Amanda's got herself a hobby

So, you might have noticed I have mentioned a charity that I am working with a few times on twitter. If you haven't noticed... screw you man, my tweets are serious business.
 Here is a little back story:
I met Lauren and Mark Teahen early this year through friends and they introduced me to Chrysalis. Good story, right? All joking aside, it's a great organization that helps people get out of abusive situations. They have so many resources and outlets for these families to rehabilitate them and secure their independence and safety. After talking with some of the people there I knew I wanted to help out some way.. so here I am keeping myself busy and helping people in our new community.
One thing that I am especially excited about is helping the shelter plan their charity event. Two days of drinking, eating, golfing with local athletes, and bidding on auction items... sounds like a fun time to me!
I will probably mention it a few more times as the planning continues, but that's just because I want all you guys to get involved with me.
I would love for you guys to donate, attend the events with me and Brandon, bid on items, or just get read along. :)


So, that's everything. Unless you want me to go on and on and on about various cleanses, workouts and gluten free foods I am eating :) no? not now? Ok, I will save that for another post (since my husband as banned me from cleanse talk on twitter)

Amanda
 

Attempting to get better at this! Spaghetti squash casserole (spicy)

So I made this dish a few nights ago for a few baseball wives while we drank wine and watched the game.. Now, I am not sure if it was the wine or that the Dbacks won the game, but we were all in agreement that this was delish.
Now, I kinda just made this up after watching a youtube video teaching me how to prepare the squash. So, I think this is just the bones, ya'll could really change this how you like.

Preheat oven to 375

*Cut the squash vertical (long ways) and place it flesh side down on a baking dish
*Fill the dish with water about a knuckle deep (this is obviously very scientific)
* Cover the squash with foil and stick it in the oven for about 45 mins, after 45 mins stick a skewer in the squash and when it goes in the skin easily it is done
* Flip over the squash and continue to cook for about 15 mins without the foil
 *Depending on your squash size or your love of onions and garlic I would suggest ranging from a half of an onion to the full onion, and 1-3 cloves of garlic.
*Saute onions and garlic in a bit of EVOO
*Use a peeler (the one that makes the noodle strips) and peel a zucchini and place it in a bowl with the onions and garlic
* Once the squash is cool to touch gently spoon out the seeds (If you are not patient you can use tongs to hold the squash still while you scrap)
*Once the gunk is all out, use a fork and gently scrap the meat out
*Put all the "Noodles" in the bowl with the other ingredients
*Season with salt and pepper
* Mix a half a jar of pasta sauce (or use homemade, I used store bought Arrabbiata since I didn't have much time)
*If you like it spicy, like I do, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes here (I used a lot)
*Top with mozzarella  a little goes a long way
*Bake at 400 degrees for about 25 mins or until all the cheese is melty and fantastic.


Cut, serve and enjoy... just a heads up- the leftovers are awesome too.

Cheers,
Amanda