Happy Soup/Salad Tuesday!

It is Soup/Salad Tuesday.. you know I never liked soup before. In fact I am not a fan of hot drinks, hot soups or anything actually really steamy hot. I went to lunch with a guy from work to a cafe that serves soups, salads and sandwiches. It is exactly what I have always wanted for my own. They also have a little dessert section. And of course they serve Coca-Cola products so it is a win win. Today I am going to share a yummy soup recipe with you. It is Broccoli Cheese Soup! I have been trying different recipes and now I finally found one that I liked.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

3 cups frozen broccoli

1 small onion, chopped fine

1 stalk celery, chopped fine

3 cups chicken broth

2 cups milk

1 cup flour

3 cups shredded cheddar

2 T. Oleo

3 cloves garlic, pressed

In a stockpot melt oleo. Add onion and celery cook until tender. Add garlic, cook for a minute. Add broccoli. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook until broccoli is tender. In a separate bowl mix flour and milk. This will thicken your soup. Add to soup and mix together. Add shredded cheddar. Stir until melted. Take off heat and stir gently. Add salt and pepper to taste! YUM-ME!

Mangia!~

1st Marvelous Monday Meal

Happy Marvelous Monday Meal!!!!!!!!!

Monday's will represent my favorite meals. Today we had Stuffed Zucchini and Potato Kuegel. This was simply yummy!!! I think this is my newest favorite meal! We got these recipes from the Taste of home!! They have the best recipes!!! This was so easy and you can make it ahead. I thought that I wouldn't be satisfied with this meal but it was AMAZING!!!!!

Stuffed Zucchini

9-10 ServingsPrep: 15 min. Bake: 45 min.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large green pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, minced
• 1-1/4 cups soft bread crumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce, divided
• 2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 4 to 5 medium zucchini
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine first 11 ingredients and one can of the
• tomato sauce; mix well. Stir in tomatoes. Halve zucchini lengthwise;
• scoop out seeds. Fill with meat mixture; place in two 13-in. x 9-in.
• baking dishes. Spoon remaining tomato sauce over each.
• Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 45 minutes or until the zucchini is
• tender. Sprinkle with cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
• Yield: 8-10 servings.

Swiss Potato Kugel

9 ServingsPrep: 15 min. Bake: 20 min.

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups shredded or diced cooked peeled potatoes (about 4 medium)
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup half-and-half cream
• Tomato slices and fresh thyme, optional

Directions

• In a large skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. Remove from
• the heat; add potatoes. Toss cheese with flour, salt and pepper; add
• to skillet and blend well. In a small bowl, combine the eggs and
• cream. Stir in the potato mixture. Spoon into a greased 9-in. square
• baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-30 minutes or until
• golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes; cut into squares. Garnish with
• tomato and thyme if desired. Yield: 9 servings.

Editor's Note: The recipe can be prepared the day before, covered and refrigerated overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!!!

This is a new year of new organization, new blogging, new health and new MANGIA!~

First I will talk about ORGANIZATION~

I have spent days on the DUNGEON OFFICE. I think I have it set up how I want it now. It seems like that I have to keep up with organization. I cannot stand piles of cook books and papers. Clutter clutter clutter.. I also really organized my baking supplies. I bought some of those tubs and now everything is separated by holiday!! That has helped a lot of space issues!

Secondly, I will talk about New HEALTH~

It is a new year and everyone always starts the new year with a resolution. Mine is always the same thing. I would love to lose weight. Everyone is different. Some peeps can do a lo-fat diet. Some can do just reducing less snacking. And some have to watch carbs. I fall into the carb spot. You probably wouldn't believe it if I told you all the delicious things that I make I really do not eat. I have my family be the taste testers. My downfall is bread, pasta and potatoes. And by potatoes I mean in any form baked, mashed or chipped. And it makes it really hard to not have pasta and bread when you are doing this 'new form of eating'. So what do I do, well first of all you have to make a plan. My plan is to go to Easter and see what is happening. Last year I lasted 4 months. Next what is it going to consist of? Well when you go to the doc they tell you that your plate should be half greens, 1/4 lean protein and 1/4 starch. So I thought I am going to have whatever GOD made us. So Fruit, veggies, meat and potatoes. And by potatoes, he didn't make the chipped kind so it counts those out!~ And no POP, what am I going to do??? Well no regular pop. I love regular COKE>>> I asked my dad where he was going today he said 7-11! I said get me a diet coke!!!! He is a good dad he brought me 2~ I love him so much!! He is the best!! What else can I have besides water? POWEADE ZERO! This is the best thing that Coke has ever invented! Contains the right about of electrolytes to replenish your system and yes, it has no CARBS!!! It comes in lots of yummy flavors, my fav is Grape Zero!

