BOTM: DECEMBER

In case anyone missed my calls, just a reminder:
-Beer of the Month for December is ready for pick-up.

-I am going to try to organize a mailing list of BOTM subscribers, to avoid these monthly phone calls. It might take a little while, but I will keep you posted. I would also encourage all BOTM subscribers to sign up for the blog. I always post release dates here.

-Because many people will be out of state/on vacation during late December and early January, we will be releasing January's Beer of the Month in mid-December.

-Feel free to contact the store with any questions.

cheers,

dave

just Frustrated

I really WANT to make a change- however, I don't know what it is- I don't know if it's just tiredness, laziness, or what that just can't muster up the motivation to do so!  I'll start again tomorrow and see what I can do. Any advice anyone?

NOW HIRING

Healthy Spirits is looking for a part time employee (2 to 5 days a week). This may become a full time position in the future. Applicants must have a strong knowledge of beer, and the ability to describe products clearly and accurately. Since most shifts will be in the morning, some barista experience is preferred. Duties will include helpingg customers with beer questions, making informed reccomendations, stocking fridges, organizing back stock, and making sandwiches,coffee, and espresso drinks.
To apply, please send a resume to healthyspirits@aol.com. If you have a Beer Advocate account, please also send us a link to your reviews.

Follow Up Fitness, Motivation, and Sharing

Hi readers

Are you becoming motivated????? What are you doing for that nutrition and exercise program…..Changes being implemented…..even baby changes. Today is the day after Thanksgiving and the pumpkin pie was wonderful…. How did you do over Thanksgiving? Did you read my last blog on “Eating for the Holidays”? Christmas is just around the corner and filled with wonderful temptations like cookies, fudge, candy, and let’s not forget that Christmas cheer…alcohol. Before you dive into December, re-read my November 17th blog and glean motivation to enjoy the holidays healthfully. The votes are in and my next article will be on “How to Gain Muscle”. I love this topic and look forward to addressing it.

Jumping into my morning…..I wanted to share my breakfast creation….leftover mashed potatoes, egg whites, pepper and spices. In a skillet, I heated up the potatoes making them a bit crispy and added the whisked egg whites. Added a bit of pepper and a pinch of salt. I also had some High Five Fiber bread……and Yummmmm…..protein, carbs, fiber….the works and perfect for my mid morning run!!!! I will probably hit a bit of weights before enjoying a fab protein shake. I am in a stage in my life where I utilize my time and exercise efficiently…..but there is always TIME….whether 20 minutes or one hour….I am a NO EXCUSES trainer and exercise ME time person. So…..if you hit me up with the NO TIME thing….I will definitely give you suggestions but simply refuse to accept that…..I think if you are honest with yourself, you would also come to the same conclusion….but sometimes it does take someone to kick you in the mental and physical bootie to get you going.

For those running on FITNESS STALE or BURN OUT and do not DO IT because the motivation is well…..burned out….

It is important to remember the stages of your fitness program and when it has become stale….now is the time to step it up. Also, if you have been performing the same routine for months or even years….guess what…time for a change. The body is very adaptable to routine and to ensure muscle confusion, changing up your exercise program will not only fire up the muscle fibers, but also bring a new mental outlook to your routine. Every one likes something brand new….right? Or another good line…. “Variety is the Spice of Life.” So spice up that routine that may have you in a non-motivational rut by trying weight resistance training, plyometrics, circuit training, or a boot camp workout just to list a few.

Stay healthy!

Darla

motivation

Just trying to get motivated.  I had a really busy week last week and of course that led to not having a chance to exercise.  I really need to get back in that but I am struggling with that.  However, I am going to post a quote that a friend of mine posted in a thread on SCS.  It's really good!  Let me know what you think:

"Don't wait until everything is just right.  It will never be perfect.  There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less than perfect conditions.  So what. Get started NOW.  With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident, and more and more successful."

Mark Victor Hansen

Just some things to think about!

