugar, cinnamon & nutmeg over medium to medium-high heat until fully melted the add white sugar.

Then cook for 1 minute.

Add apples. Stirring and coating apples well with glaze. Let sit for 5 minitues over medium-low heat.

Pour Mix into Pie Crust (If using a Frozen Pie Crust then make sure it's Frozen I pulled it straight out of the freezer and poured my mix into it. :-D )
Make Sure to Slit the Top and Sprinkle with Sugar and Cinnamon
Cook at 450 for 20-30 minutes (my oven was only 25)


Best when allowed to cool and set overnight. :-D

Hope Y'all enjoy as Much as I do.. :-D

Monkey Bread

Ingredients

4 (12 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough
1-1/3 cups white sugar
2-3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2/3 cup margarine
1-1/3 cups packed brown sugar
Cooking Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 9 or 10" Bundt® pan.
2) Mix white sugar and cinnamon in a plastic bag. Cut biscuits into quarters. Shake 6 to 8 biscuit pieces in the sugar cinnamon mix. Arrange pieces in the bottom of the prepared pan. Continue until all biscuits are coated and placed in pan. If using nuts and raisins, arrange them in and among the biscuit pieces as you go along.
3) In a small saucepan, melt the margarine with the brown sugar over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute. Pour over the biscuits.
4) Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 minutes. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate. Do not cut! The bread just pulls apart.

Welcome to Mandie's Food Corner

8/8/2012: I havn't posted in a while however I hope for that to Change starting today! I will start posting new food ideas for main courses along with desserts and snacks. I'm also branching out and looking for unique Family recipes. If you have any please email me at mandie@photosbymandie.com so I can get them up.. I will also be hoping to add a few videos as well. :-D Hope you click the Follow button down below and as always check us out on Facebook.! - Mandie


Hi, Thank you for Checking out my Blog.. I started this blog just mainly to post recipes, however with the current economy and those who are struggling to make it on 1 income or on less then 600 a month for a family of 4. To tell you a little about me and my family. I am the Mother of 2 beautiful Children (Trinity age 4 & Romulus age 2 months), I am a Wife to my Husband Jonathan who will be celebrating 10 years July 4, 2012. I'm also a daughter, my parents and only sister are currently staying with us while they home is remodeled. So the total count of people in my household that I feed is 7 (Romulus included because I do Breast Feed him). My dad is a seasonal worker so he can go a few months without working. My husband was recently on disability for Cancer ( We lost this income in September 2011) So we have to make every dollar we have and earn stretch. I do Photography on the side to help print in some extra cash. I do not coupon, I have tried and failed miserably because I have a house of very Picky eaters, so with that I have found that bulking cooking and buying is the best thing ever. Yes I may spend $400 dollars in 30 days for Food but that is cooking a minimum of 2 meals a day and a Max of 4. I always cook to feed 7 people at each meal..

I Hope that this blog helps you and that you can spread the wonderful knowledge to others.




This Blog is Dedicated to Several People:
My Husband and Children
My Parents and Sister
My Sister-N-Law and Daughters
My Friend Michelle & her Girls
and To all the Stay at Home Mommies out there.