Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

I’ve been waiting for good, fresh strawberries to show up at our local grocery store so I could make this copycat Panera strawberry poppy seed dressing. My patience was definitely rewarded and then some. This could easily be my favorite salad dressing of all time. Smooth strawberry flavor with just a bit of sweetness. White balsamic vinegar, while not as cheap as the dark version, is more mellow and adds a great tang. This dressing looks as amazing as it tastes, too. It’s a big ‘ooooh’ and ‘ahhhh’ winner on the table.

Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

What Is White Balsamic Vinegar?

I was curious what makes white balsamic vinegar more subtle and rich than the dark version, so I Googled it. Turns out dark balsamic vinegar is aged for at least twelve years in barrels that have been fired and were previously used for other batches of balsamic vinegar. White balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, is aged at least twelve years in new barrels that have not been fired or used before. That explains the cleaner, smoother flavor! It’s perfect in this copycat Panera strawberry poppy seed dressing.

Other Berries Work Too!

You can substitute other berries for the strawberries if you want. Raspberries and black berries are great. Or even try peaches. I think this recipe will work well with any good in-season fruit.

Also try some Panera Bread Greek vinaigrette.

Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Smooth strawberry flavor with just a bit of sweetness.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 67 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Combine all of the dressing ingredients except the poppy seeds together in a high-speed blender or food processor.
  • Mix until smooth.
  • Stir in the poppy seeds and serve.

Notes

Shake or stir before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 0.4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 32mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword poppy seed, strawberry
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Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Salad Dressing

I have an addiction to Ranch dressing. It’s probably the reason I love wings so much. I can use wings as an excuse to feed my dressing habit. This copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch salad dressing didn’t help me control my habit at all. In fact, it’s worse now. I wanted to drink this dressing out of the bottle. I didn’t even care if anyone was watching. It’s perfectly buttermilk-y. Perfectly creamy. And it has just the right hint of garlic. Man, oh man, do I love this dressing!

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Salad Dressing

Let it Rest

Make sure that you let this copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch salad dressing rest at least 30 minutes before serving. Overnight is even better. Just give it a little stir before serving. You’ll get about 2 cups of dressing from this recipe. I’d call that 12 servings, but it really depends on how much you love dressing. If you’re normal, you’ll likely get more servings. If you’re like me, a true Ranch-aholic, you’ll be happy if you get the full 12 servings!

Of course, this dressing is also perfect (in flavor and consistency) for dipping your favorite vegetables. It’s not just for wings! I mean, salads.

Also try my copycat of Outback Steakhouse’s blue cheese vinaigrette.

This dressing is great for dipping wings. Check out For The Wing for great wing ideas!

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Salad Dressing

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Salad Dressing

Give the dressing a good stir before serving.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Cover bowl and chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • If dressing is too thick add a bit of buttermilk (a little at a time) and whisk.
  • Stir before serving.

Notes

Although you can use low-fat buttermilk, full-fat makes for the best dressing.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 306mgPotassium: 18mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 39IUCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.05mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword creamy, Ranch
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Copycat Outback Steakhouse Croutons

Add copycat Outback Steakhouse croutons to my ever-growing list of things I have no self-control around. I love a crouton that is packed with flavor. The bread has to be crunchy, golden brown on the outside. And the inside has to be just a bit soft. Not like mushy soft, but softer than the crust. These croutons hit the spot and tested my ability to control myself like it hadn’t been tested in a long, long time.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Croutons

Make it Your Way

Don’t over-melt the butter when you make these copycat Outback Steakhouse croutons. You want it a bit thick. Like the consistency of mayonnaise. That’s what you’re looking for. Me, I love Cajun seasoning, so I added extra. I like a little spiciness. Most salads don’t have any heat to them at all. No kick. Well, add a little extra seasoning and yours can.

Croutons and More Croutons

This recipe calls for a whole loaf of Texas toast. That means you’ll get a lot of croutons. I do mean a lot. Enough for a big ole party or family get-together. You can easily cut the recipe in half and get a ‘manageable’ amount of croutons. Or make the entire thing and freeze any excess croutons for later.

