Cozy Up with These 3 Must-Try Fall CASSEROLES!

[@melissamartin632]

I'm glad you guys are safe and ok

[@joannemacgillivray8196]

Oh my gosh Mandy...talking about Gracie Lou, brought back so many memories of our little westi poo. Her name was Lacy Jane. We got her from a puppy, she was my little girl. She was 15yrs old when we had to let her gain her wings 2 yrs ago this November. Like you, we had her cremated and brought back home. We keep her in our bedroom along with her favorite red ball and her fancy coat that she loved to wear. When the coat came out, she knew she was going somewhere...lol. She is missed dearly everyday, but knowing she is here with us brings such a comfort and our house feels like home again. Bless you and your family as you try and move on from here. She was one very lucky little kitty to get all the love and "cheese" any kitty would ever want or need!!! Hugs from Canada!!!

[@memegirl3255]

I have a Kali Jean wall in memory of my pup who passed in 2020. Look at it every day! With all the love and years Gracie Lou gave you, missing her and memorializing her is perfectly natural!

[@stephanie2]

I'm so happy Gracie Lou is back home with you. I miss seeing you talk to Gracie in the kitchen and her coming in the kitchen to get cheese❤️🙏🤗

[@MandyintheMaking]

I miss her so much it physically hurts 😭

[@marymasiakowski5042]

​@@MandyintheMaking hugs ❤

[@floralnut10]

So happy Gracie Lou is home with you. It's not weird, it's your love for her.❤

[@MandyintheMaking]

She belongs here with me ❤️

[@denniscunningham1647]

Having Gracie Lou wit you in the box IS NOT ODD !! Our Bailey is in her box on top of the mantle in our family room. Every time we use the fireplace, she is there. It reminds my wife of the comfort our family felt watching TV and sitting by the fire while Bailey (she was 13) sat with us ! You wouldn't be human if you didn't get emotional !! Prayers and hugs, Many and Steven Love you guys !!

[@robinbarton7581]

Mandy don’t be sorry! You do what you need to do! I have lost many fur babies and I know the pain!

[@FraziersMommy]

Fur baby parents, we all get it Mandy. I lost my Frazier 18 months ago. I felt not so alone after I finally laid him to rest. He's right here by me all the time. 🐶 🐾 ❤ blessings 🙏

[@patriotchic3364]

Oh Mandy Hun, you put Gracie Lou ANYWHERE YOU WANT I lost my Hope last year and my Rusty this March. Like you i had my Babies cremated and even got their footprints. I have both their boxes and prints on my dresser now but they started on my nightstand or anywhere i needed them to be. I even snuggled with their blankets for a bit because it had their scents on them. If anyone calls me crazy...let them. I have lost 21 family and friends since 2010 so any haters can pound sand. I can tell you this..the pain of loss doent end, whether it be for flesh or fur, but i found the more i think about all the love we shared the pain seemed to lessen and my heart healed more. Your sharing of your Sweet Gracie Lou with all of us helped my heart heal too so thank you for sharing her with us. Everyone grieves in their own way and we love you and want you to ease your pain any way you need. Put Gracie Lou next to the camera in the cupboard so she can be in your videos supervising you and making sure you put enough cheese in every meal. Still praying for ya. Sending big hugs to all of you. 🤗💖🙏🐈🌈💖

[@JeanStinnett]

So happy to have Gracie Lou back home and in the kitchen with mom. Absolutely nothing strange about that, we all loved her and miss her greatly.

[@amyrockenbach5668]

It makes perfect sense to have Gracie in the kitchen while you cook... can't imagine her anywhere else. Welcome back home Gracie girl.

[@MarjKiehlbauch]

You never need to explain your feelings. What is comforting to you is what you do. ❤😊

[@lilianstamand2755]

Oh Mandy, how you are feeling about having Gracie back is not odd. My little girl crossed the rainbow bridge this summer and I had that same feeling when we brought her home in a little box very similar to Gracie’s…felling your loss and pain.❤

[@tammytanner3663]

My daughter said that you need to get another Kitty. She said you have to go to the shelter and get one. My Allison has CP and she is 34 years old, but in her mind she is only 5-10 years old. She misses seeing Gracie. We lost our kitty a year ago August. It took us until this past February and now we have a new kitty. He is a orange kitty named Roni. (like macaroni). Blessing you you and your family and I am so glad that the hurricane's didn't harm you and your family

[@MandyintheMaking]

Please give your Allison a big hug from us! 😘

[@tammytanner3663]

@@MandyintheMaking I sure will.