NEW BEER: GOOSE ISLAND, STONE RIS, ETC

Just Arrived:

1. Goose Island Bourbon County Imperial Stout

2. Stone Russian Imperial Stout (12oz. bottles)

3. Stone Double Bastard 3L (Jeroboams)

4. Avery Old Jubilation

5. Avery Ale to the Chief (This is the last of it, so get it while you can!)

6. Scaldis Prestige

cheers,

dave

NEW: THE ABYSS

The Abyss is finally here again. Quantities are limited, so reserve one while you can. They are also stocked on the shelf, so if you're fast, you might be able to grab one. Like the Firestone 12, this one was really limited, so we are limiting to 1 bottle per customer.
To Beer of the Month Subscribers: I usually don't like to let people know what Beer of the Month is before they pick it up, but I thought you might like to know that one of the featured beers is THE ABYSS. So if you are a Beer of the Month subscriber, you get an Abyss without having to run around and try to reserve bottles.
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I am expecting Goose Island Bourbon County Stout tomorrow, probably in the late afternoon. It's one of my favorite barrel-aged strong ales, and I reccomend everyone give it a try while it's around. There will be a post tomorrow to confirm its arrival.
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In our continued efforts to expand, we just added another two shelves, which will soon be full of fantastic beer. I'm still looking for suggestions for breweries and beers people want to see at Healthy Spirits. Let me know!

cheers,

dave
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California Salad...

I thought I better through something green and raw in the mix, in case we are getting tired of soups and stews!! This is a classic and works well with big groups- like showers, parties, or potlucks!

Ingredients:

2 Heads of Romaine

2 avocados

1 cup candies pecans

1/2 cup cranberries

2 green apples or bosh pairs

4 green onions, finely chopped

2 cans mandarin oranges

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese 

1/3 chicken breast per person

Dressing: 2 options

1. Store Bought: Marston's Dressing

2. Refreshing Dressing:

     6 TBSP olive oil

     6 TBSP red wine

     2 TBSP lemon juice (fresh is best)

     1/2 tsp. salt

     1/4 tsp. pepper

     1/2 tsp. dijon mustard

     honey to taste

Directions:

Pretty self explainatory... Wash the chicken, cube it, add some olive oil to a pan, brown it, season it with S&P. Cut and wash the lettuce, chop the onions, apples/pairs, slice the avocados, throw in the cranberries, pecans, blue cheese (if desired), and mandarin oranges! Toss it all together with the dressing right before you serve it.

Chicken Tortilla Soup (Crock Pot)

The little saying, "Crock pots: Cooks all day while the cooks away" is enough to put a smile on anyone's tired face. How wonderful is it to come home to a yummy meal that YOU did not spend time preparing- instead- you dumped things in a pot, turned it on, and magically, when you came home, it was calling your name.... check out this simple recipe....

Ingredients:

4 large chicken breasts, no skin, no bones

1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp cumin

* 2 serrano chilies, minced (optional)

1 49 oz. carton chicken broth

1/4 cup lime juice

Options for toppings:

tortilla chips

shredded cheese

avocado

cilantro

Directions:

Real simple: put the washed chicken breasts in the crock pot with the diced tomatoes (don't drain them, use the juice), onion, garlic, cumin, chilies, and broth. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours. Remove the chicken, shred it, add it back to the crock pot, add your lime juice- let it sit for a few minutes. Then place your tortilla chips (if desired) in the bottom of your bowls, ladle soup on top, add any other toppings you desire!

Minestrone Soup...

This is right up there in the top favorites of mine!! It has a truck load of yummy vegetables, great flavor, and is perfect for a cold winters day. Don't let the long list of ingredients scare you, this soup is well worth it!  Thanks to Jennifer Stewart for sharing it with me!

Ingredients:

2 TBSP expeller pressed coconut oil

3/4 cup onion

1/2 cup leeks

1 cup carrots

1/3 head green cabbage

1 cup celery

2 cloves garlic

2 qts. chicken broth

1 small jar spagetti sauce

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 1/2 cups potatoes (diced)

3/4 cup peas

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can kidney beans

1 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped

1/3 cup small pasta

1 cup parmesan cheese

Directions...

