Its a Hero

brews + food

Low-Cost Family Time

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Since we became parents, Chad and I have made it a point to take the kids on solo adventures with us. With the big kids (finally) going back to school last week, we’ve taken full advantage of spending a little bit of solo time with our littlest one. With three kids, dining out can easily break the bank. But it doesn’t have to! We have low-cost family time thanks to Bob Evans Restaurants.

Budget Friendly Family Time

Be Sunrise Savers

Although Bob Evans offers lunch and dinner items, we really love their breakfast foods. As hard as I try, I cannot master an over-medium egg the way that the kitchen team at Bob Evans can. Trust me, I’ve tried (and failed)!

Taking Mila to Bob Evans was the natural choice when we decided to take her to breakfast. The new Sunrise Savers menu features items like their famous Buttermilk Hotcakes, Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Banana Berry Oatmeal, and The Classic Breakfast (and more!) ranging from $4.99 to $7.99. It helps us put more on our table for less! Which is a great thing for families, big and small.

Budget Friendly Family Time

We were able to fill our plates (and our bellies) for so much less than we would elsewhere. And the food was incredible, as usual.**

Low Cost Family Time

So when a picky little eater (Miss Mila) decided she didn’t want her original order, I knew it wouldn’t break the bank to order her something else. And, heck! Her Sausage Gravy and Biscuits didn’t go to waste (thank you, leftovers!).

Low-Cost, Big Memories

I sometimes question if these little moments make a difference. But Mila talked about our breakfast at her favorite restaurant all week. She made her siblings a little jealous, but with such great prices, we will be able to take the other two out on their family dates soon enough.

Low Cost Family Time

I know the importance of these little moments. They turn into big memories. And I’m so happy we’re creating them with our kids.

Head to this link to see the full lineup of Sunrise Savers menu items. And tell me — what do you like to do with your kids to make them feel special?!

**Note: Strawberries on top of pancakes are an extra charge.

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Family Fun at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake

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If you have ever travelled through or lived in Ohio, you’ll know there is a lot of ground to cover. We are lucky to live within driving distance to so many incredible places. With three young kids, taking 12-hour road trips is less than ideal. But finding places within driving distance here in Ohio is incredibly easy. And the perfect adventure and family fun can be found at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.

Why the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake?

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is located on the most beautiful lakefront location — right on Lake Erie. The views are truly picturesque. And the lodge is gorgeous — both inside and out! With 109 rooms and 25 lakeside cottages, there is truly a space for all sizes of families. Our family of 5 was more than comfortable in our fireplace room, overlooking the outdoor pool and splashpad.

Here are my favorite parts of the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake:

Lakeside and poolside

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake not only has incredible views, but it also features both an indoor and outdoor pool, and a splash pad. While we spent a lot of time exploring the strip and the state park, my kids wanted to spend every other waking moment at the pools.

We alternated between the indoor and outdoor pools for a change of scenery. But both pools have a view of Lake Erie that would give oceanside cities a run for their money. It is simply breathtaking.

Exceptional on-site dining at Horizons Restaurant

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake features on-site dining from Horizons Restaurant. With stunning views, both indoor and outdoor dining, and a rotating seasonal menu, it’s the perfect place for dinner with the family.

Our appetizer was the kids choice — Warm Pretzels with Guinness Beer Cheese. They were so good that the kids asked for another order!

Family Fun at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake

All three kids ordered their own kids meal while the parents indulged in the most decadent meals we’ve had in a long time. My smoked pork chop with local blueberry beer glaze, and brussels sprouts and kale salad paired perfectly with my all-Ohio wine flight featuring Ferrante’s best wines.

Chad ordered the quinoa crispy shrimp, which he let me taste. Also an incredible option. In all honesty, all five of us were so impressed by both the service and the meals. I truly have not stopped thinking about my pork chop since our visit.

Comfort for the whole family

The service in the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake was outstanding. From our check-in experience, to the friendliness of the gift shop staff, we felt over-the-top welcomed by everyone.

The kids loved the fireplace in our room (despite the 90 degree weather). I couldn’t help but think about visiting in the winter to get the full effect of our beautiful fireplace room.

