Ducks 'n a Row

cooking

25 Excellent Copycat Recipes That You Will Enjoy Making At Home!

Leave a Comment

We all have restaurants that we love. We go back to them over and over again for different reasons. Sometimes it is that amazing bread, like at Outback, or rolls with cinnamon butter like Texas Roadhouse. Some of us hypnotically follow the Red Lobster TV commercials to get our fill of cheddar bay biscuits along with lobster on the side! 

25 great copycat recipes you will love!
Whatever the motivation, wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy our best-loved recipes at home?  Check out this collection of restaurant copycat recipes for your favorites.

This blog contains Amazon affiliate links. ♥

Here are 25 delicious recipes, inspired by our favorite eateries!

.

.

Appetizers 

Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe in a bread bowl

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ramekins for dipping sauces

Set of mini ramekins for dipping sauces!  ad

 

 

8 pack glass bottles for juice or smoothies        ad

.

 

 

 

Colorful drinking glasses with safety straws for toddlers

Elk and Friends safety drinking glasses with straws for toddlers and young children     ad

 

 

 

 

Breads

 

 

.

.

.

.

 

.
.
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix

.

.

Salads

 

Pecan and bleu grilled chicken salad
DIY salad dressing modeled after Olive Garden salad dressing
KFC copycat cole slaw
Banzai Burger
.
.
Monterey chicken copycat recipe

.

 

Fish fillet sandwich

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copycat lemon loaf

 

What restaurant recipes would you love to be able to make at home? Do you have a recipe you can share?  Please tell us all about it in the comments and feel free to share a link to your recipe, too!
25 great copycat #recipes

Enjoy!

 

 

Shark liftaway vacuum for carpets and floors

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen and housewares vis Amazon Basics #affilliate

 

Easiest Stuffed Pepper Recipe Ever

Leave a Comment

If you are getting tired of the same-old ground beef recipes for dinner, stuffed peppers may be the solution. With tomato sauce topping and cheddar cheese, this dish will add  a little spice to your dinner menu. 

This classic recipe has been streamlined to make it really quick and perfect for a weeknight family meal. Serve it with some fresh baked cornbread right out of the oven and you will be in heaven!

 

This blog contains Amazon affiliate links❤️

 

easy recipes

What Makes This Recipe The Easiest?

What makes this recipe the easiest way to make stuffed peppers?  Quick ‘n Easy Stuffed Pepper Recipe eliminates the par-boiling step altogether. Rather than cutting off the top of the pepper, clean out the interior and slice it length-wise. Each half looks like a boat.  Lay each “boat” open-side up and pile it with the raw filling. As it bakes, the pepper shells will soften, cutting off 10-15 minutes of your cooking time.
recipes

Quick ‘n Easy Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Ingredients
6 raw green peppers
2 lbs. lean uncooked ground beef
2 cups rice, cooked
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups tomato sauce
salt & pepper to taste
stuffed peppers
family meals
family meals
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Prepare rice according to directions.
Let it cool slightly as you move on to the next step.
Rinse the green bell peppers under cold water. Cut out the core of each pepper at the top and slice length-wise. Remove seeds and membrane from inside.
Lay the peppers, open side up, in a large baking dish. (see photos below)
Combine ground beef, onion and rice. Stuff each “pepper boat” with the meat mixture, piling it up slightly in a dome. As it bakes, it will decrease in size.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Pour tomato sauce over each pepper.
Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until done.
Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on each and return to oven until cheese is melted.
Serves 6-8.
Easiest recipe for homemade stuffed peppers ever! #recipes

 

pan

.
Serve your stuffed peppers alongside mashed potatoes, your favorite veggie and even some fresh baked cornbread, too!

Enjoy!

 

Pet hair trouble?  Me, too … that is until I got a Shark vacuum cleaner.  Problem solved!

pet hair

 

 

5 Reasons You Will Love Teaching Your Kids How To Cook

1 Comment

Create fond memories while you make great family meals. Teach your kids how to cook. This special time will be a favorite part of your week that is worth repeating again and again – I promise!

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥


Five reasons why you will love teaching your kids to cook #kids #cooking

5 Fringe Benefits Of Teaching Your Kids How To Cook

As you explore the world of cooking together, you will discover there are fringe benefits. Teaching your kids to cook can lead to…

 

  1. Quality Communication – it is amazing what you will learn as you listen to your kids share at the kitchen counter. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other better. Be a good listener and ready to laugh! Nothing is too trivial to chat about. Just let them talk.  
  2. Peace – i.e. a technology-free zone! Yes, you can finally get all those devices  TURNED OFF! Make a team agreement that you will turn off the phones, laptops, video games, etc. for this special time together. Everything can be recharging while you are cooking something spectacular in the kitchen. Have the power cords and docking station ready before you start.  Turn off the phones, plug them in, and get busy.
  3. Teachable Moments – cooking is educational. Teach your kids how to read the recipes. Show them how to prepare for cooking by pulling together the ingredients, bowls, pans, measuring cups, spoons and other tools.  Learning how to cook teaches children how to:
    1. Read accurately
    2. Pay attention to detail
    3. Use math skills for measuring and timing.
    4. Organize
    5. Take turns
    6. Follow through on projects from start to finish.
    7. Appreciate each others work.

