Chipotle, McDonald’s and Starbucks Just Earned Top Honors for COVID-19 Safety Measures
Remembering fast food in a pre-COVID world feels like imagining an alternate universe—one where no one stands six feet apart, where face masks are primarily used in hospitals and, of course, you can eat in the restaurant.
But right now, we don’t live in that world, and some chains are better at taking the right precautions. The market research company Ipsos employed mystery shoppers to see what places follow recommended safety measures. The result? Just three popular fast-food chains exceeded expectations.
#3: Starbucks
If you can’t get enough of the new almond milk cold foam at Starbucks, rest assured that you can order safely. The coffee shop ranked third in Ipsos’ survey, because employees at 93% of locations wore masks and 83% offered contactless payment options.
This nurse explains why it’s important to wear a mask at the grocery store and in other public settings.
#2: McDonald’s
Craving a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese? Same. You’re probably safe to head to McD’s; they ranked second in the survey. Ipsos says 95% of the restaurants visited had plexiglass barriers at checkout and service counters, as well as various paths marked off to guide customer traffic.
It’s safe to use the restroom, too, since 87% of McDonald’s locations had motion-activated fixtures like sinks and hand dryers.
#1: Chipotle
Chipotle comes in at #1 here, with Ipsos noting that most employees wore masks (at 90% of locations) and gloves (at 83% of locations). About half of the restaurants had hand sanitizer available for customers when they walked in, too. Honestly, this makes us want to order a burrito with chips and guac on the side.
Psst: The same research company did a COVID-19 safety study on grocery stores.
Rather Stay in Tonight? Here Are Our Best Restaurant Copycat Recipes
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Inspired by: Panda Express Orange Chicken
We enjoy these tangy Asian-inspired nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake
This easy cheesecake recipe has been a family favorite for almost 20 years. It's fluffy, delicate and absolutely delicious. I've shared it at many gatherings over the years and have even started baking it for our friends instead of Christmas cookies. —Esther Wappner, Mansfield, Ohio
Inspired by: KFC The Original Recipe
If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Inspired by: Noodles & Company Wisconsin Mac & Cheese
I like to serve this mac & cheese with a salad and crusty bread. It's a satisfying meal that feels upscale, but will fit just about any budget. And because the Gorgonzola is so mild in this dish, even the kiddos will go for it. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona
Inspired by: Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Here's an Italian favorite made easier by using prepared spaghetti sauce and canned broth for the flavorful base. —Cindy Garland, Limestone, Tennessee
Inspired by: McDonald's Chicken McNuggets
My 3-year-old is going through a stage where he'll eat only chicken nuggets and French fries. I like to make these golden nuggets for him so I know what he's eating. They're so good, we like them, too! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Inspired by: Chipotle Cilantro-Lime Rice
My family's favorite Mexican restaurant serves a similar rice as a side dish. I threw this together one night when I was making fajitas, and everyone loved it! It's such an easy side dish and pairs well with kabobs on the grill, too. —Robin Baskette, Lexington, Kentucky
Inspired by: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This creamy, cheesy broccoli soup tastes just like the one served at Panera Bread! My family requests it all the time. You can even make your own homemade bread bowls with the recipe on my blog, Yammie's Noshery. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
Inspired by: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
My biscuits won the Best Quick Bread division at my county fair. One of the judges liked it so much, she asked for the recipe! These buttery, savory biscuits go with just about anything. —Tall Pines Farm, Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken
Here's a lightened-up take on classic southern comfort food. This chicken gravy recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina
Inspired by: Portillo's Chocolate Cake
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Inspired by: Dunkin' Iced Coffee with Mocha Flavor Swirl
When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I didn't think I'd like it. Not only did I like it, I decided I could learn how to make iced coffee on my own. My fast-to-fix version is a refreshing alternative to hot java. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Inspired by: Country Kitchen Farm Skillet
I added a little color and flavor to an ordinary scrambled eggs recipe with some green pepper, onion and red potatoes. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, Ohio
Inspired by: Bakers Square Custard Pie
This recipe came from the best cook in West Virginia—my mother! I just added a little to her ingredients. I'm a widow, and my grown children live in another state. So mostly I make my custard pie for church and club functions. It's the most different pie of all the ones in my collection.