S’mores and Sunsets

Sure, the views of Lake Erie are stunning during the day. But a Lake Erie sunset is magical. Whether you visit the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake with your whole family, as a couple, or with girlfriends, you absolutely must catch the sunset.

I wish I could put into words how magical this moment was for my small kids. They’ve seen plenty of sunsets before; but none have compared to the sunset on the lake. The only thing that made it more magical for them was getting to make s’mores with this incredible backdrop.

The gift shop at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers s’mores kits and it is a must-do (especially if you ask my kids). Heck, even if you’re visiting as a couple, I highly recommend making s’mores with this view. What could be better than s’mores and this Lake Erie sunset?!

Family Activities at Geneva-on-the-Lake

Many people immediately think about the fun activities for couples in Geneva-on-the-Lake. But I am here to tell you there are absolutely so many fun activities for families. In fact, when we were in the car on the way home, all three kids declared that we must return for a visit soon!

Zipline Adventure Park with Lake Erie Canopy Tours

Before settling down and having a family, Chad and I were super adventurous. Heck, if we have a babysitter, we are still super adventurous. But there’s also a huge thrill in watching your children accomplish things they didn’t think they could do.

Lake Erie Canopy Tours

I will tell you that our middle child, Remy (age 5), is always the first to volunteer for something fun. But she also quickly realizes that she may be too nervous or scared. Luckily the guides with Lake Erie Canopy Tours and her brother, helped to convince her that she is strong and brave.

Family Fun at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake

Both Ari (age 8) and Remy, completed the kids adventure course multiple times. Near the end of their hour long tour, Ari decided to see how quickly he could make it through the ropes course. His best time was about 2 and a half minutes.

Family Fun at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake

I will forever be grateful for the confidence and bravery the staff helped to develop with my kids. And I cannot wait for Mila (age 3) to join in on the fun next year.

Tour the strip and park by renting a golf cart

During our first morning at the Lodge, I convinced my husband and kids that we should walk to get lunch from The Old Firehouse Winery. Honestly, it isn’t far. But what I didn’t factor into our adventure was the humidity and having 3 tiny people making the trek. But we made it! We enjoyed our lunch, wine slushes, and ride on the ferris wheel.

Wine Slush at The Old Firehouse Winery.

But, from there on out, we decided to travel the strip by golf cart rather than by foot. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers on-site rentals for kayaks, paddle boats, and golf carts. It made exploring so much easier — the strip is a lot longer than I expected!

Go for a ride on #5 Big Eli — and then grab a meal at Old Firehouse Winery

Old Firehouse Winery - Geneva on the Lake

Old Firehouse Winery, just minutes from the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, was purchased in 1956 for the now closed “Erieview Park.” After the park closed, Old Firehouse Winery bought it and it is the only winery in the world with its own ferris wheel!

You can purchase tickets from your server at the winery or in their storefront. But I offer you this pro tip: ride before you eat. The #5 Big Eli is fast. I may have had to put on a brave face for the kids (I’m afraid of heights, but I really wanted to experience seeing Lake Erie from that viewpoint. And it did not disappoint).

Old Firehouse Winery - Geneva on the Lake
Chicken sandwich and fries from Old Firehouse Winery.

It is completely obvious why people visit Old Firehouse Winery. Even without the ferris wheel experience, the views and food are laid back and perfectly paired with their wine offerings.

Explore Geneva State Park

Geneva State Park is located right next door to the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. It’s easily accessible by walking or riding on the paved trail from the lodge. Or you can take the golf cart through the main entrance. Either way you enter, the state park offers amazing views, and almost 700 acres to explore.

views from Geneva State Park

A six-hundred foot beach shoreline is a great place for kids to play on the shore of Lake Erie. Who needs an ocean, right?!

Get your adrenaline pumping at Adventure Zone

Within our first hours in Geneva-on-the-Lake, we walked past Adventure Zone. It’s located less than a half of a mile from the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, so it’s an easy walk. My 8-year-old declared that we must go there! This family-owned and family-run business features a full arcade and a bunch of other exciting attractions.

We made the most of our visit to Adventure Zone by hitting the go-karts (yay for tandem karts), bumper boats, merry-go-round, and bungee trampoline before making the grand finale exit from Geneva-on-the-Lake: the Zip Zone Zipline.

