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
1/2 Cup Milk,at room temperature / warm
1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 tsp Garlic,grated fresh
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Parsley Flakes
2 tsp Black Pepper Powder
As per need Salt
Instructions:
Cook fettuccine as per package instructions. Keep this aside, tossed with few drops of oil.
In a pan, add butter, when it melts on medium heat. Add garlic grated and sauté for few seconds. Add cream cheese, cream, milk, garlic powder, pepper powder, parsley, salt and parmesan.
Keep this on medium on low flame and keep whisking it with a egg whisk till fully incorporated and not with lumps. Make sure the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Throughout keep the sauce on low flame possibly. Switch off the flame and add the pasta, toss well. Served immediately.
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Nothing starts off a night out at Red Lobster like getting those tasty Cheddar Bay biscuits wrapped up in a little napkin to keep them hot when you’re waiting on your food. These biscuits make the wait for your main course 100% worth it, and it’s hard to replicate the feeling of having these placed on your table by a smiling waiter. You can, however, replicate the delicious flavor of these biscuits at home with this spot-on copycat recipe.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
FOR THE TOPPING
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper, if using.
In a large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and butter. Pour mixture over dry ingredients and stir using a rubber spatula just until moist. Gently fold in cheese.
Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup, scoop the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Place into oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
For the topping, whisk together butter, parsley and garlic powder in a small bowl. Working one at a time, brush the tops of the biscuits with the butter mixture.
Serve immediately.
With these recipes, you can bring a little bit of your favorite sit-down restaurants home with you. And if these copy-cat recipes don’t quite do the trick for you, you can always order to-go from these spots. Remember whatever you decide to do in regards to obtaining food that you practice social distancing and wear a mask if you go out. This keeps you and these service industry workers safe. As always, Medical Center Barbour is here for you, so don’t hesitate to visit our ER if you have a medical emergency.