Also try my copycat of Ruby Tuesday’s fantastic pumpernickel croutons!

This dressing is great for dipping wings. Check out For The Wing for great wing ideas!

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Croutons

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Croutons

Fantastically-flavored croutons!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 10 cups
Calories 170 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf Texas toast
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter one-half pound
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning more or less, to taste
  • 1/4 cup garlic minced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces. I cut mine into 1" cubes. Transfer to two large baking sheets and bake for 8 or so minutes or until golden brown but NOT crunchy. You're more after color than doneness at this point. Remove and let cool.
  • Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds or more until the butter is just soft but NOT melted. You want it to be the consistency of mayonnaise.
  • Add the garlic and seasoning to the butter and mix well.
  • Transfer half of the butter mixture to a large bowl and add half of the bread cubes. Stir gently with a spatula or large spoon to coat well. Transfer the coated cubes back to a baking sheet. Repeat with the other half of the butter mixture and bread cubes.
  • Bake cubes another 10-20 minutes or until the croutons have the desired doneness, stirring every few minutes. For me this was about 10 minutes. I like my croutons to be crunchy on the outside and a little soft on the inside.
  • Remove from the oven and cool before serving.

Notes

You can substitute thick white bread or French bread for the Texas toast.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 4mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 1082IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword copycat, croutons
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Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

You know the old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Well, that’s what I first thought after making this copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese vinaigrette. I mean, heck, it isn’t the most attractive dressing ever. But then I poured it over my fresh homemade garden salad and thought “Yee haw! Now THAT’S good!”. Two great flavors (a classic vinaigrette and blue cheese) come together to make me one happy guy. Give me extra, because I really love this dressing!

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Is There A Such Thing as Too Much Blue Cheese?

As much as I am a fan of blue cheese, I actually have a ‘blue cheese limit’. I just cannot do the big chunks. That’s the beauty of making this copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese vinaigrette at home. I got the blue cheese crumbles to be just my size. Perfect on a salad.

Also try my homemade creamy blue cheese salad dressing.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

A totally different take on a blue cheese dressing.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 188 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all but blue cheese into a small blender or a Mason jar. Pulse or shake a few times to combine.
  • Add the cheese crumbles and pulse or shake a few more times.
  • If dressing sits for a while before using, give it a quick stir or shake before serving.

Notes

Substitute gorgonzola for a creamier, milder dressing.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 89mgPotassium: 25mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword blue cheese, vinaigrette
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad

If I had to choose a salad as my favorite, this copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad would be it. Not because it’s fancy. But because it reminds me of diner salads. The kind that would be in a refrigerated glass case, wrapped in plastic wrap. Premade that morning. McDonald’s served these for a few years. They came in plastic containers with a packet of your favorite dressing. Nothing fancy but reminiscent of the classic.

Copycat McDonald's Chef Salad

Oh the Ham and Turkey!

I often slice sandwich meats to top my salads. This copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad called for something a bit more. Roasted turkey and smoked ham cut into thin almost-matchstick-like strips. They make this salad better. A lot better. Don’t skimp on the meats. Grab some good stuff out of the meat case. It’s more than worth it.

Great Eggs

To make the perfect hard-boiled eggs for my salads, I ‘cheat’. I use an egg cooker. I laughed when my mom gave us one of these cookers years ago. Well, I don’t laugh now. I love it. Every single time I get perfectly cooked eggs. And they shell easy. I have to say I’ll never make boiled eggs in a pot again.

Great Cheese

You really need to shred your own cheese for this salad. Or any salad. Or any dish. It makes a big difference. The cheese is creamier. Tastier. It doesn’t have that ‘stuff’ on it that keeps it from sticking together like you’ll find in bagged pre-shredded cheese. This shredder makers it super-easy to shred cheese and it’s easy to clean too. It also grates cheese!

