Cooking & answering YOUR questions! | Vintage Recipe!!

[@suecarter1274]

I absolutely loved getting to know you better I had 2 Kitty brothers that I actually helped deliver from a rescued stray who birthed 9 kittens--all survived! Amoss lived to 13 and I lost Andy right before the pandemic shut down at 20 years and 4 months. They were my only family and I miss Andy especially terribly now. Both of them loved sweets and cats aren't even supposed to have any kind of sweet tooth whatsoever and both loved cheese. cheese is not what killed either one of them so if Gracie's 18 years old let her have cheese. My boys ate way more than you give her. The Secret to their long lives is lots of love a good vet and making sure they're eating quality food and getting plenty of water. You are my favorite youtubers

[@vbo9872]

We simply partially crush a small pile of Fritos in an individual serving bowl (cereal bowl size), pour heated Hormel chili w/no beans on top, and then top that with shredded cheddar cheese. Simple and easy and the kids love it.

[@Erin49694]

i’m from texas and for us frito pie is something a bit different. you get small bags of frito chips and cut open the side. then top it with chili (no beans), cheese, raw onion, jalapeños, and pretty much whatever else you want. When I think of frito pie I always think of the state fair or carnivals. it’s such a nostalgic treat!

[@saravannorman5347]

What you described is what we call “walking tacos”. My family mostly has it when we go camping. Great with a small bag of Doritos too. (I’m in NY state)

[@bethinbama]

My husband says that he used to get frito pie as a school lunch growing up in Texas.

[@Ciaransworld]

From California here. And that is the Frito pie I grew up with. Makes me crave one right now! I've also heard it called a walking taco.

[@electricpenguin32]

This is what we had at all my HS football games! 😊

[@ericarandall2692]

Love this video! Y’all are simply perfect together. ❤

[@katebell2557]

I had a '89 Buick Skyhawk hatchback with the flip up headlights! Oh the good ole days!

[@rosemarydoran9907]

My first car...1967 Oldsmobile Delta 88. It had it's own ZIP Code!! But the one and only new car I ever bought was a 1985 Pontiac Fiero that had the pop-up headlights. Several years later, when the car wasn't 100%, one of the lights wouldn't pop up so it "winked" sometimes!

[@bhallmark3390]

This was such a sweet video. I watched that video you linked where you talked about how you met. Very heartwarming story…❤️ As for frito pie, I remember it being a “thing” back in the 70’s when I was in college. I remember liking it, too. But I’ve never made it during my married life-44years! My husband likes spicy things, so I will have to ask him if he would like for me to make it for him sometime. I will have to use plant based “cheese” since he’s dairy free now, but I’m sure he will love it. Thanks Mr and Mrs Common Tater for a great video!

[@kimzeppelin5112]

How could anyone not recognize the commentator Stephen, you are absolutely unforgettable. Love watching you both!

[@susanchrist3730]

I love MrBallen for the strange, dark and mysterious. He is an amazing story teller

[@LisaEdgeman]

That looked good. When I make mine I use 1 can of chili w/ bean and 1 without beans, I use q package of hot dog's I just slice them up mix it together. Then just put some in a bowl an top with fries, cheese.

[@pattyrochlitz1680]

I was so happy to hear how you got Gracie Lou. My hubby and I got a kitty from an abusive home. He was so traumatized that it took 4 months to get him to come out from under the bed. We have had him for a year and a half, and he is still terrified of all other humans and all animals. I feel so bad for him, but he does think I am his mama, so he is with me all the time. He finally got close to my hubby at about the 1 year mark. So now he has a mommy and a daddy! We love him to the moon and back!

[@MandyintheMaking]

Awwwww thank you for sharing! So glad your kitty has a wonderful home now 💖

[@Gothlite-i1l]

Gracie is 18 years old so I'm not going to worry that the cheese is bad for her. Sheesh.

[@bsouthmama3010]

I know. Can’t believe some people are causing a stink over it. Smh. Like, she knows what’s best for her cat. Like u said, she’s 18.