OK, here we go. First you are going to saute over low-med. heat your "purple highlighted ingredients"- your oil, onion, leak, carrots, cabbage, celery, and garlic (assuming they have all been washed and chopped!).  Saute those for 5-7 minutes or so. Next add your chicken broth and spaghetti sauce. Bring that to a boil for 10 minutes. Add your salt, pepper, and potatoes next and cook for 10 minutes. Then you will add the "pink highlighted ingredients" from above- your peas, tomatoes, beans, parsley, pasta, and parmesan. Cook that until it's tender on medium heat. *Let your noodles be your guide, when they are ready, your soup is ready! ** One more side note, I used a can of white & a can of red kidney beans to beef it up even more, de-licious!

Serve with: warm french bread, crackers, or nothing at all!

FIRESTONE 12/NEW BEATIFICATION 750ML/OSKAR BLUES CANS!!!

Firestone 12 is now available by request. Thank you to everyone for your patience. The price is $19.99 per bottle. I am limiting to 1 per person. just so everyone has a chance to pick one up.

MORE NEW STUFF!

1. Russian River Beatification in 750ml bottles!
2. Oscar Blues Dale's Pale Ale Cans
3. Oscar Blues Gordon Beer Cans
4. Oscar Blues Old Chub Scotch Ale in Cans
5. Oscar Blues Ten Fidy Imperial Stout in Cans

Come and get it!

cheers,

dave

Be a Smart and Healthy Eater During the Holidays

Hey Readers

The holidays should not mean putting your good nutrition program on holiday as well. I have prepared some tips to help you stay focused and allowing for a little moderation. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and remember to continue your exercise programs while enjoying the festivities.

How to Be a Smart and Healthy Eater during the Holidays
By Darla Benfield, LCPT, LCMT, Fitness-4-You.com

Have you heard of the book called the “Food Snob”? It is a fantastic book that tells you how to enjoy a splurge. I have to agree. Do not waste your time on calories that just are not worth it. What do you really desire to eat at that party? Scan the table…avoid the blasé foods like crackers and chips. Try a sample of the host’s signature dish or fabulous hors d’oeuvre. If you sample something that tastes ….well ….crappy ….. Discreetly ditch the item and try again. Once you have found that perfect splurge sample, savor every bite and put the fork down.

Grab a plate. Do not be one of those eaters who stands over the food items dipping and grazing. You have no control here. Putting your food items on a plate allows you to have control of your portions. Also, pick up a SMALL plate. This will reduce or at least ensure that the portions are proper size.

Head for the veggie tray. Place plenty of the GOOD stuff like fresh veggies and fruits on your plate and leave little room for the high calorie items like sweets and cheeses being served at the event.

Enjoy great conversation while sipping on lemon water. This also keeps you from talking with your mouth full of food….pretty gross as well.

Reduce your options. Variety is the spice of life except when it comes to food at parties. Variety food options at parties tend to be an open door for over eating. Instead of feeling as if you have to sample every type of mini sandwich, select one type. You will grow tired of that flavor more quickly but feel satisfied and on lower calories….YEAH!

EAT SLOWLY! This can not be emphasized enough. It takes 20 minutes for your body to register that you are full. If you are surrounded by speed eaters, make sure you have that glass of water nearby to sip often, as you enjoy eating at a slow pace.

DRINK SMART! Alcohol calories add up quickly and tend to weaken your resistance when it comes to eating. Studies have shown that drinking and eating portion sizes that are too large go hand in hand. Be a slender drinker and select a slender glass for your beverage. Head for a small glass of champagne or wine over the hard stuff. Also, wine and champagne encourage sipping, are less in calorie than mixed holiday punches and those hard mixed drinks.

If you slip, do not slide the rest of the way down. If you eat 3 helpings of stuffing, half slice of chocolate Christmas cake, DO NOT tell yourself….I BLEW IT SO I MIGHT AS WELL FINISH OFF ANOTHER PIECE OF CAKE. Think about the night….did you come to the party starving? Did you stand by the food table all night because you did not know that many people? If you are attending a function where you do not know very many people, make sure you eat a small, healthy meal before leaving for the party. Once you arrive at the party, stay away from the Danger Zone (that damn buffet table), meet a great new friend and have fun conversation.