[@swaymyway6631]

It takes time to be ready again. My 21 year old cat died in May. Your daughter seems like a sweetheart. I'm sure most of us miss seeing Gracie.

[@laurenprada3335]

I’m so so sorry for your loss. But I agree one of the best ways to honor our fur baby that has passed and to help our heart heal is to rescue another in their honor ❤️

[@LindaMZH65]

Your daughter is not wrong. Nothing like adopting a new cat to give all that leftover love you have for the fur baby that crossed the Rainbow Bridge. 😘

[@tinashort9098]

I love yall so much. I had my husbands cremanes for about 6 months. I have a necklace with a tiny bit of his ashes in it. I recently wore it to my grandson’s graduation from basic training so his Papa could be there. When my father in law passed away I put my husband’s urn in his casket. It’s what we decided to do a few months before my husband passed. He loved his Dad so much and I wanted him to be happy. I’ll be buried next to them when the Lord calls me home. God bless y’all and sweet Gracie is right where she would want to be❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@bonniepwtf]

❤❤❤❤

[@MandyintheMaking]

Not me over here crying 😭 Sending you my love Tina

[@tinashort9098]

@@MandyintheMaking oh sweet girl!! I’ve cried over every video you’ve made since sweet Gracie passed. The sadness in your eyes tells the whole story! God will get you through each day and heal your precious heart❤️❤️. May He wrap you in His never ending, all consuming love!❤️ I hope

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@@tinashort9098 we're continuing to pray for you, sweet friend. Hope you're doing well this lovely afternoon.

[@Stacy-pz9rr]

That’s a beautiful way to honor them both Much ❤ from TX

[@darlenebrown7828]

Hello Mandy and family. So glad you're back. Thank God you guys are safe. Praying for all Southers who were affected by this dangerous storms. Keep the videos coming ❤😊

[@rainamorrow5153]

Glad to see you back in the kitchen still keeping you & your family in my prayers

[@MandyintheMaking]

Thanks so much, Raina!

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

Aw, honey, Gracie Lou will always be with you watching & waiting for her morsel of cheese🥰

[@dianaw.571]

So happy to see you back in the kitchen. Feel free to do or talk about what brings you comfort. We all need to grieve in whatever way helps us. I'd like to try the chili mac with quinoa pasta to increase the protein and reduce carbs🙂

[@callingjc]

Our Bear Levi passed two years ago this coming December. I am staring at his "little precious box" as we speak while watching you. As strange as it may seem, it will give you great comfort to have her there with you. I'm so happy that she's home with you.

[@lisahoward1969]

Aww, now I got all teary eyed seeing sweet Gracie Lou ❤

[@DarrenMcIvor-p9p]

God bless Miss Gracie Lou, she can sit anywhere she wants as long as she brings you comfort. ❤

[@lindaedison4070]

It's definitely NOT weird. I cried my eyes out when we got our dogs, Jake and Dixie back. Yes, it's good to bring them home again. I'm so glad you got her home.

[@NancyStinger-ll6wt]

Grief is all the love in your heart ♥️ I always get so hungry when I watch your videos . I’m glad you were spared major damage from the hurricane. My brother lives in Sarasota and I’m waiting to hear from him 🙏🏼

[@Linda-eb3kn]

Wish I could do mire to help others but when your on S.S. you don't have anything to spare but you and your family bring me comfort. Husband has congestive heart failure (we been married 46 years) and every little bit of happiness means a lot!

[@DragonQueenx1]

Hello Miss Linda, God hears Prayers and knows when they come from a sincere heart. May God bless you and your husband, sweetie.

[@chelseacraft4669]

Perfect timing! Gonna make one tonight & put the leftovers in the freezer. You’ve been going thru difficult days with pizzazz & class. You’re a great example for the rest of us. Keep up the good work. ☮️ Blessings!