Inspired by: Wendy's Chili
This hearty slow cooker chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It's so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Inspired by: Country Kitchen Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
I live in apple country, and a delicious crisp is one good way to use them that doesn't take a lot of time. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin
Inspired by: SONIC Corn Dog
One of the best parts of the many fairs and festivals in Indiana is the corn dogs! My family loves corn dogs, so I fix them fairly often at home. —Sally Denney, Warsaw, Indiana
Inspired by: Red Lobster New England Clam Chowder
I ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It's a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Inspired by: Boston Market Meat Loaf
Mom made the best meatloaf, and now I do, too. When I first met my husband, he didn't care for homemade meatloaf, but this won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
Inspired by: Dunkin' Glazed Donut
The light coffee flavor in these tasty sugar-glazed doughnuts makes them a perfect start to the morning...on Christmas Day or any day. You'll find that the recipe is a delectable way to use up leftover potatoes. —Pat Siebenaler, Random Lake, Wisconsin
Inspired by: TGI Fridays Loaded Potato Skins
Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? I top my restaurant-worthy loaded potato skins with cheese, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Have them at lunch, snack time or cocktail hour. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon
Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Roast Beef
This well-seasoned roast is Mom’s specialty. Everyone loves slices of the fork-tender roast beef and its savory gravy, and people always ask what her secret ingredients are. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania
Inspired by: PF Chang's House-Made Chicken Egg Rolls
These egg rolls are low in fat but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska
Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen Pepperoni Pizza
I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida
Inspired by: Chili's Chicken Fajitas
This flavorful recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The chicken fajita marinade in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. They go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Inspired by: Rock Bottom Carrot Cake
A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this cake is never enough—better than all the other carrot cakes I've tried!—Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania
Inspired by: Popeyes Biscuits
The recipe for these four-ingredient biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina
Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
For our family, a good fish dinner just isn't complete without these zesty hush puppies. You can also serve them alone as a satisfying snack. —Carolyn Griffin, Macon, Georgia
Inspired by: Red Robin Chili Chili Cheeseburger
Big, bold chili and french-fried onions are a fun alternative to the classic burger fixings of ketchup and mustard. The patties are easy to assemble, making this a great weeknight sandwich. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
Inspired by: Rock Bottom Ball Park Pretzels
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Inspired by: Panera Bear Claw
This bear claw pastry recipe is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It's impossible to resist the delicate dough, rich almond filling and pretty fanned tops sprinkled with sugar and almonds. I made yummy treats like this when I worked in a bakery years ago. —Aneta Kish, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Portillo's Chili Cheese Dog
These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions and tailgates. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Inspired by: McCalister's Deli Spud Olé
This is a stuffed potato with a twist. Teenagers like the flavor the green chiles and cheese add.
Inspired by: Boston Market Mac & Cheese
Our stovetop macaroni and cheese is extra special, thanks to the buttery crumb topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Maggiano's Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Ready-to-go crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You can also form the crab mixture into four thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Charlene Spelock, Apollo, Pennsylvania
Inspired by: Culver's Vanilla Custard
I think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and the perfect indulgence on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas
Inspired by: Shake Shack Cheese Fries
I came up with this recipe after my daughter had cheese fries at a restaurant and couldn't stop talking about them. She loves that I can fix them so quickly at home. Plus, the frozen fry packets can be refrigerated and reheated. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake
I said I'd bring dessert to a holiday party and tried this recipe. I'm sure you'll agree it tastes as luscious as it looks! —Dawn Lowenstein, Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Inspired by: Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi
This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska
Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Fried Catfish
This well-seasoned fish nets me compliments from family and friends whenever I serves it. The fish is moist and flakey, the coating crisp, crunchy and flecked with paprika. —Jim Gales, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Noodles & Company Pesto Cavatappi
Prepared sauce accents this warm chicken pesto pasta. Keep pesto in the freezer for the next time you have leftover chicken. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Buffalo Wild Wings Bourbon Honey Mustard Wings
For a change from spicy Buffalo sauce, try these sweet and sticky wings. There's a good chance they'll become your new favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Inspired by: Noodles & Company Penne Rosa
