Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts

Friday, October 11, 2024

Whataburger my favorite burger spot since as far as I can remember



Whataburger is a classic Texas staple that stretched into Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and northwest Florida and has never failed to hit the spot every single time I walked through their doors. Imagine cruising through the parking lot, greeted by the iconic orange and white logo, knowing you’re about to dig into something truly satisfying. What really sets Whataburger apart for me is the attention to detail with toppings and sauces. You don't get a pathetic handful of shredded or a lone leaf of lettuce, you get real chopped lettuce. There's no reconstituted or sliced onions like other burger places, they have real onions chopped in chunks, so you actually taste what you are eating. They don’t just give you a standard ketchup—they have Spicy Ketchup and Fancy Ketchup. The Spicy Ketchup has this kick that’s perfect for those who like a bit of heat, while the Fancy Ketchup is a bit sweeter and richer, making your fries taste even better.

Now, let's talk burgers. They live up to their name with juicy, generously-sized patties that you can customize with a range of toppings with an oversized 5 inch bun. Whether you're grabbing a classic Whataburger or branching out to a Monterey Melt or Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich, the flavors are consistently on point. They even offer an array of sides like onion rings, my personal favorite, and taquitos that keep things interesting. The overall vibe of Whataburger is this chill, laid-back place where you can get good food without any pretense, and that's a rare find these days.

Since I moved to Atlanta almost 30 years ago, there was never any burger places that actually hit the spot for me and I just settled for whatever though I do love me some McDonalds. During the occasional trip to visit my family, I would treat myself to a few Whataburgers but it didn't happen too often. For years, there was just one lonely location in south Georgia but the closest to Atlanta was about 120 miles to the west, until locations began to pop up around the suburbs of Atlanta. I watched the building and progress of the location in Fayetteville, Georgia, patiently waiting for it to open. I was there opening day and it was so very worth it and now that they deliver, I am in some serious trouble, especially being allergic to beef but still loving beef.


Though it's a burger place, one can't sleep on their breakfast menu, either. If you’re an early bird (or a late-night owl), they’ve got you covered with options like the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit and their Breakfast on a Bun. The honey butter is just the right mix of sweet and savory, a little piece of breakfast heaven. And if you’re a fan of classic breakfast flavors, their taquitos with egg, cheese, and sausage wrapped in a warm tortilla are a solid choice. Whataburger doesn't just serve food; it serves up nostalgia, comfort, and a sense of home with every bite.

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Remembering Doo-Dads Snack Mix: A Nostalgic Treat with a Copycat Recipe

If you're a fan of classic snack mixes, you might remember Doo-Dads, a beloved treat from the 70s and 80s. This nostalgic snack, originally produced by Nabisco, was a delightful blend of crispy corn cereal, mini pretzels, mixed nuts, and cheese-flavored crackers, all coated in a savory mix of butter, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Though it's no longer available on the market, its memory lives on in the hearts of snack enthusiasts who yearn for its unique flavor combination. I remember the first time I had doo-dads, I was visiting my Aunt Joan and she offered me some doo-dads in a Dixie Cup. I was obsessed with them. My mom bought them for years, until she switched to Chex-Mix, which were slightly similar but NOT at all the same thing.




For those who want to relive the magic of Doo-Dads, here's a copycat recipe that I found in a long out of print book at the library that captures the essence of this classic snack mix:

**Copycat Doo-Dads Recipe:**
- 2 cups crispy corn cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1 cup cheese-flavored crackers
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the corn cereal, pretzels, nuts, and crackers.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt, stirring until well combined.
4. Pour the butter mixture over the snack mix, tossing to coat evenly
5. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is evenly coated and crispy
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

This homemade version of Doo-Dads is perfect for parties, movie nights, or just satisfying those snack cravings. Enjoy!

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