If anyone is interested in the plan, send me a message and I will share with you via e-mail.~

New Blogging~ and New Mangia!~

Well I have been wanting to do this for a long time but it seemed that I was working so much and then baking so much I didn't have time for the blog. Well I have it on the resolution list. Starting today we are doing a new blog with recipes and pics.!!! Maybe someday I will finish my COOKBOOK!~

So the new week will begin on Sundays. Sundays should be the day that you set your plan for the week and I will have some make a head meals to help you plan as well. Looking into some healthy desserts too. I will still have my holiday boxes too for those that want to give as gifts or enjoy eating it yourself.

You will notice I have a new background and header for my blog!!! Trying to stay up with the times!!!!

So Now the new Mangia!~ begins

Magnificent Mondays- This will be my favorites recipes from my favorite dinners

Soupy and/ or salad Tuesdays.- Soups, chowders and chilis or some amazing salad recipes

Wacky Wednesday.- Left overs from Sundays.... what if you didn't have any left overs? then this is what we call a pick me up. It is a PBJ day or Wendys or you are on your own! So I will post wonderful appetizer recipes this day!!!

Taco Thursdays- Mexican flare recipes

Holy Cow it is Friday, Thank goodness~!--- Pizza night.

Saturday...we do not cook on Saturdays... What should you do?? well you should have some left overs or take the time to take your loved one to dinner. I don't want to hear about no money issue either. There are lots of great deals and out there and you do not have to eat at the most expensive place ether. For the most part this is dinner at Wendy's after church! So I will make this the something sweet day!!! Desserts, cakes or cookies!!!

Sunday home cooked dinners---YUMish! --

Happy New Year~!

Mangia sano! ( eat healthy)

Kris

For the dieters on Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I am thankful for many things. Family and friends are at the top of my list. I am also thankful to everyone that has helped make Mangia!~ a success! Thanks for all your business! Here is a twist to all the postings I do with treats on them! This should help you stay on track today! Do you know that the average person consumes 4,000 calories today? Have a wonderful day!!!!

Smart Strategies for Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving from Mangia!~ Having a plan to help you avoid overdoing it at the dining table today is a good idea, but there's one strategy that's actually a recipe for failure: fasting before the big meal. Total deprivation leads to extreme hunger, cravings, and, inevitably, overeating at mealtime — Fortunately, there are better tactics you can use to sidestep overeating on Thanksgiving and throughout the year. Here are a few to keep in mind:

1. Eat healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. Enjoy full and nutritious –friendly meals at breakfast and lunch, opting for healthy foods like lean protein, wholesome veggies, nutrient-dense fruits and whole grains (on Phases 2 and 3), good fats from foods like nuts and extra-virgin olive oil, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. As always, don't forget to include your strategic mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. The trick is to continue eating as close to your normal schedule as possible so that you arrive at the holiday meal no hungrier than usual. With hunger pangs at bay, you'll be better able to pass up sugary and starchy carbs and bad fats (like butter) and choose friendly foods (like lean skinless turkey breast and plenty of vegetables) instead.

2. Engage in physical activity. Your appetite is suppressed immediately following exercise. Working in some exercise also helps keep blood sugar levels in the normal range, which curbs cravings. So take a brisk walk around your neighborhood before heading off to your holiday dinner or before your guests arrive.

3. Enlist help. A like-minded spouse, relative or friend can motivate you to stick with the lifestyle changes you've made during the holidays. He or she can be the friendly voice inside your head — or online or on the telephone — that reminds you to stay on course. At the very least, your "helper" can encourage you to get back on track should you stray

   4.Allow yourself a few indulgences. Go ahead and have a small slice of traditional pumpkin pie, a few pieces of dark chocolate, or whatever family favorite you look forward to during the holidays. you can — and should — enjoy the occasional treat. Just be sure to enjoy a small portion, savor every bite, and get back to following your meal plan first thing in the morning.