I hope these tips are helpful for you as you get ready to PARTY! My favorite splurges during the holidays are pumpkin pie and apple dumplings. I will pass up mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and any other high fat, grease/butter laden food item so that my splurge calories are saved for the pie!

Stay healthy!

Darla:)

An Excellent Blog Post

A fellow stamper posted this blog post on Sunday.  It's excellent and some great info in it.  Go check it out and let me know if you tried any of these.

Our write-up on Pfiff!

Check out this great article on our store by beer Czar and blogger Rob DeNunzio. While you're at it, check out his blog. It's awesome.

http://www.hifimundo.com/public/blog/2008/11/whos-healthiest-of-them-all.html

cheers,

dave

Still hanging around and still doing okay

The weight is going down- slowly but surely.  Not as quickly as I would like but I know of two more things that would get it down faster.  To add more cardio into my exercise- right now it's just the 30 Day Shred or get to the gym.  However, due to my schedule the first is more likely to happen- at least until the first of the year.  I know this is my healthy living blog but I wanted to show my goal cards that I made and are hanging on my fridge right now.  If you want to see details you can go find them at my other blog The Journey of Life.

DIRECTIONS TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG

Hi Readers.......

I wanted to supply simple instructions for you to subscribe to my blog and be kept up to date when I post articles, comments, or answer questions for you. Whether you have a PC or MAC, these instructions will allow you to follow the blog.

Step 1: On the left navigation bar you will see the option to subscribe with a link to posts and comments under it.

Step 2: Click on posts to follow what I am writing about

Step 3: You will see a drop down menu and at the end you will see a bar called "Atom"

Step 4: Click on "Atom" and it will open a new page

Step 5: The new page will allow you to subscribe to the blog. If you have Internet Explorer it will add "Ask Darla" to your RSS Feeds. If you have a MAC and Safari it will add "Ask Darla" to your email as a new folder. Click Subscribe to successfully complete the process.

Step 6. You are finished

You should see your name listed as a follower on the Blog profile once you have completed this process......CONGRATS!!!!

Last but not least, please forward articles to friends and family that may be interested by clicking on the envelope next to the comment line under the article. A page will appear where you enter your information and give you the ability to email the article directly from the Blog.

Another Last but not least........please utilize this site by clicking on the comment link appearing with each article, and leave your thoughts, suggestions, questions, etc.....so that I can get back to you with information to assist you with your journey to getting healthy!!!!

Stay Healthy

Darla, LCPT, LCMT

Beer: New Arrivals

1. Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock

2. Samuel Adams Cranberry Lambic (FYI: It's not a real lambic. Not bad, though)

3. Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale

4. Samuel Adams Cream Stout

5. Samuel Adams Holiday Porter

6. New Belgium Farambozen

7. Chimay Jeroboams (3L)

cheers,

dave

New Store Picture 2

New Store Picture

FIRESTONE WALKER 12: READ CAREFULLY!!!

We recieved a VERY small amount of the Firestone Walker 12. We would love for everyone to be able to get a bottle, but it looks like its just not going to pan out that way. So here's what we're going to do:
Subscribers to our Beer of the Month Club will have the first opportunity. We are limiting to 1 bottle per customer. Beer of the Month subcribers will have 3 days to claim a bottle. If you can't pick it up right away, leave your name with someone at the store, and it will be held for you for up to a week.
After Beer of the Month people have their shot. The first people to respond will get the bottles. Limit 1 per customer. I think this is the most fair way to proceed, considering we recieved very few bottles.

cheers, and good luck.

dave

BEER: NEW RELEASES+ Beer of the Month Reminder

NEW ARRIVALS

1. BFM La Dragonne

2. Delerium Noel

3. Podge Belgian Imperial Stout

4. De Regenboog Kerst Smisje Christmas Ale

5. Hitachino Red Rice (12oz)

NEW CIDERS

We've recieved three new ciders from Wandering Aengus Ciderworks in Salem, Oregon. All ciders are made in very small batches with 100% organic apples.

