Mock Big Mac Sauce

 We love making Big Macs & fries.   This sauce is so good.

MOCK BIG MAC SAUCE

(makes about 3/4 cup)

Ingredients:

*1/2 cup mayonnaise 

*1 teaspoon granulated sugar

*2 tablespoons sweet relish

*1 teaspoon white vinegar 

*2 tablespoons French dressing

*salt & pepper to taste (just a pinch of each)

Directions:

~In a small bowl, stir 1/2 cups mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons sweet relish, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 2 tablespoons French dressing, and salt & pepper to taste.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (I prefer at least 4 hours)

French Dressing

A great dressing.   Great to baste on chicken too.

FRENCH DRESSING

Ingredients:

*1/2 teaspoon onion powder

*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 

*2 teaspoon paprika

*1/3 cup granulated sugar

*1 cup vegetable oil

*1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

*1 cup ketchup 

*salt & pepper to taste (I do about 1/8 teaspoon)

Directions:

~In a quart size canning jar (or jar of your choice), add 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup ketchup, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1//8 teaspoon ground black pepper.

~Place on lid and shake until well incorporated.

~Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Mock McDonalds Fried Apple Pie

 So good.   Make sure you let them cool a little bit before eating or you will burn your mouth.  You can put these together and freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet for later use.   Place in a plastic bag once they are frozen.  Remove from freezer and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes before frying.

MOCK MCDONALD'S FRIED APPLE PIE

 (makes 12)

Pie Ingredients:

*2 (17.3 ounce) box puff pastry sheets, thawed

*6 Granny Smith apples (about  6 cups), peeled, cored and diced

*3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

*1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

*1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

*1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

*dash of salt

*4 tablespoons butter

*2 tablespoons corn starch

*2 tablespoons cold water

Topping Ingredients

*1/2 cup granulated sugar

*1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pie Directions:

~Line a couple cookies sheets with parchment paper.

~Fill a small bow with cold water and a 2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional).

~Peel and chop 6 Granny Smith apples (about 6 cups) into small squares.

~Place chopped apples into vinegar water (optional).

~Drain apples.

~Add apples,  3/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, and dash of salt into a large frying pan.

~Cook over medium heat until apples are tender, stirring often (10-15 minutes).

~In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons corn starch to 2 tablespoons cold water until cornstarch has dissolved.

~Stir into apple mixture and stir until thickened.

~Remove from heat and cool.

~Cut each sheet of puff pastry into 6 equal pieces.

~Scoop some pie filling into the center of a piece of cut puff pastry, leaving the edges free of pie filling.

~Fill a small bowl with water.

~Dip your finger into the water  and brush along the edges of the puff pastry.

~Place another piece of puff pastry over top of the filling.

~Seal around the edges with a fork.

~Place onto prepared cookie sheet.

~Freeze for 10-15 minutes.

~Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan, about 3-4 inches deep.

~Heat oil to 350 degrees.

~Fry apple pies a couple at a time, for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

~Remove from oil and allow to cool for at 5 minutes before eating.

Beef & Gravy Casserole

Great with some homemade biscuits or dinner rolls.   This recipe easy to double.

BEEF & GRAVY CASSEROLE

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

*1 pound ground beef

*1 medium yellow onion, chopped

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper 

*1 teaspoon garlic powder 

*1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

*1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 

*1/2 teaspoon chicken seasoning

*2 tablespoon all-purpose flour

*3 cups beef broth

*1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 

*3/4 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)

*1/2 cup heavy cream

*1 teaspoon beef bouillon paste (optional)

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

*1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

~In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add 1 pound ground beef, 1 medium chopped onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper,  1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon chicken seasoning.

~Brown ground beef and breaking it up as it cooks.

~Once ground beef is done and onions are soft add 2 minced garlic clove and cook for another 1 minute. 

~Remove excess grease.

~Melt in 2 tablespoons butter.

~Stir in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

~Slowly add in 3 cups beef broth and 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce.

~Simmer until gravy thickens.

~Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.