Countdown to TURKEY DAY

Well good day everyone, oh how I missed you! I thought the perfect way to get back to the blog is to chat about our upcoming fav holiday in the Brandi fam and that is Turkey Day!~
My mom is the most organized woman when it comes to planning a holiday gathering. She will start making her plans, for dinner at my sisters in a few days.....and everything I have learned was taught to me by who else? Mom!
So to those out there that maybe having their 'first' Thanksgiving Dinner or to those that want to get more organized. Here are some tips for you!
* NOW---- Let's think about how much space to you actually have. Do you have a double oven? Do you have a spare fridge in the basement or garage? Start planning your menu. How much can you make ahead? How much will have to stored? Are you cooking the turkey in the oven or on the Weber grill? We began cooking the turkey on the Weber grill because we had no more room in the oven. It turns out so nice and juicy! Now if you are cooking the turkey in the oven you have to choose recipes that will fit in the oven with the turkey and cook at the same temperature.
----If your guests ask what they can bring, answer very carefully. Where are you going to put it, while socializing? In the fridge that is full? Is the spare fridge full? Or maybe it will be cold enough to set outside or in the garage. If your fridge and oven will be full then let them bring dished you can heat or reheat in the microwave. Or have them bring something that can be brought in a crock-pot. Or better yet, have them bring the rolls from the bakery or fresh homemade bread!
---Let's start making the list of menu items. Note off to the side how long those specific dishes take to bake. What time should you put them in the oven. Keep this handy for Turkey Day also.
2 weeks before----Start shopping. Ok I know you think I am crazy however I of all people know what it is like in these stores the week prior. So please save yourself the hassle and please start shopping now. You can buy your non-perishable groceries this week. Buy the turkey this week. I am sure there are some deals. If not who really cares how much it cost for a little sanity? Also, pick up some extra storage containers and zip-loc baggies!
4 days before--- Start thawing your turkey. You have no clue how many people do buy in advance and try to thaw out the day of Thanksgiving. ALLOW 24 HOURS FOR EVERY 4 POUNDS. SO A 15-16 POUND TURKEY WILL TAKE 4 DAYS TO THAW IN THE FRIDGE!
3-2 days before--- Final shopping. Buy your veggies and perishables and anything you forgot. Remember the stores are open in the AM on Thanksgiving but seriously you should be organized. You can also set your table. Cover with a clean old sheet. Also, buy some extra carrots and celery and other items that you may need to make Turkey Noodle Soup! PS don't forget the garnishes, parsley or kale for a veggie tray, napkins or of course the Coca-Cola!
1 day before--- Make ahead day. Mashed potates, dressing, salad dressing, sides, desserts and breads. Check out my sample menu.
TURKEY DAY-- Double check your list. What time does the turkey have to go into the oven or grill? Prep your turkey and start your appetizers.
What is on the Brandi Menu for TURKEY DAY? -- this is our standard menu
Turkey of course on the Weber grill.
Dad's secret homemade Italian Dressing. I changed the name to Wop loaf. My grandma use to stuff the turkey with this dressing, however we make it in loaf pans as serve it sliced.
Mom's homemade dressing. She has put a little twist on it now and has added Italian Sausage and it is so yummy.
Make a head mashed potatoes.
Sweet Potatos
Corn Casserole (like corn bread)
Gravy
cranberries (for my mom yuck)
Salad with homemade Italian Dressing
NEW this year!~ HOMEMADE KIKI Bread... like GG bread!
Dessert--- My brother in law makes homemade pumpkin and pecan pie. I wonder if my friend Barb will make me a Lemon merigue pie since the whole family will be here this year!
I will make some truffles and I think I will make a Pumkin Roll.....
Need any other pointers let me know~

Summer 2011

Wow, I think SUMMER is finally here! Thank the Lord! I cannot believe I have not written anything on here since March! Wow! Time really does fly by! Well this is what I have been doing for the last 3 months! I was working out on the Caro route with my 'real' job since FEB 1st. On March 8th my mom fell and broke her hip. She is getting better everyday. However through tests they realized that her carotid artery was 80% blocked. During this same time my father went for a Doppler and his carotid artery was 90% blocked. Are you kidding me? Well waiting for test to get back and the doctors himming and hawwwing they schedule them. Both were within a week of each other. I was like what? How am I going to do this. But thanks to my sister and brother-in-law they have really been wonderful! My Nephew is mowing the lawn, which I love to do but there just is not enough hours in the day! Both my parents are doing wonderful... That is the great news. For two people with their age, they passed with flying colors! So thanks to everyone that prayed for them when they were going through their surgeries! In the mean time... I have had a few parties going on and I have some pics to post! I have a special surprise coming ... I just need something I do not have.... TIME! So we will maybe touch on that in then next posting! Here are some pics of some yummy treats that I have made!

1st Beef Roast

I had another busy weekend made some treats for a customer's open house and I attempted my first ever beef roast! It reminded me of Pepper steak! It was Ecardidious! It was fairly easy also! I am going to share the recipe...but I cannot find it! So here are the pics and I will post the recipe soon Mangia!~