The Best Items to Order at the Diner
If you feel yourself turning into a short-order cook on the weekends, it's probably because you've figured out that all the gems that you can order at the diner can be made in the comfort of your home kitchen. Since we're all about a culinary adventure that doesn't involve us stepping foot outside our homes, we gathered our favorite, diner staples so that you too can transform your humble kitchen into a bustling diner on long weekends. From breakfast to lunch, we're bringing the diner straight to your home.
Diner-Style Scrambled Eggs
Diner-Style Scrambled Eggs Recipe
These are the eggs you probably grew up eating: quick, easy to make, homey, and comforting. A little butter adds richness. We use just a tiny amount of salt here, because it's easy to oversalt eggs. Pull them from the heat the instant they're done so they don't turn tough and rubbery. And as with all egg dishes, dig in right away--they're not getting any better as they cool off.
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Blueberry Pancakes
"For variety, we substitute sliced bananas or chocolate chips for the blueberries for a special treat. Since these pancakes reheat well in the toaster oven, we often make a big batch and enjoy all week." -Angela Ricciardi, Plymouth, N.H.
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Cucumber-Lox Toast
The loaded deli bagel works perfectly as an instant toast topper. Greek yogurt has the same tang and richness as cream cheese, and you don't have to wait for it to soften. Sprinkle with additional chives for more punch.
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Basic French Toast
It doesn't get any simpler or more straightforward than this breakfast staple. Dress it up with powdered sugar, fruit, and a drizzle of chocolate if you're feeling fancy.
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Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles
Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles Recipe
The cake flour makes all the difference. With an ultra-light texture and subtle sweetness, this is about to become your go-to waffle recipe. Double the batch if you've got hungry guests.
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Western Omelet
Our Western Omelet delivers the classic diner-style overstuffed package brimming with bell peppers, ham, and cheese--perfect for a light breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
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Sausage, Gravy, and Egg Breakfast Sandwiches
This sandwich will rival what you get at the drive-through. Freezing the gravy in ice-cube trays makes portioning easy. For freezing and heating instructions, see below.
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Greek Salad
Much has been made about whether the plump, juicy tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. But they are, in fact, "fruits of the vine"-and that's how you should buy them. Look for those with firm flesh and unblemished skin. They should be heavy for their size and should smell good. Remember: For best flavor don't store tomatoes in the fridge; keep them on a counter.
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Master Turkey Meatloaf
This is the ultimate, foolproof, turkey meatloaf that is every kind of comforting that you would want a meatloaf to be. This just may be the only meatloaf recipe you'll ever need. Not only is this dish absolutely delicious, but it's also gluten-free. This flavorful meatloaf features bacon for added flavor and richness, and includes a special factor with a trio of tomato sauces and condiments to create an updated version of the traditional meatloaf topper. To make this meal even better, try enjoying it on a sandwich the next day.
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The Classic Burger
Sink your teeth into a delicious restaurant-style, hamburger recipe made from lean beef. Skip the prepackaged patties and take the extra time to craft up your own, and that little extra effort will be worth it. To make cheeseburgers, about 1 minute before burgers are done, top with sliced cheese; continue cooking until cheese begins to melt.
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Home Fries
Home Fries are the ultimate in comfort-food side dishes. They brown beautifully and have a rich flavor that both your grownup and kid frineds will love.Briefly microwaving the potatoes gives them a head start on cooking. Quick tip - adding butter not only helps them brown better, but also lends rich flavor. Waxy potatoes won't break down in the pan when cubed and sautéed.
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Strawberry Milk Shake
Add malted milk powder to turn this into a strawberry malt.
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Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food that takes just pennies to prepare. Add chickpeas or white beans to make this soup even heartier.
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Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe
It's no secret that you can't go wrong with a plate of buttery carbs topped with a rich, meaty sauce. What more could you ask for in a meal?