[@RosemaryBrewington]

You

[@karigould3303]

My precious late husband was a walking encyclopedia. Our daughters and I made good use of his knowledge, too. Whenever we'd ask him something, he always knew the answer. We were riding home from work one evening and I asked him a question and he said he didn't know. I just knew that he had the information so I must have asked the question wrong. So I asked him again, rephrasing the question. Again, he said he didn't know. After a couple more times of rephrasing and asking, he turned to me and said, "Kari, what about 'I don't know' do you not understand?" He's been home with the Lord for many years now, but our daughters and I think of that often and laugh our butts off.

[@bruceeggleston6073]

Ahhhh, I knew there was something familiar about Steve. I am a retired software developer. I was a self taught programmer in the language called APL with stands for A Programming Language. Command functions are Greek Symbols, but it is the most powerful and mathematical language in the world. Took me 6 months to learn on a 360K memory computer. Later I worked 18 years for a Blue Cross Blue Shield company. I implemented a program in Jan. of 2000 that is STILL running nightly for 2 - 3 hours per night. Anyway, great to hear your line of work. I was never bored even 1 second of my 30 years of software programming. Loved my job and still miss it.

[@lauraspicks7114]

I think it's really great you and Stephen have the Q&A and you all joke around, as well as you showing off Miss Gracie Lou.(She's such a cutie, especially when she talks about the cheese, too cute)Thank you for the recipes.

[@beckyshreck9624]

Thank you both for making my day. I’m still laughing at Steve saying “don’t tell her she was on free shop”.

[@karenleemallonee684]

Also when he said, "I guess I'm just a 'common' tatter." lOl...too funny!!! 😆

[@Sylent35]

I love you guys! Your interactions show so much love between you. Oh, and Steven, Mr Ballen is awesome!

[@OZARKMOON1960]

It was so nice to hear how Gracie Lou came into your lives, especially now (9/23/24). As to Frito Pie - in West Texas we always put the corn chips on the bottom and the chili mix and cheese on top to soften the chips a bit. But to each their own.

[@cathyburns750]

Blessings to your precious little Robbie! Please Lord, make him comfortable. 🙏

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

Thank you, Cathy.

[@SeeMindyMom]

I know exactly the Honda you were talking about! My 1st car was a 1988 acura integra hatchback. It had 93K miles on it when I got it, and we called it the "tin can" because it rattled a little on the highway at high speeds. LOL!

[@quinnhen2325]

I LOVE Mr Ballen!!! A kid that helps me paint and does tall stuff for me, got me hooked!!

[@robertcooney8831]

I just found your channel and I am impressed with your talents and skills 👌

[@MandyintheMaking]

Thank you! ♥️

[@pattibentley7585]

You guys are too cute. I love the truthful down home style. You are a great couple together. Love your recipes. Gracie Lou is precious. I had Aunt LouLou as my fur baby. Keep up the great recipes. I'm trying the fritos pie. Catalina crunch makes a great snack, keto and no artificial ingredients. 🤗

[@MandyintheMaking]

Thank you Patti!

[@nymerias9383]

In New Mexico we do Frito pie different. We will use meat & beans etc. But we put new mexican red Chile, instead of Texas style chili. Also we make our own bowls, rather than putting in the oven. Also put lettuce tomato onions yumm.

[@youaintneverlied]

Steven is like Mr. Personality! Mandy I love your ad libbing when you cook.... man overboard!!!

[@jeaniewooten5894]

A great sense of humour and alot of JESUS is needed for a great marriage.

[@MichelleJohnson-ig5cg]

I can sympathize with you about your sweet JJ. I had a boy cat, Scout, that had the same thing and we had to let him go. My vet even cried with me as we said goodbye. You were SO right when you said it was very sad. 😿🌈

[@dkingston9946]

I love when Gracie Lou makes cameos in your videos because she looks so similar to my own 18 yr old Cat!! We had to say goodbye to her last October and it was so incredibly hard, I miss her everyday ❤ My girl was a cheese fanatic too!! 🥰 🧀

[@Gothlite-i1l]

Oh, our little Clawed was a cheese lover, too. And he lived to 18, as well. Who's to say that the cheese doesn't make them live longer?

[@jillr759]

Oh that hurts! I’m sorry.

