Copycat Recipes from Your Favorite Restaurants to Make Social Distancing Bearable

Since Governor Kay Ivey just released the new “Safer At Home” orders that will go into effect on Thursday, you may have already discovered that there have been no changes to the orders for restaurants to keep their dining areas closed and only allow delivery, carry-out, or curbside. You may be completely bummed that you can’t sit down and enjoy the atmosphere of your favorite restaurant or café, but we have got a few copy-cat recipes from some of your favorite places that make staying safe at home a snap while still enjoying the treats and eats you love.

Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino

So, you miss the hustle and bustle of your favorite coffee shop and their delicious concoctions. It’s okay! We are all missing our favorite brew. Just because you can’t sit in the shop and work from inside it, you can still get some of that Starbucks goodness at home! Enjoy this recipe on your front porch and watch the birds outside. No, it’s not exactly like sitting in their café and people-watching, but it’s sure to be just as relaxing.

Ingredients:

2 cups ice
1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
3/4 cup milk (or half and half)
1/4 cup caramel sauce
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
1/4 tsp of xanthan gum (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
whipped cream and caramel sauce (to drizzle on top)

Instructions:

1. Make 1 cup of strong brewed coffee. You can also use a Starbucks K-Cup or your preferred coffee brand.

2. Cover and chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes.

3. Put ice, cooled coffee, half & half, caramel sauce, sugar, xanthan gum and vanilla into a blender. Mix on high until smooth.

4. Pour into glasses. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo

Sometimes you miss sitting down with your family and enjoying that delicious (albeit Americanized) Italian food from Olive Garden. There’s just nothing like enjoying some creamy pasta with the ones you love, but with the “Safer at Home” orders, going out for a family meal inside Olive Garden is O-U-T, out. You can still get that family-style dining experience from home, though! Just whip up this copycat recipe and make a big bowl of salad, and it’s almost like going to the real place.

Ingredients:

0.5 lb / 230 Grams Fettuccine or Pasta of your choice
1/4 Cup Butter ,softened/ at room temperature
1/4 Cup Cream Cheese ,softened / at room temperature
1 Cup Heavy Cream