[@ManualWarz]

Mandy, I feel you. I lost my love, Peanut, on Sept. 19. I understand the "having them home" feeling. I am going through this with you at the same time and I'm hugging you! I was a mess when I didn't have him home. I was comforted knowing he was home when I got his urn and footprint. He sits right in front of me on my TV stand. I still sleep with his blanket. I miss him terribly. It isn't weird or crazy to have them wherever you are. *Hugs*

[@DonnaWhitmire-g5o]

I feel you, only difference is mine is my mom’s and husband who were cremated are in my kitchen

[@PeggyKelley-c8j]

Sweetie I have cried right along with you many many times and still do here and there, I loved that Gradma Cat I had one very much like her years ago and she was a hot mess. I loved her dearly so please never apologize for your feelngs for Gracie Lou, or anyone in your family or another that is on your heart, because that is when God is tugging on us many many times. You and your family are such a blessing to so many of us as well. Love you guys

[@lb1460]

My heart goes out to you. May you find comfort, rest and healing over your loss of Gracie Lou. She was so loved. I am so thankful you all were kept safe from the huricanes. Prayers for all.❤🙏

[@colleenbeamer6403]

All of these look delicious and I will definitely be trying them! 😊 I didn't think it was weird to have Gracie Lou with you while you were cooking! I know from experience that having your fur baby's remains close, it brings you comfort. ❤❤

[@barbiebrannam233]

Boy that last one has got me really pumped with the look on your faces and the excitement in your reviews!!!😊❤

[@tinayoung5234]

So glad you guys are alright. I enjoyed all the food you make. What I love most is when you and Steven bring on the comedy. GOD bless your channel for years to come 😊❤

[@lindafouse7059]

So sorry for your loss, Glad your back love your videos.

[@lisag7949]

You back love to you and you'r family God bless🙏

[@tiffanythompson6135]

I love gracie lou is back home. I love your channel.

[@schanistrobusch6638]

We just lost our special big orange cat Kevin yesterday. He will be returned to us too. When he comes home, we will honor him on a special shelf in our bedroom. You are not strange. Don't apologize for loving a fur family member! 💗

[@Stacy-pz9rr]

It’s so hard loosing our fur babies, and we have 3 that have a special shelf with a picture and their collar hooked in the front of their urn . I don’t think it’s weird either, it’s how we honor the ones we love . Sorry for your loss ❤fromTX

[@janetatkinson9023]

Always love the videos Mandy, Peace and Love from Georgia❤

[@carriew1625]

Not odd!!! You do you!!

[@lisalisa107]

I never knew cats liked cheese until Gracie Lou. I give my cat Marcel cheese in her honor. ❤ Glad you are back!

[@lindseyvermillion858]

I was so glad when both of my babies came back home in their boxes…it just put my mind at ease…both of mine are on my mantle with their pictures on the front… We all miss Gracie Lou…

[@lisarussell1521]

I learned to make this while living in Texas, long, long ago😅. We always used tortilla chips instead of tortillas.

[@deborahdaniels9163]

❤ so happy yall are back

[@brendarigdonsbrensden.8350]

Oh Mandy I have never made it out the office before i was a puddled up mess. Sadie and Rusty are in compostable burlap bags with wild flower seeds and Bella is in a beautiful box is a velvet bag like your Gracie lou. I can’t bring myself to bury my fur babies but Bella will get buried with my husband because he loved his white fluffy kitty. Tis the season for belly warmers.❤️🙏🏻👍🏼

[@carolnelsongerontologist]

All of my fur babies are with me and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I lost my youngest daughter 2 years ago and her husband had her cremated he gave me some of her ashes to bring with me to SC so she would be with me. As a Gerontologist and Grief Counselor, we need to do what is best for each of us. No one grieved the same. You do what is best for you. You will know when is the right time to get another kitty. Gracie will let you know and will guide you❤️❤️❤️

[@stephencrist193]

Do yourself a HUGE favor and top that Chili Mac with some Fritos 😊

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

Or crispy fried onions/ jalapeños.

[@lorribondurant9217]

And sour cream

[@grammyb5216]

Mandy Lou, you’re the BEST! We Love y’all so much in Texas. Thank you all. King Ranch Chicken is the BOMB. I’ve been making it for as long as I can remember. Isn’t it wonderful?

[@lostribe5130]

King Ranch chicken casserole is the best. I put tostada broken chips standing up on top instead of fold it in because I like them crisp.

[@zoyedivine3097]

That King Ranch Chicken Casserole makes a great pot luck dish for church dinners. I make it just about every time we have a potluck at church and never bring anything home.

[@gwenmiller1198]

So glad to see you getting back to normal. Things have really been spinning for you lately but y'all have come through like champs.

[@nitachance4238]

Whoever suggested your spurtle was a boat paddle must have a mighty little boat! Can’t wait to make these dishes. So sorry about Gracie; our sweet babies bless our lives so much. Wishing you well as you continue to recover from Helene.

[@lauraharlow1749]

Glad you are able to post a video this week! Praises! 😊❤ These all sound delicious! You will know the best place for sweet Gracie ... she will live in all our hearts forever 😊❤ ... And, NO, it is not odd ... I have five little boxes on my mantel now and I am comforted with them all near me.