I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
Inspired by: McCalister's Deli Harvest Chicken Salad
These sandwiches are easy to pull together when you need something fun and taste-worthy in a flash. I make them often for occasions like brunches, church youth meetings and impromptu family gatherings. —Cheryl Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Inspired by: Panda Express Chicken Potsticker
Chicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they're steamed. —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada
Inspired by: Hard Rock Café Cheesecake made with Oreo® Cookie Pieces
I used to think cheesecake sounded intimidating, but since I started making them I can’t stop! This simple but special cookie-topped version will make your family feel fussed over. —Rose Yoder, Middlebury, Indiana
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Inspired by: McDonald's McRib
Perfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida
Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza
So fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They're perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California
Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken n’ Dumplins
Using pre-cooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It's the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New York
Inspired by: Culver's Butterburger “The Original”
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter. My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Inspired by: Olive Garden Tiramisu
This variation of the popular Italian dessert is so easy to assemble. It's convenient, too, since you can make it the day before your dinner party or potluck. —Linda Finn, Louisville, Mississippi
Inspired by: Rock Bottom Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the hot pepper intolerant will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida
Inspired by: SONIC Bacon Cheeseburger
Where can you get a juicy bacon burger that is so superior to drive-thru fare? Right in you backyard with this delicious cheeseburger recipe. —Jackie Burns, Silverdale, Washington
Inspired by: Einstein Bros. Bagels Cinnamon Sugar Bagel
Once you get the hang of it, you won’t believe how simple it is to make these bakery-quality bagels right in your kitchen. —Kristen Streepey, Geneva, Illinois
Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here's the delicious result! It's wonderful on a cool evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California
Inspired by: PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps
This recipe is as tasty as the lettuce wraps found in national restaurants, but it's healthier! — Linda Rowley, Richardson, Texas
Inspired by: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
I let my young son pick out seed packets and he chose kale, which grew like crazy. This hearty soup helped make good use of it and rivals a restaurant version that we love. —Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York
Inspired by: Popeyes Seafood Po’ Boy
This twist on the traditional po'boy sandwich adds flavor and veggies while reducing fat and calories. For a smoked flavor, grill the shrimp. For a lower-carb option, serve the po'boy open-faced on a baguette half. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
If you’re feeling festive, scoop some vanilla ice cream over a bowl of my cinnamon spiced apples. They’re homey, aromatic and just plain heavenly. —Amie Powell, Knoxville, Tennessee
Inspired by: Applebee's Quesadilla Burger
This combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Inspired by: Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana
Because my recipe calls for baking the eggplant instead of frying it, unlike most eggplant Parmesan recipes, it’s much healthier! It takes a little extra time, but the Italian flavors and rustic elegance are well worth it. —Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas
Inspired by: Hard Rock Café Hickory-Smoked Ribs
When my family thinks of summer grilling, it's ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake
I love both red velvet cake and cheesecake. So why not combine them into one stunning red velvet cheesecake recipe? It's best when served chilled, right out of the fridge. —Melissa Gaines, Knoxville, Tennessee
Inspired by: Einstein Bros. Bagels Asiago Bagel
Discover a cheesy alternative to the usual sweet bread brunch offerings. There's no need to stop by a bakery when you can make this asiago bagel recipe at home. —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
Inspired by: Bakers Square French Silk Pie
Chocolate makes the world go round! We have a family that loves chocolate pies, and this version with a splash of brandy is smooth as silk and oh, so special. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
Inspired by: IHOP Blueberry Pancakes
My dad makes blueberry pancakes for us every Saturday without fail. The combination of oats, cornmeal and buttermilk in the batter gives the pancakes heartiness we can't resist. —Gabrielle Short, Pleasant Hill, Iowa
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon Pound Cake
My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon pound cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Inspired by: PF Chang's California Roll
This tastes as good as any restaurant or store-bought California roll. Plus, it's one of the easiest sushi recipes to make! For best results, do use the sushi rice to ensure the right sticky consistency. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Popeyes Macaroni & Cheese
My sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? —Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Inspired by: Culver's Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Cheese curds or cubes dipped in flour and beer, then fried, need only a good supply of crinkly toothpicks to turn them into a vanishing act. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Olive Garden Breadsticks