~Stir in 3/4 cup rinsed white rice

~Grease a 8x8 inch casserole dish.

~Cover with lid or aluminum foil.

~Bake for 40-45 mittens, or until bubble and rice is cooked.

~Remove from oven and sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.

~Decrease temperature to 350 degrees.

~Bake for another 10-15 minutes or. until cheese is melted.

~Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies

 This is my niece Heidi's favorite cookie.  At least that's what I've been told.   I am not a big white chocolate fan, but this combination is very good.

WHITE CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA COOKIES

(makes 3 1/2 dozen)

Ingredients:

*1 cup butter, softened

*1 cup light brown sugar, packed

*1/2 cup granulated sugar

*2 large eggs, room temperature 

*2 teaspoons vanilla extract

*2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon baking powder

*1 teaspoon baking soda 

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*2 cups white chocolate chips

*1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.

~In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until creamy and well incorporated.

~Stir in two large eggs.

~Add in 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir until well incorporated.

~Stir in 2 cups white chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts.

~Using a cookie scoop, scoop out dough and place on cookie sheet (about 12 per cookie sheet).

~Bake for 10-12 minutes, or just until the edges start to brown (do not over bake).

~Remove from oven and allow to cool on cookie sheet for 3-5 minutes.

~Transfer onto cooling rack to continue cooling. 

Mock Cracker Jacks

 I do have a recipe for caramel corn, but this is not it.  Around our house we eat ball-park food on the Detroit Tigers opening day.   This would include hot dogs, nachos & cheese, peanuts, IBC root beer (we don't drink beer,), and cracker jacks.   If you make this for your kids, go to the dollar store and pick out a few toys to put in their bag of cracker jacks.  I normally double this recipe.

MOCK CRACKER JACKS

Ingredients:

*1/3 cup popcorn kernels (8-10 cup of popped corn)

*1 cup, Spanish peanuts 

*1/4 cup butter

*1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

*2 tablespoons molasses

*1/4 teaspoon baking soda

*1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and set aside.

~Pop 1/3 cup popcorn kernels.

~Remove any kernels that didn't pop.

~Place popcorn into a large mixing bowl along with 1 cup Spanish peanuts.

~In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup butter, 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons molasses.

~Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

~Once mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for 3 minutes.

~Remove from heat and quickly stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda until mixture is foamy.

~Pour hot mixture over popcorn and peanuts and stir until well coated.

~Pour onto prepared cookie sheet and spread out into a single layer (as much as possible).

~Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool.

~Break apart any large pieces.

Strawberry Crackle Salad

 So light and fluffy and delicious.  This is a recipe that you want to serve right away.   I do get every thing ready for it the day before minus the crackle stuff.  I put the crackle stuff in just before I serve it.  The recipe calls for 4 cups of sliced strawberries, next time I would add 6 cups.   You can also substitute the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries.

STRAWBERRY CRACKLE SALAD

    (serves 8)

Ingredients:

*2 cups crushed pretzels (I use thin pretzels)

*1 cup pecans, chopped

*1 cup light brown sugar, packed

*1 cup butter, melted

*pinch of salt

*4-6 cups sliced strawberries

*2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

*3/4 cup granulated sugar

*2 teaspoons vanilla extract

*1 (16 ounce) container cool whip, softened

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

~Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

~In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups crushed pretzels, 1 cup chopped pecans, and 1 cup light brown sugar.

~Stir in 1 cup melted butter and a pinch of salt until mixture is. well coated.

~Spread mixture onto prepared cookie sheet.

~Bake for 8-10 minutes until mixture is bubbling.

~Remove from oven and cool completely.

~Once cooled, break mixture into small pieces.

~In a large bowl, beat 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 teapoons vanilla extract until smooth.

~Gently fold in 1 (16 ounce) container cool whip.

~Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

~Just before serving, fold in 4-6 cups sliced strawberries, and half of the pretzel mist.

~Top with remaining pretzel mixture and serve right away.

Coconut Cookies

 I'm not a white chocolate fan, but love them in this recipe.   I shared them with the staff when I went to PT and one young lady really wanted me to post this recipe, so I am.  BTW,  you can leave out the chips and dried cranberries if. you want.