[@karenswidzinski6071]

We love King's Ranch Casserole! I learned to make it over 40 years ago when we were living in Texas.

[@SimplySherryYT]

A little Gracie miss her when you have cheese in a recipe I know how you feel i lost my 2 dogs and my cat in less the 3 years it's rough they are all buried under our apple tree where we used to spend afternoons in the summers on the hammock and it feels good to have them home for sure. Recipes look so yummy perfect autumn meals

[@ronlachance7696]

My Gracie is in my office with me. I am so glad you all got through the hurricane

[@karendaniels565]

I think of Gracie every time I here the word cheese

[@bonniepwtf]

Same for me🧀

[@maileiakealoha5775]

I'm so sorry for your loss, I don't know what id do if I lost my baby Oscar he is my baby love, you are handling this with amazing grace. You and your family are in my prayers.

[@heather2493]

Mandy… I’m so shattered for your loss of Gracie… I understand, I lost my sweet Boots after 19 years… I also lost my husband to cancer less than a year after I lost Boots. Dang it, why does God hate me? So here we go 3 years later…. And I’m crying because Gracie is not there begging for cheese. Dang it. My condolences to you my precious girl (and family) on your loss. If heaven is real, my husband, my Boots and your Gracie are waiting for us ❤

[@MandyintheMaking]

I'm so sorry for your losses, Heather 😭

[@missykoval3950]

Thanks for the new video!! Glad ya'll are back and safe❤❤

[@loriwilkes500]

Love watching your videos!!! The Love you 2 share is a beautiful thing to watch . Keep sharing recipes have tried quite a few. Delicious!!!

[@tammybabcock4802]

Good evening Mandy and Steven and thank you for sharing your yummy meals

[@Dolce_Far_Niente]

Thanks for sharing these casserole dinners. They look yumm 😋 Have a wonderful weekend.

[@laurakrajnikburick2731]

That king ranch chicken casserole would be even better if y'all added bacon. ❤😂 My precious dog, Hunter, is in an almost exact same cremation container. He was always by my side. Now he still is. You can keep Gracie wherever you please, no one will think it odd, she's family.

[@corvettesbme]

Love chili mac!

[@tammydownes2413]

The last one looked amazing!! Anything with cheese and chicken, had my vote. It needed some Mexican corn bread lol.

[@karendaniels565]

I Miss u talking to Gracie in the kitchen and her sweet meow

[@CoryRidner]

Steven's weight loss is getting noticeable ... my boy is lookin' good ! 💪

[@marydavenport8515]

Everything looks delicious!!

[@stephaniepaul3885]

I would love for my husband to have the reaction Steven has when I cook. 😂

[@reginajohnson9646]

Having Gracie Lou in the kitchen is not strange at all to me. Cheese is going to take awhile for me too to get easier with ❤. I am looking forward to trying the king ranch chicken casserole. We had a version in home-ec we made. That has been many moons ago lol.

[@wandaking4229]

That last one would be great with a little corn added to it.

[@susanberry3676]

These all look delicious but my favorite it King Ranch casserole 😊

[@lisahoward1969]

These recipes look so inviting 😋 Can't wait to make them.

[@ValerieDaniels-Rossi]

Is it me or is Steven seeming to be sweeter to you than usual? I can tell he is trying to comfort you with all that has been going on. God bless from Massachusetts

[@marthaholcomb8148]

I can't believe you have never tasted King Ranch Casserole. It's delicious! ❤❤❤🎉

[@patbuegeler7770]

❤❤❤

[@pamelathompson-zq5jo]

God bless you and Gracie. Put a little cheese out for her in memorial

[@stefaniebellano9707]

Gracie May is in the same wood urn as my boy JJ. (Jessie James). Hugs to you and your family.

[@rosalindablancarte9923]

Glad to hear you're all okay

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

As you step out today…may angels lead you, may peace accompany you, may grace go before you, may love and light surround you, may kindness spread from you, may goodness and love follow you, may lessons teach you, may family support you, may friends encourage you, may God protect and bless you, and may your day be filled with love, peace and joy. Amen.