Also try my loaded chef’s salad.

Copycat McDonald's Chef Salad

Copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad

A tasty classic!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 289 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup iceberg lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup green leaf lettuce chopped. I like a combination of green and red leaf lettuce
  • 1/4 cup roasted turkey cut into thin strips
  • 1/4 cup smoked ham cut into thin strips
  • 1 radish sliced thin
  • 6 slices cucumber
  • 4 quarters tomato or use 3 halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup Monterey jack cheese shredded
  • 3 halves hard-boiled eggs
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • your favorite salad dressing to taste

Instructions
 

  • Combine the chopped lettuces and place onto a plate.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and serve.

Notes

Best served on a cold plate!

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 22gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 894mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3607IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 449mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword chef’s salad, copycat
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

Boy, oh boy, did this copycat Marzetti Classic Original slaw dressing ever hit the spot. I was looking for that great Marzetti flavor but in a homemade version that, if I wanted to, I can play with a bit. A little less vinegary perhaps. A little sweeter maybe. Or just like the original. I can make the call. This is good stuff and it makes for a mighty good coleslaw!

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

Mighty Good

This copycat Marzetti Classic Original slaw dressing is much like the great dressing you can find in your grocer’s refrigerated section (by the packaged salads and refrigerated salad dressings). Creamy with a bit of that vinegar ‘tang’ and a little sweetness. This recipe makes enough for a 14 ounce bag of slaw mix. By ‘makes enough’ I mean the slaw will be nicely dressed but not overly so. If you like a coleslaw with a whole lot of dressing, you’ll either have to make more or grab some at the store!

Also try my copycat of the classic (no, really!) McDonald’s Chef Salad!

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

A delicious copycat of the store favorite!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 472 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the dressing

For the coleslaw

  • 14 ounces coleslaw mix with carrots, etc.

Instructions
 

For the dressing

  • Place all ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • Add the coleslaw mix and fold until well-combined and the sugar is dissolved.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 2gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 25gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 384mgPotassium: 184mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 134IUVitamin C: 36mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword coleslaw, copycat, dressing
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Kraft Catalina Salad Dressing

I’ve made my share of copycat recipes. Some come out great, tasting and even looking like the original. Some… meh. Well this copycat Kraft Catalina salad dressing is even better than the original. That same fantastic French dressing-like flavor. A little tangy. A little sweet. And just the perfect consistency for a salad. For me, it’s spot-on what I am looking for in any dressing, be it a copycat or not.

There Goes The Self-Control. Again.

I have to exercise self-control around this copycat Kraft Catalina salad dressing. Or try to at least. I’m pretty heavy-handed with my dressing, specially if it’s one I love as much as this one. Instead of serving it in a bottle or cruet, I use some small sauce cups. The theory is that I put one serving of dressing into a cup and put that on my plate. That’s the theory anyways.

Perfect For Dunking, Too

I’ve been known to dunk my salad ingredients in my dressing. These little cups (that were supposed to be for portion control) make that even easier. Just poke that little piece of broccoli or cherry tomato or whatever, and into the dressing pool we go! This dressing is so good that dunking is not only allowed, it’s encouraged!

Also try my homemade Russian salad dressing.

Copycat Kraft Catalina Salad Dressing

Copycat Kraft Catalina Salad Dressing

Inspired by a recipe from Secret Copycat Restaurant Recipes
Fantastic flavor in a nice thick dressing that does not disappoint!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Get happy time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 241 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor. Process until smooth.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Even better, overnight.
  • Stir or shake well before serving.

Notes

You can substitute your favorite sweetener for the sugar.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 0.2gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 510mgPotassium: 42mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 97IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword catalina, copycat, Kraft
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing

I’ve never been to a Houston’s restaurant. I did at least look at their menu online. Their food sure looks awesome. So though I can’t say this copycat of their buttermilk garlic salad dressing is a true copycat, I can say it is fantastic. I could’ve just called it ‘Great buttermilk garlic salad dressing’ but I like to give credit where credit is due. Because it’s great. Like slurp-slurp-I-love-salad-more-than-ever-now fantastic. This is copycat Houston buttermilk garlic salad dressing is what Ranch dressing wish it would be. Amp’d up. Taken to another level! Thanks mostly to the garlic, but also a few other ingredients too!