 

Children love to #kidsactivities #homeschooling

  1. Team Work – cooking together encourages cooperating with each other. Learning to work on a team is a great life-lesson. Let your kids make grocery lists, check for ingredients, plan menus, and help them learn how to implement their plan.The Pride of Accomplishment – Congratulations! You have made something delicious together. Consider putting a collection of the recipes together in a binder. Eventually, you can publish a family cookbook of your very own.

 

Create your own in-home curriculum for teaching your kids how to cook or buy one already set up for you! The cooking class curriculum from Kids Cook Real Food  is highly recommended and will cut your planning time way down!

Apron set for kids #cooking #kidsactivities #ad

Here is a list of fun tools:

 

5 reasons you will LOVE teaching your kids how to cook! #cooking #kids #recipes #food Share on X

 

More fun than you can imagine - teach your kids how to cook! #familyfun

However you decide to put your cooking lessons together – just do it. You and your kids will value this precious family time together as you build lasting memories.

Enjoy!

 

 

 



 

Easy-To-Store Mini Skillets – The New Kitchen Gadget You Will Love

Leave a Comment

It is so much fun to find a new gadget for the kitchen that is really cute and helpful. When I came across these adorable 5 1/2 inch mini-skillets, I just had to get one. Actually, I had to get TWO! They are just perfect for my favorite Healthy Oatmeal Pancakes with Blueberry topping!

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥


What I love about them is that I can pour half the batter in each lightly-preheated skillet and the pancakes come out perfectly round, instead of spread all over the place. And, they look so pretty on the plate!

Mini skillets made these perfectly round oatmeal pancakes!

Mini non-stick skillets are also great for cooking a single egg or small amounts of just about anything! Last night I sauteed some cut up zucchini in one and it was just right. Clean up is a breeze by hand or in the dishwasher. Yes,  these adorable little skillets are dishwasher safe! Another plus: small skillets are easy to store. Imagine that!

I found my skillets at my local grocery store. You can buy them right here from Amazon!

Mini skillets #DucksnaRow #cooking #tips

Ever cook pancakes in a cute little mini skillet? You are going to LOVE it! #cooking #tips #breakfast Share on X

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 



How To Keep Himalayan Pink Salt From Clumping In The Salt Shaker

Leave a Comment

Himalayan Pink Salt - how to keep it from clumping in a salt shaker #DucksnaRow #healthyliving #householdhints #tips

Have you switched to using Himalayan Pink Salt in the kitchen? Its potential health benefits and authentic flavor are exciting but, if you use it in a salt shaker, it clumps a little bit. Here is a simple solution.

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

Add some dry long-grain rice to the shaker. For an average size salt shaker, 1/4 – 1/2 tsp is all that you need. Dry rice absorbs moisture and the long grains should be too large to go through the holes. Only salt gets through!


So, why are some people excited about Himalayan Pink Salt? It is said that:

  1. Himalayan Pink Salt contains 84 minerals and trace elements that are so good for your health including calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper and iron.
  2. Can improve respiratory problems.
  3. Balances ph levels.
  4. Natural Digestive Aid.
  5. Used as an air purifier.
  6. Sleep aid.

So what do YOU think? Do you use salt at all? Have you switched to pink?  More: Pink Himalayn Salt Benefits

How to keep Himalayan pink salt from clumping in a salt shaker #tips Share on X

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Note: this household hint concerning how to prevent pink salt from clumping is not a nutritional endorsement of the use of salt of any kind. 


How To Hard Boil Eggs

Leave a Comment

Making hard boiling eggs sounds easy – and it is – however, hard boiling them so that the shells do not crack takes just a little bit of TLC. 
cooking, eggs, household hints, kitchen hacks
This method is the simplest and works so well … just be sure to keep an eye on them to turn the stove OFF when the water hits a full, rolling boil. This is important so that the shells stay in tact. If you wait too long, some make crack a little. 

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥


How To Hard Boil Eggs 

Place eggs in a cold saucepan.
Fill pan with cold water to 1 – 2 inches above the eggs.
Place the pan on high on your stove.
Bring the water to a rolling boil.
Leaving it on the heating element, turn the heat off.
Time the eggs for 10-12 minutes.
Drain the hot water out.
Fill with cold water to make them cool enough to handle.
Peel or store in refrigerator with the shells on.
kitchen hacks, household hints, cooking tips
If you are making deviled eggs, I suggest peeling them instead of storing them with shells. They will be easier to peel if you do it right away. When coloring Easter eggs, allow them to cool for 1 hour or more.
making deviled eggs, coloring Easter eggs
Have you ever made bi-colored Easter eggs? They are so easy and fun⇒ How to Die Easter Eggs with Two Colors (NEW post coming this Friday – be sure to stop back!)
 
