TGI Fridays Jack Daniels Sauce

Years ago, my family and I lived in an apartment community that was right beside of TGI Fridays, and whenever we ate out - that is usually where we went.  You would think it was the convenience that kept us going back, but that thinking would be wrong.  It was the Jack Daniels sauce that they carried at that time.  If you have ever tried it, then you know exactly what I mean - and you will be so eager to try this recipe.  If you haven't tried it, then this is something that you must do.  This stuff is ah-mazing - and this recipe tastes spot on to what they serve in the restaurant.  

Here, I served it on wings.  But, don't limit yourself.  This is good on anything. Chicken of all shapes and forms, fish, shrimp, steak, roast - heck, I bet it would even be good on a hot dog.  It's that kinda good.

TGI Fridays Jack Daniels Grill Glazeadapted from Todd Wilbur's Top Secret Recipes

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Ingredients:

• 1 head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 heaping tablespoons minced white onion
• 1 tablespoon Jack Daniels whiskey
• 1 heaping tablespoon crushed pineapple
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:
Cut about 1/2 inch off the top of the garlic. Cut the roots so that the garlic will sit flat. Remove the papery skin from the garlic, but leave enough so that the cloves stay together. Put garlic into small casserole dish or baking pan, drizzle olive oil over it, and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 1 hour. Remove the garlic and let it cool until you can handle it.
Combine water, pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, & cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Stir occasionally until mixture boils. Reduce heat until mixture is just simmering.
Squeeze the sides of the heat of garlic until the roasted garlic is squeezed out. Add remaining ingredients to the pan and stir.
Let mixture simmer for 50 minutes, or until sauce has reduced by half and is thick and syrupy. Make sure it doesn't boil over.
*Makes one cup of glaze

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Olive Garden Breadsticks

In yesterday's post, I showed you how to make Seafood Alfredo straight out of Olive Garden, but WAY better.  I talked about how the Alfredo sauce for the recipe made a little bit more than what the pasta dish needed because I liked to make extra for breadsticks.  I just LOVE the Olive Garden breadsticks dipped in the Alfredo sauce.  My mama got me to eat my breadsticks turned upside down, that way that buttery spicy topping hits your tongue first.  And you know, Mama is always right.  :)

Some of you might even be more excited about the breadstick recipe than you are about the Alfredo.  I understand.  Those breadsticks are good!
Here we go - my copycat version of Olive Garden breadsticks.  You must try them now.  You do not need to live another day without these in your mouth.  

Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks

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*Makes between 12-16 breadsticks, depending how thin you roll them.  Unless you're like me and my first time making them.  I ended up with 10 Olive Garden hoagies
**I make mine in my breadmaker because - well, I love my breadmaker.  You can make it the traditional way by following the first 3 steps here, then rolling them out into breadstick shapes, and letting rise for 45 mins before baking.
Ingredients:
For the Breadstick Dough:

• 1.5 cups warm water
• 1 package active dry yeast OR 2 1/4 teaspoons bread machine yeast
• 4 1/4 bread flour (use all purpose if it's not available)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt

For the topping:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoons salt

Instructions:
In your bread machine, add all the ingredients as instructed by your bread machine manufacturer.  Usually its the liquids first, followed by seasonings, then flour - and very last you make a well in the flour and add the yeast.
Set your bread machine on the 'dough cycle'.
When the dough is done, pull of pieces of dough and roll into strips.  Remember, they will get bigger after they have risen, so roll them out thinner than a typical breadstick to give room for them to grow.  Place on a greased baking sheet.  Set in a warm, draft-free area & let rise 45 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.
While the breadsticks are baking, combine the topping ingredients.  As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush the topping all over the breadsticks - saturating them with the yummy buttery concoction.  Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

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'Better Than Olive Garden' Seafood Alfredo

I don't go out to eat much.  It will sound good, but then the check comes.....  


And it's not good.  I'm too poor for many of those kind of checks.
But, I love Olive Garden.  Like - really love it.  It's all my dear mother's fault. She took me there for the first time.  She got me hooked on their Seafood Alfredo.  She got me into the habit of dipping my breadsticks upside down to dip in their ah-mazing Alfredo sauce (which if you don't eat yours upside down, you are not getting all the true buttery garlicky flavors on your tongue).  I love you, Mama - but you have created an Olive Garden addict.  ;)
You see though - my father instilled something into me to counteract it.  He says, 'Now Crystal, don't be spending money on things you can do yourself for a whole lot cheaper'.  Daddy is a wise man.
To curb my Olive Garden addiction - and to keep my wallet from anorexia - I have created a copycat rendition of their Seafood Alfredo.  When I served it, my husband proceeded to tell me how mine was SO much better than Olive Gardens.  And, no disrespect to the OG - but I have to agree.  
With no further adue, I present to you 'Better Than the Olive Garden' Seafood Alfredo.