1.Semi Dry Cider

2.Heirloom Blend Cider

3.Dry Cider (fermented and aged in untoasted white Oregon oak barrels)
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A few people in Beer of the Month Club have out of date credit card information, phone numbers, etc. If this has presented a problem, I've left a message on your answering machine. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STORE UPDATE:
We recieved three new shelves, which we are rapidly filling with beer. Pictures coming soon. Come in and check it out!

-cheers,

dave

The BEST Motivation for a Successful Fitness Program

I was reading an article in MORE magazine and came across a small piece on what motivates you to exercise. The reason I bring up the piece, is that I agree highly with the content. According to MORE, the top reasons women over 40 exercise are to lose weight and protect their health.

Well........does that sound like FUN.....does that say......I want to do this because it is fun......or does this say that it is something I HAVE TO DO....like taking a mouthful of bitter medicine. I think the latter......how about you.

The lesser percentage of women surveyed stated that they exercised to improve their mood and reduce stress.....NOW....that sounds FABULOUS.....and you know what. The women who exercised for this reason remained true to their programs and exercised 30% more than those seeking to lose the weight and protect their health.

Now......you might think that losing weight would be motivational.....but let's say that you do not see the results you are looking for, and the I do not like myself, or I am not good enough feelings overwhelm you....then what....FRUSTRATION.....and then....GIVE UP. Let's chew up and spit out that animal and think about your fitness program differently.......

So.....take a minute to think about the immediate benefits of exercise....and focus on how you feel after you have finished exercising.... Positive endorphines (happy hormones) are released during exercise creating a positive mood and reducing stress. Being able to flow through your day more at ease and "feeling good" "feeling accomplished" "feeling on top of the world" are feelings that you will want to repeat again, and again, and again......and the long term benefit will be an improvement in the quality of your life and health.....and before you realize it....an adapted regular fitness program.

Now....take a minute to see what you can fit into your lifestyle....time/work/family/relationship. Also, in this thought process, think about what you like to do that is active and make that the core of your fitness......doing something you are passionate about will also keep you coming back for more.

I look forward to your comments and questions......


Stay Healthy
Darla

Review

Oh my goodness- just giving a review of the Jillian Michaels The 30 Day Shred dvd workout!

I borrowed this from a friend (and ordered my own copy this afternoon) because I did level 1 last night.  I worked harder then I have in a LONG time (and I did a hard step class on Tuesday also). I highly recommend this workout because she's encouraging you through it and has modifications for those who need modifications.  Obviously I thought highly of it since I ordered it :)

Let me know your thoughts on this!

BEER: NEW RELEASES

1. Drie Fontinen Oude Kriek 12oz.
2. Drie Fontinen Doesjel 12oz.
3. Drie Fontinen/De Proef Beersel Lager
4. Spezial Rauchbier
5. Haandbryggiert Norwegian Wood
6. Haandbryggiert Dark Force
7. Haandbryggiert Norse Porter
8. Haandbryggiert Haandbakk
9. Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast
10.Mikkeller Big Worse Barleywine
11.Mikkeller It's Alive!
12.Mikkeller Wit
13.Mikkeller To/From
14.Mikkeller Santa's Little Helper
15.Mikkeller Black (another few cases)
16.Nils Oscar Kalasol
17.Nogne O Winter Ale
18.Nogne O Peculiar Yule
19.Dieu Du Ciel Rose D'Hibiscus
20.Saint Somewhere Saison
21.Saint Somewhere Lectio Divina
22.Jenlain Biere De Noel
23.Sierra Celebration
24.Sam Adams Imperial Hallertau Pilsner
25.Anchor Christmas (6 packs and Magnums)
26.Double Bastard 22oz.


We are supposedly getting alot more beer some time next week, so keep an eye out!

-cheers

dave

BEER: NEW RELEASES

New Releases:

1. Avec Les Bons Voeux-Saison Du Pont's Christmas Saison.

2. Jolly Pumpkin Noel De Calabaza- Oak Barrel Aged Christmas Ale.

3. Scaldis Noel- Brasserie Dubuisson's Classic Christmas release in 750ml.

cheers!

-dave

Do not Stress About the Food!!!!