I love to experiment in the kitchen with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuits. The results usually are a big hit, as was the case with these super fast breadsticks. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
Inspired by: Panera Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Years ago, I fell hard for a lemony Greek soup at Panera Bread. It was just a special back then, and I re-created it at home so we could eat it whenever a craving hit! —Kristin Cherry, Bothell, Washington
Inspired by: Country Kitchen Chicken & Waffle
My first experience with this dish sent my taste buds into orbit. I first made this chicken and waffles recipe into appetizers, but we all love them as a main course, too. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Inspired by: Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon
When I'm dining out, crab rangoons are one of my go-to dishes. I decided to create a better-for-you version at home. —Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York
Inspired by: Bakers Square Coconut Cream Pie
When I whip up a toasted coconut cream pie, my family goes wild and it vanishes. —Darlene Bartos, Shoreview, Minnesota
Inspired by: Dunkin' Ham, Egg & Cheese on an English Muffin
If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks
We love the breadsticks at our local pizza joint. Now I can get that same gooey-from-the-oven treat, but I never have to leave the house. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine
Inspired by: Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha
Indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink with this caramel mocha recipe. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Hard Rock Café Original Legendary® Burger
Every family has a burger of choice, and this is ours. It's stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho
Inspired by: Noodles & Company Pasta Fresca
Flavor-packed sausage and sun-dried tomatoes are sure to liven up any simple pasta dish. I have a feeling that once you've tried it, it'll become a family favorite!—Dawn Singleton, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania
Inspired by: Maggiano’s Johnny’s Carbonara
I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Inspired by: SONIC Chili Cheese Tots
Playing with food is loads of fun when you have Tater Tots and taco toppings. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Pasta Carbonara
When a man at church found out how much my family likes fettuccine, he shared his Italian grandmother's carbonara recipe with us. I've made it my own over the last 25 years. Grated Parmesan cheese works just as well as Romano. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Inspired by: Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwich
I have fond memories of my mother in the kitchen preparing her amazing beef dip sandwiches. They always made our house smell like an Old World Italian restaurant. And as good as the aroma was, somehow the taste was even better! Set out a jar of giardiniera for spooning on top. —Kira Vosk, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inspired by: McDonald's Shamrock Shake
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
Inspired by: Chipotle Barbacoa
My husband adores this beef roast simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado
Inspired by: Maggiano's Shrimp Scampi
A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Inspired by: Rock Bottom Cajun Pasta
I’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti, lovingly made on an old woodstove. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Inspired by: Chipotle Carnitas Tacos
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
Inspired by: Red Robin Burnin’ Love Burger
On a whim, we mixed homemade jalapeno jam into ground beef patties, then topped the burgers with caramelized onions and tangy Gorgonzola cheese. Fabulous! —Becky Mollenkamp, St. Louis, Missouri
Inspired by: Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad
I love their crunchy, citrusy salad so much that once I made my husband drive an hour to the nearest Applebee's restaurant just so I could eat it! It was time to come up with my own version. I'm completely happy with the results—and my husband is, too! Find more of my recipes at my blog, mandysrecipeboxblog.com. —Mandy Bird, Holbrook, Idaho
Inspired by: Dairy Queen S’mores Blizzard Treat
When cabin fever hits, we whip up a beverage that tastes like s’mores. Oven-toasted marshmallows and a blender make it happen. —Sarah McKenna, Centennial, Colorado
Inspired by: PF Chang's Pad Thai
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Inspired by: Panera Mac & Cheese
My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Inspired by: Red Robin Chili Chili Cheese Fries
The delicious chili goes together in minutes and then cooks while you run errands. The only way to make it even better is to pour it over crisp french fries and sprinkle with cheese. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Inspired by: Waffle House Regular Waffle
These melt-in-your-mouth waffles are so tender, you can skip butter and syrup, but why would you want to? —James Schend, Food Editor, Taste of Home magazine, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen Roasted Artichoke + Spinach Pizza
When I'm making this pizza and I have garlic oil in my pantry, I swap it for regular oil. It adds a little something without overpowering the toppings. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Fried Pickles
Like deep-fried pickles? You'll love this unfried version even more. Dill pickle spears are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then baked until crispy. Dip them with ranch dressing for an appetizer you won't soon forget.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Inspired by: Chili's Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
Bake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, replace the chocolate chips with an equal quantity of M&M's or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in 1-1/2 cup fresh raspberries.—James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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