Better Than the Olive Garden Seafood Alfredo

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Ingredients:

• 16oz fettuccine noodles
• 1 pound scallops
• 1 pound small shrimp, deveined - shells & tails removed
• 1 stick butter
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 3/4 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

Instructions:
Preheat a skillet on medium-high heat.  Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and saute the scallops for about 6 minutes.  Stir in the shrimp & cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until done.  Remove from the pan & set aside.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.  Add the garlic, cream, & pepper.  Cook for about 5 minutes, whisking often.
Add the Parmesan cheese and cook the sauce on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and is smooth.  Make sure you give it a good whisk every couple of minutes!
Add the mozzarella cheese and stir until smooth, continuing to stir frequently.
While the sauce cooks, boil the fettuccine noodles according to package directions.  Place the pasta on serving plates, and top with the Alfredo sauce and seafood OR just combine it all together in a large pot.
**This does make a little bit more sauce than you need.  I did this on purpose because I like to put a little in a small bowl to dip my breadsticks in.  My Olive Garden breadstick recipe is coming tomorrow!  

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Cheddar Garlic Buttermilk Biscuits

A lot of you have made, and have raved, about my Mama's Buttermilk Biscuits.  If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life - those would be my picking.  Seriously.

Mama's biscuits are the bees knees.  

Let's pretend for a moment that biscuits fell in love.  Just go with me on this!  If my Mama's biscuits fell in love with a Red Lobster biscuit - this would be their love child.
I have no other words to describe this.  Just try them.  Now.

Cheddar Garlic Buttermilk Biscuits

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups self rising flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening (like Crisco)
• 3/4 cup whole buttermilk
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder + 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 stick unsalted butter

Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 500 degrees.
Using your fingers, work the shortening in with the flour in a large bowl until the flour appears crumbly, about the size of little peas.  Stir in the buttermilk & shredded cheddar with a wooden spoon.
Lightly dust your countertop with a little flour.
Pat the dough down into a neat rectangle, no reason to do any kneading really.  Using a pizza cutter, slice the biscuits into 8-10 squares.  Place the biscuits into a greased cast iron pan or if you don't have one, a round cake pan or any casserole dish will do, with the sides of the biscuits just touching.
Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter and stir in the tablespoon of garlic powder and garlic salt. Pour on top of the biscuits.    Bake for 15 minutes, or until nicely browned.
Melt the rest of the butter.  Add the teaspoon of garlic powder and stir.  Brush the mixture on top of the biscuits once they come out of the oven.
Inhale. Repeat.

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Homemade Big Mac

"Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun"

After this blog post, I will have the Big Mac jingle stuck in your head.  It's all in my master plan.

Big Macs are probably the most widely known fast food item. They're everywhere.  They are obviously very well loved.  I know that I have always been a fan.  As a young girl, I had some health issues that required some hospital time and surgery, and upon my release - I had to drink the nastiest, most wretched medicine known to man - or in this case, woman.  My parents got me to finish the medicine my bribing with with the promise of a Big Mac upon the completion of the dose. Oh yes - Mama & Daddy - I have ratted you out!  

I can hear Daddy now while he's reading this.  "Well, it worked - didn't it?"

It sure did, Daddy!  Again - I have always been a fan of the Big Mac.

Naturally, cloning a Big Mac was at the top of my life goals.  And, I am happy to report - Mission Clone the Big Mac is complete!  

Heck, I think it may even be better than the original.  

I'm lovin' it.

Homemade Big Mac

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Ingredients:

For the Special Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 heaping tablespoons French dressing
• 3 heaping teaspoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon finely minced onion
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For the Big Mac Components:

• Hamburger Buns (sesame seed is what the golden arches uses - but I just used regular ol' buns)
• Hamburger patties
• Shredded Lettuce
• Minced onions
• Pickles
• Sliced American cheese

Instructions:


Combine all the ingredients together.  Cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before assembling your burger.

*To make the Big Mac signature buns, slice the top bun in half using a serrated knife.  Of course, it's not necessary. The flavors are the same regardless.

Assemble the burger as desired.  I did bottom bun with sauce, lettuce, onion, hamburger, cheese - then middle bun topped with sauce, lettuce, onion, hamburger, cheese, & more sauce followed by the top bun.

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{Like Starbucks} Pumpkin Spice Latte

I love Starbucks.  The thing is, I don't love the price of the items.  Especially when I can make it at home myself for a fraction of the price.  Talk about a budget helper!!
One of my favorite Starbucks treats, especially at this time of year, is the Pumpkin Spiced Latte.  