COCONUT  COOKIES

(makes 3 dozen)

Ingredients:

*2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon baking soda

*3/4 cup butter, softened

*1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

*1/2 cup granulated sugar

*1 large egg

*1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

*2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

*1 large egg, room temperature 

*1-2 cups white chocolate chips

*1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Line cookie sheets, with parchment paper 

~In a large mixing bowl,  cream 3/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup packed  light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth.

~Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

~Stir in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking soda until well incorporated.

~Fold in 1-2 cups white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup dried cranberries.

~Scoop dough into about 2-inch balls on prepared cookie sheet (leaving about 2-inch space between cookies).

~Bake for 10-12 minutes .

~Remove from oven and allow to cool on cookie sheet for 4-5 minutes and then transfer onto a cooling rack.

Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Sandwich

 Make this as spicy as you want.  I love the crispiness of this sandwich.  Make sure you don't skip the marinade step.  It will keep your chicken moist.  

AIR FRYER SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH

(makes 4)

Marinade Ingredients:

*4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

*1/3 cup hot sauce

*2/3 cup hot sauce

Ingredients:

*1/2 cup all-purpose flour

*1 cup panko bread crumbs

*1/2 teaspoon onion powder

*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/2 teaspoon paprika

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon corn starch

*1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

*4 hamburger buns

*4 slices pepper-jack cheese

*mayo or bleu cheese dressing

*4 slices tomatoes

*12-16 hamburger dill pickles

*lettuce

Marinade Directions:

~In a large zip-loc bag, add 1/3 cup hot sauce and 2/3 cup buttermilk, seal bag and mix until well incorporated.

~Add in 4 chicken breasts and reseal bag.

~Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.

Directions:

~Preheat air-fryer to 375 degrees.

~In a large bowl, add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup panko bread crumbs,1/2 teaspoon onion powder,  1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper,  1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), and 1 teaspoon corn starch.

~Stir until well combined.

~Remove chicken breasts from marinade, dripping off any excess marinade.

~Dip into flour mixture making sure all sides are coated well (I like to pat the coating lightly to make sure it's sticking well).

~Place chicken breast onto a large plate or flat surface.

~Spray chicken breasts liberally with cooking spray.

~Place chicken sprayed side down into air-fryer basket.

~Spray the other side of the chicken breasts liberally with cooking spray.

~Cook for 15 minutes, flip and cook for another 10-15 minutes (internal temperature 165 degrees).

~Toast each hamburger bun (optional).

~Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and chicken to the bottom bun.

~Add a slice of pepper-jack cheese over the chicken.

~Spread top bun with mayo and place over sandwich.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef

 So easy to make.   Your corned beef will fall apart it's so tender.  No need to put any liquid in the slow cooker.  

SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF

Ingredients:

*1 (4 pound) corned beef brisket with packet (can really use any size)

Directions:

~Rinse off corned beef brisket.

~Pat dry.

~Sprinkle seasoning pack over brisket (or use your favorite seasonings).

~Place brisket into slow cooker and cover.

~Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

~Remove and slice.

Mint Chocolate No Bake Cookies

 Great cookie to make for St. Patrick's Day.  Quick and easy to make.

NO BAKE COOKIES

(3 dozen)

Ingredients:

*2 cups white sugar

*3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

*1/2 cup butter

*1/2 cup milk

*1/8 teaspoon salt

*3 cups old fashion cooking oats

*1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

*1/2 cup  cocoanut (optional)

*1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 

Directions:

~In a large saucepan combine 2 cups sugar, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.

~Bring to a rapid boil, stirring often.

~Once it comes to a full rolling boil, boil for 2- 3 minutes or until 230 degrees (stirring occasionally).

~Add 1/2 cup peanut butter, mix until melted.

~Remove from heat.

~Quickly add in 3 cups oats, 1/2 cocoanut and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract..

~Very quickly, use a cookie scoop to drop cookies onto waxed paper.

~Let cool, store in refrigerator.