[@elaineh7993]

You 2 are so cute! When my hubby and I argue, we usually just forget about it. Years ago I wouldn't talk to him for days! Now we just don't ever hold a grudge. We have been married coming up on 37 years. To much trouble to go through to stay mad! My first car was a 73 cougar. Guy magnet! My hubby says he's gonna buy me one but I'm to old (50"s) to want one now! Lol! I liked it when I was 18 and enjoying life! I still say Steven looks like a young mr. Edward's from little house on the prairie. He was my favorite actor on there!

[@hawkrose8403]

Also running cold water while you are standing near the sink cutting the onion also helps not to cry. YES. I drove a 1984 Honda PreLude! It had the Popup Headlights! My cat Molly is the equivalent to your Gracie!

[@avondalemama470]

I love Gracie Lou. We lost our Opie to the same thing as your JJ/Jay Jay. My husband absolutely sobbed. We all did. Gracie is precious. We have a Phoebe Lou. Enjoy you all so much.

[@janasnider]

My husband and I so love your videos and the honesty and humor you and Steven share. I see Jesus in you both and it is amazing.

[@charlottekearn5185]

Steven and I both like Mr. Ballen, I love those weird stories and he's the best storyteller. This was a great video, I love when people share their lives. I didn't realize that Gracie Lou was an older cat, I thought she was young.

[@lyssalove5081]

I also thought Gorgeous Miss Gracie Lou was just a young little chickadee as well! No wonder my Beautiful, Big Boy Tinkee, the Maine Coon kitty (who is almost 16), perks right up and takes notice of that beautiful Princess when he hears her sweet little meow, requesting “More Cheese Please, Miss Mandy!”. 😂😆 He’s got his eye on a Cougar! C’mon over Miss Gracie Lou, Tinkee would love to share his treats with you and he’ll let you have ALL the cheese if he can have the Whipped Cream or Frosting! 🐾💗🧀🧁💙🐾

[@lyssalove5081]

I thought Gorgeous Miss Gracie Lou was just a young little chickadee as well! No wonder my Beautiful, Big Boy Tinkee, the Maine Coon kitty (who is almost 16), perks right up and takes notice of that beautiful Princess when he hears her sweet little meow, requesting “More Cheese Please, Miss Mandy!”. 😂😆 He’s got his eye on a Cougar! C’mon over Miss Gracie Lou, Tinkee would love to share his treats with you and he’ll let you have ALL the cheese if he can have the Whipped Cream or Frosting! 🐾💗🧀🧁💙🐾

[@charlottekearn5185]

@@lyssalove5081 omgosh, I love Maine coons, my neighbor has one, it's a female so your guy is probably bigger.

[@Ocheri-77]

Hey Steven I’m with you. I really like watching Mr Ballen. Mandy I love to read. But my favorite thing to do right now is watch your family on utube. You have great recipes and you guys together is just to fun. Loving it!

[@JustMe-ub9yo]

Aww that hug ... been married 13 years and I only get those hugs when he's drunk.

[@kimallen9130]

So true been married for forever yes we argue and disagree since we married in 1989 but our love and respect laughter thru fun and crying thru tragedy has always got us stronger.

[@majo3423]

Our Texas frito pie is just this: put Fritos in your bowl, cover with chili, top with cheese❤

[@bonniekerr6890]

That’s the truth!

[@suejohnson3972]

I'm from Texas too!! I have to have onions as well! 😋

[@laurasmith2958]

And sour cream!!

[@ksacosta69]

As the lady stated below, a Frito pie to me is Fritos topped with regular chili and topped with cheese. I've never heard of it being made with the taco seasonings, although I'm sure its good that way also.

[@amomentwithmileva]

As a former direct seller I just have to ask Mandy why did you leave Mary Kay? you had a Cadillac I’m sure you worked your tail off. That’s amazing!

[@teresawilliams662]

Aww I am a huge Mr. Ballen fan. I watch his videos all the time. I just think he is such a good storyteller

[@debbiewoods4232]

I love to watch you and Steven together ❤️. So fun!

[@zullo3529]

I’ve never made frito pie. It looks pretty good. I’m sure Steven will love it once he adds his hot sauce! Lol. I loved the Q & A. You need to do more of them. It was good to see Cole. What is he doing now? 🌮🌮Thanks Mandy and Steven.