 

Enjoy!

 

Great Gift Ideas for Food Bloggers – and Foodies, too!

Leave a Comment

Food blogging is not just a pastime … it is an art form. Not only does it require cooking prowess for their work to stand out but they need an eye for design and photographic skill.

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

gifts, kitchen gadgets, photography, cooking, baking, foodies, recipe making, holidays

 

Food bloggers love what they do. They love to cook – they love to bake – they love to entertain. Food bloggers enjoy the bells and whistles, too. You know – the tools and trimmings that bring their work to another level. They love gadgetry, time-saving gizmos and lavish sets for their “stage” – the table!


Find a special gift for the food writer in your life this season and don’t stop with these gift ideas. There are so many creative ways to show your appreciation by exploring mood-lighting, fabrics, foliage, unique locations for their pictures and on and on. 90% of success for internet writers is visual. “One picture is worth 1000 words.”  – author unknown. The rest comes with rich content.

 

gadgets, food blogging, recipes, cooking, kitchen tools, baking

Kitchen Gadgets {Best Sellers} there seems to be no end to the variety of nifty little utensils and contraptions for kitchen FUN! This list is by no means comprehensive (how could it be?) but it gives you a good jumpstart. Think about what your food blogger (or foodie) likes to make most. That is a good place to start. Then venture out to what they may not be making for the lack of just the right thing. Go there!

Scoops:
baking tools

Photographs: online, Pinterest and Yummly are two champions in social media that bolster food posts to the highest heights. The best photo wins! Help your food blogger do it with the best equipment. Cameras, lighting kits to set the stage and education are a winning trio!

*Picmonkey is a free photo editing website that bloggers cannot do without. Paying for a premium membership as a gift would be so cool!

 

photographic tools, picture taking, camera accessories, gift ideas, lighting

Research: there are so many rich resources that help chefs and bloggers to improve their craft. Cookbooks, books on food photography, cooking magazines and classes (photography and cooking) are all great sources of enrichment that food bloggers love!

Staging: what separates the amateurs from the pros? In the blogging world – imagery! Food bloggers don’t need four or more place settings. One or two will do. Plates of all kinds and sizes along with interesting glassware, placemats, tablecloths, napkins, vases, candles and trays make for photos that “wow” their audience. Yes, it is a show!

Out of the box ideas: Unique pieces of wood, burlap or marble can make for excellent backdrops on the “food blog set.” How about a decorative tray? Use your imagination.

recipe blogs, food blogs, food photos, food images, trays, staging, props

Here are some props you can get for them to stage a great photo session:

 

 

Enjoy!


 

South of the Border Spaghetti by Sara Howe

Leave a Comment

Hi Ducks ‘n a Row Readers!!! I can’t explain how excited I am to be guest posting for Sinea today! I’m Sara and I blog over at Sara Howe. I have two little ones, a son (5) and a daughter (3). I blog to help other busy moms become healthier, and help you start and grow an online business!
Please feel free to stop by and take a look around!
 
 
My whole family loves this week night dinner! Hopefully your family will as well.
Here’s what you need: uncooked spaghetti, ground turkey, onion, taco seasoning, spaghetti sauce, canned mushrooms, & sliced olives
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook ground turkey and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain if needed.
Stir in the taco seasoning, spaghetti sauce, mushrooms and olives.
Drain spaghetti; stir into the meat mixture.
Transfer to a greased baking dish; sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Serve with your favorite taco toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream & salsa!

South of the Border Spaghetti

 Source: Taste of Home

12 oz uncooked spaghetti

1 1/2 pounds ground turkey

1 small onion, chopped

1 envelope taco seasoning

1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1 jar (4 1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream and salsa
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook turkey and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the taco seasoning, spaghetti sauce, mushrooms and olives. Drain Spaghetti; stir into the turkey mixture.
Transfer to a greased baking dish; sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and salsa. Yield: 8 – 12
This sounds so yummy!  
Thanks, Sara, for sharing a great recipe!
Following Ducks ‘n a Row? 

Please do!

      

See all of the TEN cupcake parades here: 


var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push([‘_setAccount’, ‘UA-38707501-1’]); _gaq.push([‘_setDomainName’, ‘ducksnarow.com’]); _gaq.push([‘_setAllowLinker’, true]); _gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’]); (function() { var ga = document.createElement(‘script’); ga.type = ‘text/javascript’; ga.async = true; ga.src = (‘https:’ == document.location.protocol ? ‘https://’ : ‘http://’) + ‘stats.g.doubleclick.net/dc.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();