copycat

It is a well known hosting trick that you don't have to make everything from scratch for it to be a delicious meal. At my friend's annual Easter potluck, people contribute their banana bread or chickpea salad or homemade biscuits, but the star is always the person who picks up Popeyes fried chicken to go along with the spread. I've seen picnics in the park near me with grills going but a telltale box of Popeyes nearby. It's delicious, and it's easy to pick up.

Breakfast is hard. No matter how much I love the meal, I'm not someone who springs from my bed, chipper, ready to face the day. Normally, I scrape myself out of my apartment with the help of at least one coffee, prodded along by the hope of another one at the office. Usually I am wise enough to eat a yogurt or pack something to eat at my desk if I'm really running late but there are some days when I can't even get that together, and I end up in the line at Starbucks near my office.

Cheesecake is one of those delights that I forget about until it's presented to me. At home, I'll make pies or cookies, but if a friend brings over a cheesecake for a dinner party, or I see it as an option on the dessert menu, I remember just how delicious it is to be presented with a cake that is majority cheese.

Consider this your reason to cancel your reservations and have date night in. By bringing the steakhouse experience home, you gain control over the quality of your cuts, as well as how they're cooked. You also get the opportunity to expand /elevate your sides selection. Not only will the following 5-star-rated steakhouse-inspired selections satisfy your steak dinner expectations--they're sure to exceed them. Let's get sizzling.

If you think being vegan means that we have to miss out on great (fried) food or rely on ultra processed faux meat options, then you're sadly mistaken. This vegan take on Chick-fil-A's classic chicken sandwich will satisfy even the most die-hard meat eater. The secret is brining the tofu in pickle juice (like they do with their chicken) and a mix of spices.

Best part: you can enjoy it on a Sunday too. 

Chick-fil-A Vegan Sandwich

Makes 4 sandwiches

Ingredients:

1 lb. pressed extra firm tofu

If you're like me, you'll always have your restaurant "go-to" favorites when eating out (because why fix it if it isn't broken??) Well now you don't have to eat out to get your favorite dish fix -- you can make it at home! So, if you get too busy to go out, try to make these easy copycat recipes at home that tastes just as good as the real thing, if not better!

Cheesecake Factory's Original Cheesecake

Red Lobster's Biscuits