[@peggykey4408]

I have ten kitties and they’re all either rescues or strays I’ve taken in. My lap is prime real estate. I never have free space and usually have two or three at a time. I love The Gracie Show. 😂And I got a bowl cozy for Christmas!

[@charlottekearn5185]

I went back and looked at the video of you and Steven sharing how you met, I had to smile about the story but I had to come back and tell you how cute both of you were back then. Mandy, I totally understand when you said you came back smelling like fish from work but spotted Steven and thought he was so cute. He certainly WAS, but then again you were too.

[@marsha8622]

Enjoyed the Q&A. You two are so cute!! Frito pie, so different in the west US. Here it is basically a bag of Fritos, canned chili ( or hot dog chili), cheese, onion etc. Have never made a casserole dish like you did. It's individual bags or bowls and add your own toppings. Our kids use to have it in the school cafeteria lunch once a week.

[@deniseheninger5303]

Watching your video was like going down memory lane... I used to live in Flowery Branch, Georgia and shopped at the Food Lion in Oakwood. My husband and I met on a blind date. My husband is a computer programmer, and we have an almost 18-year-old cat. The Frito Pie looks delicious--I can't wait to make it.

[@andonmarshall2766]

❤️ your channel!! and what a awesome family 😌 and very good cooking what else can you ask for 😋 God bless 🙏 and keep doing what you are doing will always watch ☺️

[@e.wilson6428]

You two are the sweetest couple on youtube!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

This might be silly to some, but can y'all please pray for us. Our furbaby, Robbie is in his last days. Thank you in advance.

[@lisahoward1969]

Furbabies are so special in our lives..sending y'all prayers 🙏❤️

[@maryrusso-myers3497]

Prayers. It's never easy. 🙏🏼💗

[@MandyintheMaking]

I'm so sorry 😔

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@@lisahoward1969 thank you, Lisa.

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@@maryrusso-myers3497 thank you, Mary.

[@debsa-nonymous]

my boys always got a taste of cheese and there was no reaction. I'm lactose intolerant myself so I only keep hard cheese and evaporated milk for cooking and since I don't have reactions ... Gracie-Lou deserves her treat and, as her momma, you know her best!

[@theresapittman205]

I love Mr Ballen. I love his “Like Button” options.

[@lisahoward1969]

I love the information you share about your life so we can get to know y'all better. Y'all are so sweet and genuine 💕 I will be giving that frito pie a try soon.

[@toastedmarshmallowkitchen7911]

Your q&a videos are so much fun to watch!

[@florencetatro7922]

Pink Cadillac...... Mandy you got that song stuck in my head!!!!

[@mickiebuckner5545]

I had a 1986 Honda Accord with the pop-up headlights too. It was a great vehicle.

[@sherrywilliams409]

That was a very fun q&a. You guys are great together. You feed off one another. And you both are natural in front of the camera! And this ain’t yo mama! Lol That frito pie looks soooo good. And it’s easy. I like that. I have been thinking of ways to spend a little more time with one of my sons. So, I’m going to start cooking lunch for him some. That way when he takes his lunch hour from his job he can come here to eat and save money from eating out. Thanks for helping me with my first recipe for that! I do have two other sons but they work too far from me to drive in an hour and eat and get back. So I’ll have to think of something else for them which involves cooking. Mandy, you remind me of someone. You are very familiar to me for some reason. Seriously, your mannerisms and everything about you is so very familiar!

[@Scott65J]

I rarely have a prob w onions, but there have a few times I literally had to leave the kitchen...yowza...I usually peel the onion under running water

[@cherylynn927]

Also refrigerate the onion before cutting, 🙂

[@rhondawillhite9418]

Miss Gracie Lou is/was the same age as my Tippy was last Nov. I lost her in Nov. Never could figure out exactly what was wrong other than possibility some kind of grown/polyp in her nasal area. Glad you still have her and she appears to be in great health. Hope you have her for a long time to come.