[@tammyvanmeter4669]

Your son should be the 'Comme 23:29 ntater-tot' 😂

[@christeenprice5637]

Awesome video, thanks Y’all,love you ❤️❤️

[@UghUgh1234]

So much bell pepper is being left on the tops! After you cut the top off, just pop off the stem. Then whole pepper will be used! :)

[@Nova.1]

Im so glad your back. Hope you're settling into "new" normal. I'll never watch your channel that i dont think about Gracie Lou when you get the cheese out. How can i love a cat so much that I've never even met? I guess im just that big of a cat lover. I feel your hurt. I had my beloved cat Holly for over 20 years. She died 7 yrs ago, and i dont think a day goes by that i dont think about her. 7 years later, her picture is still on my fridge. I guess Gracie Lou has gone to meet my holly over the rainbow bridge. ❤❤❤

[@lorriew8627]

Hi Mandy, Thank you for the warm recipes.. And you are not strange...Gracie was a family member...and a you tube sensation...when I pass..the family will find 7 boxes like yours..Abedago.. kibo..franny..Gracie.. Lucybug..Ozzie..and Bingo.. All rescue dogs..we currently have talkeetna..and duffy.... Nine rescue dogs in our married life. .everytime one passes..I think..my breaking heart can't handle it again...I somehow think..but..my heart hurts harder when I know there's dogs in need...so...don't mind what others think.. Bless you and your family...❤❤

[@karleedu]

These all look really good, except my tummy doesn't like tomato so I add cream cheese. It really mellows out the tomato. You were talking about the garlic roller. I love mine! Thanks Mandy and Common Tater!

[@ms.princesskei1681]

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@larrydraper4451]

So glad to see yall back in the kitchen. I knew Stephen was out of it cause he didn't add any jalapenos to anything! The King Ranch Chicken is very similar to what my Mom just called Hot Chicken. Difference is sour cream instead of soup, diced pickled jalapenos with some juice from the jar, and shredded chicken. She didn't add bell peppers but I will add that next time I make it cause I love bell peppers, thank you for the suggestion. Yes teacher, I'm learning from you. 🍎

[@andreasmith5490]

Did you know that you can precook long grain rice, then dehydrate it, it becomes minute rice? Put it in mason jars, put a oxygen absorber in it,then take the air out. Will keep quite a long time!

[@JDubyafoto]

I don't think keeping Gracie Lou on a shelf is odd at all! I've got a yellow lab on my hearth (and in my heart) and it gives me comfort.

[@bonniepwtf]

Sweet Mandy💟💟💟💟

[@acdallas6356]

Having Gracie Lou with you is not odd to me. My husband died two years ago and I have his ashes here with me at my apt where I can see him and think of him anytime. When my time comes, I will be donated to Southwestern Medical School here in Dallas to be used to train new doctors. When they're done, they will cremate me and I will be placed in their cemetery along with my husband's ashes. Many people consider this a strange choice, but I believe it is a useful way to be disposed of, a necessity for all of us.

[@cathielamson4616]

Hurricane Helene survivor here too…about 30 miles from y’all. Glad you are okay.

[@sharongarverick4163]

I would add some olives to that. I think that would take it over the top.

[@dhnjh65]

Oh no… oh you did? You had Gracie come home? My sweet Lucky (25 year old tuxedo and my best friend for as many years) is at his end of life. I lost my job at TD bank when they closed my branch on Sept 20th. I’m so glad I can be home with him every day until he passes. I already know I can’t do it. I can’t tell the vet I want his ashes back. I just can’t do it. To me it’s morbid. I know that’s not how a lot of people think but I just can’t do it. My heart is breaking. I spend every waking moment checking on him. He’s close. I’m sooo sad.

[@patsyguthrie8520]

I enjoyed this video I am definitely going to make the chicken and possibly the one with ground beef the other one with the rice looked good but my family doesn't like dishes with rice but thank you for this video

[@catwoman4580]

I miss your kitty ❤

[@katigrace25]

Oh Mandy! I don’t think it’s odd at all to be keeping Gracie with you. I just told Jess this, but I started watching you both about 4 years ago while I was living two states away from my family. I never would have expected that two southern ladies cooking dinner would’ve brought me so much comfort. I really do appreciate you and Jess so much and hope you’re doing okay this week!

[@joannewilmot9045]

Hi Mandy

[@debslinker8718]

It may be too soon but I do hope that you will get another kitty. Gracie was one of a kind so she can't be replaced but I really enjoyed seeing her and I am not even a cat person.

[@robetpeery9084]

Hi Mandy I know you are still heart broken over Gracey but do you think you will get another kitty cat. love you and your family and glad you are safe. 😊

[@ionafisher3730]

Hello Mandy you do you my sister lost her furbaby she had her cremated too❤❤