They are delish & they can be made in your very own kitchen for a fraction of the price!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons canned pumpkin 
• 2-3tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• pinch of cinnamon
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
• whipped cream
• extra cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:


In a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk the milk, canned pumpkin, & sugar together until steaming.  Remove from the heat & add in the vanilla & spices.  Using a french wisk, electric mixer, or blender - process for 15 seconds or until foamy.

Pour into a large mug.  Add the coffee on top.  Garnish with whipped cream & cinnamon.

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Homemade Baby Ruth Bars

I love experimenting in the kitchen.  Sometimes it works, sometime it doesn't - and sometimes I am surprised all together at the results.  


Not long ago, I set forth in the kitchen to make a homemade candy bar like treat. Not trying to copy any name brand candy bars - my goal was just to make something that was fast, cheap, & tasted good.  
I was so surprised when my little homemade candy bar ended up tasting a good bit like Baby Ruths.  I mean, they don't look like Baby Ruths.  I'm sure they don't have all of the ingredients of a Baby Ruth.  But the taste was a lot like them.

So, I introduce to you my (accidental) homemade Baby Ruths.  You don't have to call them that - call them whatever you want.  Just enjoy them!

Homemade Baby Ruth Bars

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips 
• 1 cup peanuts
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions:


In microwaveable bowl, combine the peanut butter chips, milk chocolate chips, 1/2 cup corn syrup, & 2 tablespoons of butter.  Microwave for 1 minute, stirring halfway through.

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then stir in 1/2 cup of the peanuts.

Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, chop the other half of the peanuts using either a knife, food processor,or blender.

Using your hands (I like to use disposable gloves - less mess) roll into log shapes.  Cover them in the peanut pieces, & place onto a wax paper lined pan.  You can also just spoon  the candy mixture onto the wax paper instead of rolling into logs to save time.

Keep in the refrigerator until ready to eat for best texture.

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Homemade Orange Julius

Welcome to a surprise addition of the Secret Recipe Club!  When we all made our posts the other day, one blogger was 'orphaned' by another blogger - so a lot of the other members (including myself) have decided to adopt her blog.  And, boy is her blog a great one to adopt!
Connor's Cooking has a LOT of great recipes to chose from including Apple Pie Dip & Loaded Flank Steak.  Yum!  But, once I saw the homemade Orange Julius, I had to make one - immediately.  

Homemade Orange Julius

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Ingredients:

• 1 can of orange juice concentrate
• 1.5 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup ice

Instructions:
Blend it all together in your blender.  Serve & enjoy!

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Homemade Creamsicles

Creamy orange-y goodness on a stick is what I'm loving today.


Yes, I am talking about creamsicles.  They are not only an inviting treat, but a childhood memory & staple for many of us.  

These homemade creamcicles are not only simple - but rich in flavor, creamy in texture, & satisfying.  


If you live in an area where fresh cream is available, I strongly encourage you to use it if you can.  Fresh cream is dense in fat soluble vitamins and conjugated linoleic acid, making it a very nourishing ingredient.  Cream in the grocery stores go through a strong pasteurization process that destroys most of these key nutrients.  You can go to LocalHarvest.org or RealMilk.com to find resources in your area.


This recipe also calls for raw egg yolks, which has really gotten a bad reputation over the years.  Contrary to a lot of peoples beliefs, in actuality - only about 1 in 30,000 store bought eggs are infected, and it is even less among fresh pastured eggs, where the hens are kept in healthier conditions as they are more than likely someones pet.  Raw egg yolks are very beneficial to our health as they contain large amounts of biotin and choline, which are both critical elements to good health. Not to mention all the creamy goodness it adds!


Now, on to the recipe!


You will need:

• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 cups heavy cream 
• 2 cups whole milk  
• 5 drops orange extract
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Stir the orange juice & honey together in a saucepan, & cook over medium heat until reduced by about half.  I like to use a french whisk...great tool to have in the kitchen!

Allow the OJ/honey mixture to cool to room temperature.  I'm not known for my patience, so I put mine in the freezer to hurry it along.


Whisk the egg yolks, heavy cream, whole milk, orange oil/extract, & vanilla extract together until well combined. Mix in the orange juice/honey syrup.  

Pour into popsicle molds, & freeze.  If you don't have any, you can always use dixie cups instead.

Homemade Creamsicles

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 cups heavy cream 
• 2 cups whole milk  
• 5 dropsorange extract
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:


Stir the orange juice & honey together in a saucepan, & cook over medium heat until reduced by about half.

Allow the OJ/honey mixture to cool to room temperature.


Whisk the egg yolks, heavy cream, whole milk, orange oil/extract, & vanilla extract together until well combined. Mix in the orange juice/honey syrup.  


Pour into popsicle molds, & freeze.  If you don't have any, you can always use dixie cups instead.

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