[@lissahammond2249]

This was a fun video. I didn't want it to end! ❤️

[@scrapstampcreate]

I live in Texas so I know about frito pie. I've never had it baked. Just top the fritos with chili, cheese, and whatever else you like.

[@aprilhampton6298]

I made a bunch of bowl cozies for Christmas presents with matching aprons and oven mitts one year.

[@shannonwagner1131]

Hey, today we made this. I used Doritos lots of crumbs. It was excellent. My husband does not like tacos because I used to always fix at least once a week. I told him when I was in nursing school, worked, and the kids were small it was the easiest thing to fix. It was also a pleaser for everyone. Honestly my husband enjoyed this. So much he went back for seconds. Thank you for sharing. For dessert we had cola chocolate cake. Yum

[@kymblackburn7734]

I am so glad that you shared the cookies. I can't have carbs or sugar. I can't wait to try them. Your family is the best ❤

[@Rynn74]

Mandy, Another great way to make Frito Pie is get a can of your favorite chili add diced onions to it once it is warmed up to your liking put it into a bowl with some Frito's and we use the chili cheese ones and add the chili that is warmed up and add cheese then we add a bit of jalapenos and sour cream. Our little Spaz loves her cheese too.

[@swatson19821]

Thank you for this video Mandy and Steven. It's so nice to see you guys have fun and laugh. It was wonderful how you explained what you do when you disagree. My husband and I have been married just shy of 7 years and we are the same. Separate until we cool down and then talk about it. We never yell and we do not argue at all if possible. It's just not worth it for most "issues". And P.S. for Steven. You have great KZbin taste. I ❤ Mr. Ballen!

[@jenninedorman4830]

Love Mr.Ballen!! He is a great story teller!XOXO

[@dorothyrowzee3622]

My recipe is corn chips on bottom of baking dish, top with 2 cans of chili with beans, then cover with grated cheese baked till heated through and cheese melted quick and good

[@carriew1625]

Oh you guys totally brightened my day! Love your recipes and love the laughs. Thank you!!

[@kathyleners600]

GETTING THE COZY BOWL HOLDERS ! Great Video Guys !

[@lilapacheco4826]

We eat Frito Pies all the time. We make our pinto beans in the crackpot over night and make red chile in the morning and have them for breakfast! I love your videos. THANK YOU!

[@denniswilson8645]

Thank you for all of your yummy recipes. I made the recipe using kalbisas, onions. Green pepper. With chili sauce pineapple and Brown sugar. Oh my word it is so delicious. I did cook it for 6 hours on low. This is going on my rotation. My hubby loved it!

[@justjennifer8448]

Good afternoon Mandy. 😊 I haven’t even finished watching yet but I just wanted to see if you could check the link for the Catalina Cookies? It isn’t a clickable link on my end. I don’t want you to miss out on anyone buying through your link! Have a blessed day!

[@Kelly-tv8lu]

I love Mr Ballen!! I watch him all the time… he is on my iPad every night, I fall asleep to his stories, he it awesome at telling them! I loved this one with you 2 tonight, nice to get to know each of you better :)😊❤

[@jennifervey2435]

I had a Nissan Pulsar that had those pop up headlights! I loved them!

[@B2wm0m]

Went back and watched the video on how you met. Such sweet stories. Thank you for sharing. 🥰

[@debsa-nonymous]

Mandy, do you know the trick about lighting a candle right beside where you're peeling/chopping onions? It. Works. I have a little votive candle I keep on a steel spoon holder on the stove. I pull it over to the cutting board, light it, then start. I have chopped a crockpot FULL of onions with no reaction doing this! That's how I caramelize my onions ;)

[@MSVlogSupport]

I found your channel a few months ago and I just adore you and your family! Been making several of your recipes and love them. You guys always make me smile and now I'm going through all your videos ❤❤

[@mandalynn4571]

About a year ago me and my husband had been out with family when my sister in law was telling us about a story she heard I was so into the story I asked her where she got it from she said Mr Ballen and now I to watch him and your right he has some interesting and amazing stories.. I love Frito pies that takes me back to my highschool days of going to Sonic and ordering a Frito pie .. I had Frito pie with just basic chili with corn chips on the bottom chili on top and then cheese. I plan on trying your version of it.. Thanks for sharing this I can't wait to try it..