Copycat Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing

Give It A Rest. And A Shake.

Make sure you let the dressing ‘get happy’ in the fridge overnight before serving. It makes a huge difference. And make a double batch because this copycat Houston buttermilk garlic salad dressing isn’t just for salad. It’s great for dipping wings. And veggies. Give the bottle a good shake (or the container a good stir) before serving.

Also try my roasted garlic Dijon salad dressing.

Copycat Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing

Copycat Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing

A wonderful twist on a classic Ranch.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 252 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a large bowl and whisk well. Alternatively, place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight before using.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat buttermilk.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 345mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 286IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword buttermilk
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Chili’s Ranch Salad Dressing

I love simple and easy. But still delicious. Ranch is always my go-to dressing of choice. This copycat Chili’s Ranch salad dressing hit the spot. It was perfect on my chef’s salad. Nice and creamy without being too thick. Tasty. But not complicated. I had all of the ingredients on-hand. Some ranch dressings have a lot of ‘stuff’ in them. Not bad stuff, just lots of it. That makes me tend to shy away from making them. Not this one. This is a great dressing!

Copycat Chili's Ranch Salad Dressing

Pickle Juice for the Win

The recipe for a copycat Chili’s Ranch salad dressing calls for pickle juice. You know, that stuff in the jar after you’ve taken the last dill pickle. I never ever throw that juice out. It’s great in recipes like this. It’s also great as a chicken marinade. It lasts forever. It’s not hurting anyone. Leave it in the back of the fridge because some day you’re going to need it and you’ll be happy you have it!

I bought these little dressing cups to try and help me with my Ranch dressing addiction. The theory is that they keep me from over-dressing my salads. And they often do just that. Unfortunately, though, the kitchen isn’t that far away and refilling these little cups doesn’t take long!

Also try some homestyle garlic ranch salad dressing.

Copycat Chili's Ranch Salad Dressing

Copycat Chili’s Ranch Salad Dressing

Inspired by a recipe from The Sauce Chick
Easy and delicious.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 256 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a small bowl and whisk until combined and smooth.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Stir before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 451mgPotassium: 57mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword copycat, Ranch
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Bob’s Big Boy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

You can tell just by the picture how much I love this copycat Bob’s Big Boy blue cheese salad dressing. There’s no way I could’ve fit more into my dressing cup. This is my kind of dressing. Perfectly creamy. Just enough blue cheese flavor to wake up my taste buds without being too ‘funky’. A little sour cream tang. And crazy easy to make. This is a win on every front. I could drink this dressing.

Copycat Bob's Big Boy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Self-Control Isn’t Always My Thing

I try to be good. Really, I do. I try to not put too much of this copycat Bob’s Big Boy blue cheese salad dressing on my salad. I even got these great little cups to help me out. The idea is that I fill them with the dressing and leave the bottle or container of dressing in the kitchen. Far away. Out of sight. It usually works. Though I almost cheated this time. I definitely put as much dressing in my cup as would fit.

Wings. Dip. Anything.

I also use this dressing for dipping chicken wings. It’s also fantastic for dipping vegetables. Try it! And make extra!

Also try my homemade creamy blue cheese salad dressing.

Copycat Bob's Big Boy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Copycat Bob’s Big Boy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Inspired by a recipe from CD Kitchen
Fantastically creamy dressing with just the right amount of blue cheese!
4 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Get happy time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 278 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor. Process until smooth.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Even better, refrigerate overnight.
  • Stir or shake before serving.

Notes

Substitute gorgonzola for a creamier, milder dressing.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 278kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 351mgPotassium: 83mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 241IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword blue cheese, copycat, dressing
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!