Hi Everyone

Are you thinking.....eating healthy is too hard? I say....keep is simple and do not stress. I see people getting so caught up in calorie counts, weighing food, percentages of proteins, carbs and fats that the new healthy food choices become an overwhelming chore. Have you heard of the saying.....throw out the scale.....well....apply it to the food....throw out the scales and calculators. Look at it this way....if you are eating pastries, white breads, and high sugar empty calorie cereals for meal 1 or breakfast....simply switch it out for a healthy choice such as oatmeal and while you are at it....throw in some blueberries. Sound easy.....now enjoy how the meal tastes. Often times eating healthy needs to start with just that.....EATING HEALTHY. OK....moving on to meal 2.....this would be a snack between breakfast and lunch.....resist those donuts sitting out in the office break room....and bring out that Clif bar you brought today. Again, take your time eating and enjoy the flavors. Meal 3......the friends want to go to their favorite pizza restaurant......well....you can opt to go and select the salad bar and throw in some egg whites, load up on the vegies and mixed greens...ALL DRESSINGS ON THE SIDE.....try to avoid the creamy stuff.....dip your fork in the dressing and enjoy the colorful mixture of greens, vegies, beans, proteins, that managed to make it on your fork. Meal 4.....another snack between lunch and dinner......I love to mix Non Fat Knudsen cottage cheese with a light and creamy Yoplait yogurt and throw in a few raw almonds....YUMMO. Meal 5......this is usually dinner.....load up on your favorite vegies and a grilled boneless/skinless chicken breast seasoned with spice. If you are a night owl.....you will feel hungry about 2 1/2 hours after meal 5.....I love to have rice cakes on hand with a smear of peanut butter....this does the trick. I also have vanilla whey protein powder on hand and will sometimes mix that in some vanilla silk light soy milk.

So....you see....eating healthy is just switching out unhealthy choices for healthy choices and the above is just a sample of the many wonderful choices you can make. Normal hunger is every 2 1/2 hours and eating small meals throughout the day keeps your metabolism turned on, your blood sugar stable, and eliminates the urge to grab that unhealthy choice because you are hungry. Eating this way should keep you feeling satisfied and NEVER hungry. Eating is WONDERFUL and incorporating healthy food choices and ENJOYING them will set you up to adapting a healthy nutrition lifestyle and you WILL SEE A CHANGE in your overall health. So....I challenge you to start today....begin with switching out the unhealthy choices for the healthy ones.....no calculators and no food scales. If you want to write down what you eat for time sake in order not to go over 2 1/2 hours....that is all I would worry about. If you want to include a protein, carb, fat column per meal.....simply put check marks next to those nutrients for your info that they were included with each meal. That is it though.....do not make this a overwhelming task.....and remember to ENJOY getting healthy!!!!

Stay Healthy!!!!
Darla:)
http://fitness-4-you.com

Elliptical and strength training

I really need to go to the gym or use my Biggest Loser DVD's but instead I chose to use my elliptical and some five lb. weights.  I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and 10 min. (several reps) of various exercises using the weights.  I'm going to check out Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred.  I really need to kick it into gear.  Have a GREAT day!

Hi Readers

I have created this blog as a way to communicate with you and assist you on your road to getting healthy and staying healthy. Please feel free to review my website http://www.fitness-4-you.com/ or http://www.stayhealthyfitness.com/ to learn more about me. I receive countless emails regarding nutrition, fitness, and everything related and providing an open forum to address your questions and concerns is my gift to you.

Stay Healthy!!!!

Darla

Still Around- I promise!

I'm still here- have been exercising and trying to watch what I eat- unfortunately the pounds are not going down as quickly as I want them to.  Oh well, it will come- I need to kick it up a notch!

I did fix a yummy lunch today based on a dinner I had at church on Wednesday.  I made it a little more SB friendly.

Pizza Pasta

Whole Wheat pasta

1 jar of pizza sauce

1/2 jar of spaghetti sauce (thought it was more pizza sauce but found out it was spaghetti sauce)

1/2 block of Mozzarella cheese

1 serving (about 20 pieces) of turkey pepperoni

Make pasta and then pour cooked pasta and all other ingredients mixing them together.  Put cheese all over the top (you can mix it up but I didn't).  Bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and it's warmed through.

YUMMY!