[@nacolecasey]

Y’all are adorable. We first fell in love with you and your food, then we fell in love with y’all.

[@torril4904]

My #1 Vlog! I feel like I'm there with you guys. Thanks for making me laugh 🥰

[@sueellenb8353]

LOVE Mr Ballen!! And Reading!! I just knew yall were cool!!

[@lynnbarnickle9018]

I love that you pray and love the lord and are not ashamed of it there is still hope in this world

[@kimberlyoliveri5878]

I so enjoyed your video! I had no idea that Gracie was that old! My fur puppy is 14 and still as energetic as ever. Mandy, I look so forward to all that you post. I've tried and enjoyed many of your recipes. I have to give a shout out to Steven for his enjoyment of Mr.Ballen and Mark Wiens - two of my favorites!

[@susanberry3676]

Different way or should I say .. yummy way to make Frito pie 😊 I open a can of Turkey chili, warm it and add to bowl with fritos Loved the question and answers

[@sandramena3234]

Refrigerate your onions and it will help tremendously!!!!

[@irispieper7027]

I am 65 and from Tx, my mom has been making this all my life our's is a little different but still all good

[@imperfectangel6293]

We make Frito pie by simple can or mild wolf band no bean Chile and cheese with corn chips. We make a simple enchilada dish use if wolf beans Chile with frozen taquitos and cheese of choice. Yummmm

[@debbied3116]

Love the Q & A's...some of them are to funny! Thanks for sharing!

[@donnakayerock4581]

You are terrific with your recipes. I love to see you and your husband, Steve and your Son. And I LOVE Gracie Lou too; how sweet. Keep up the great work. I am going to try the crescent Rolls and Frito Pie etc.

[@pamyacuzzo6614]

You are always the best! My favorite! The whole family! I am an old girl, and I have never had Frito pie. This Mama is gonna have some shortly. Looks wonderful. Thank you for the question and answer segment, loved it!

[@kathyclayton4318]

Mandy you mentioned you like to do jigsaw puzzles…..have you ever seen the Quordle jigsaw puzzles. The pieces are very unique in that they aren’t the usual shape that you find in jigsaw puzzles. Many of the puzzle pieces are animal-shapes….the puzzles are made from wood and they are not easy. We only have a few of them….. one is a parrot, another is a sea turtle and my favorite is the Noah’s Ark puzzle. We ordered them on line. I love your videos and look forward to a new one showing up. Thanks for sharing your lives with all of us!

[@ameliasarno1210]

Oh my gosh I love the car stories. I had a Nissan with the pop up headlights!!! My first car was a Volkswagen bug that had rotted floor boards, that my dad fixed and the heat never turned off. I loved that bug tho!! Hahaha you forget you are famous!!

[@janetdwyer1867]

What amazing couple.

[@wendyhatt2886]

Like Steven, I go down the KZbin rabbit hole on the daily. I watch Mr Ballen too. A lot of true crime for me. Of course, Mandy in the Making. Thank you for making me a better cook! Love watching you guys!

[@aprillove5415]

Hi Mandy!! I would like to thank you for the link for the cookies. I am diabetic and I follow a low carb diet. Not only did I order the variety pack of cookies, I also ordered the variety pack of cereal. Btw, I am still getting my Butcher Box every month. 😊❤

[@cherieducotebreaux3804]

I bought a cheese shredder similar to yours and I love it. My cheese tastes better and melts better. Thanks for sharing all you do. I made the Mac and cheese last weekend and there was none left!!

[@TupAware]

Steven. I'm in California. Just wanted to let you know being the mover-on-call when you own a truck is not only a southern thing. I did a lot of full house moves to picking up random beds and sofas for friends when I had mine.

[@lynnemcfadden1278]

Mandy, thank you so much for the discount on the Catalina Crunch cookies. I ordered a case of the lemon creme. Looking forward to trying them.

[@kayburris8464]

Great Q&A... you guys are so much fun!! Looked delicious.

[@ElsaWabakken]

I’m watching you now on utube and you are making one of the vintage recipes. The pineapple casserole. I’ve heard of it but sounds delish. I’m definitely making this!