I credit my 8-year-olds willingness to climb the 60-foot tower and fly down the 1000 foot zipline because he had previously done the kids course at Lake Erie Canopy Tours. To tell you the truth, this mama was nervous for sure! Chad and Ari climbed that tower and I watched like a hawk from below. I had butterflies in my stomach and so much excitement for this adventure for him.

And guess what? They both did great!

Whether you take a two-day trip or week long trip to the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, your family is going to have a blast. Book your stay today!

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Food Safety Tips For All Cooks

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When my husband and I started dating nearly 13 years ago, I was blown away by what a pro he was in the kitchen. I had spent many of my post-college years making easy meals from my freezer. Admittedly, it was well after we got married that I even decided to give cooking a shot. On my first go at trying a new recipe, I posted a photo to Instagram. Immediately I received a comment about cross-contamination. I had no idea the mistakes I was making. Even now, as a much better cook, I need to remember certain safety items, which is why I’ve decided to put together food safety tips for all cooks!

Food Safety Tips For All Cooks

Basic Food Safety

Part of the reason I was always so nervous about cooking was because I didn’t trust myself cooking meat. Like many people, I was worried about undercooking it and getting food poisoning. So I would spend every night trying to figure out if my food was done enough before overcooking it.

Finally, after several years of ‘not getting it quite right,’ I started using a meat thermometer. It has been a lifesaver. I no longer question whether or not the chicken, beef, or pork is cooked safely. Because I know it is! I honestly wish I had started using a cooking thermometer sooner.

Giving Food Safety a Boost

Now, as a more experienced cook, I still struggle. But in different ways. One of my major issues when prepping a meal for my family is that I am distracted. Moreso, I know many moms are distracted during dinner prep. They’ll lose track in a recipe or forget if they added salt. But what if we forget about whether that cutting board would cross-contaminate?!

Food Safety Tips For All Cooks

The new Dixie Ultra™ Cutting Boards available at Walmart (in the foil aisle) help reduce the spread of germs by mitigating that risk. Simply prep, cut & toss! Basically, just toss away the germs when you’re finished.

Make Food Safety for everyone

I grew up with a mom that made a homemade dinner 6 out of 7 nights a week. But, I admit — I wasn’t present much during dinner prep times. So, one of the ways I’m taking food safety seriously is by educating my children in the kitchen.

Food Safety Tips For All Cooks

Teaching them to use a knife, cut veggies, and even grow their own food is important. But what good are these skills if they aren’t familiar with safe food handling? Getting them involved from a young age and talking about why we’re doing the things we are is educating in action.

Dixie Ultra™ Cutting Boards are especially perfect for Summer. When prepping for a cookout (like we recently did with extended family), they are my go-to. Dixie Ultra Cutting Boards helps eliminate the spread of germs between my sister’s fruit salad and prepping my pork recipe for the grill. That way, you’ll have a clean, fresh surface each time.

These tips are the easiest way to remove the worry of whether or not I could be creating a foodborne illness. Instead, I’m confident and able to stay focused on feeding the whole family.

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Perfectly Imperfect Hassle-free meal kits for busy moms

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I used to think that babies made my life hectic. But, with the older my kids get, the more their schedules (and my own schedule) gets bogged down with commitments. Weeks will be go on where my meal-planning is spot-on; and, yet, others where our meals are in desperate need of help. Perfectly Imperfect hassle-free meal kit are the absolute saving grace — especially for busy moms.

What is Perfectly Imperfect

Perfectly Imperfect Produce boxes are a subscription-based produce boxes. Perfectly Imperfect takes produce that would otherwise be wasted (this is mostly due to superficial flaws), and make sure it isn’t. And, while these veggies may look “different,” they aren’t! Perfectly Imperfect Produce is still just as delicious and deserves to be used and enjoyed.

By eliminating food waste, we are helping to eliminate the 6 billion pounds of produce that is wasted due to ‘imperfections.’ And that’s a mission I can get behind!

Diced + Easy: Ready, Set, Cook!

As someone who has cooked her little tail off for the last 12 + months, I’m completely burned out. I’ve created and cooked dozens of new recipes. But, everyone needs a helping hand sometimes! Especially when that helping hand is delivered right to your door.

Diced + Easy Red Cabbage and Rice

Luckily, time can now be saved with Perfectly Imperfect Produce Diced + Easy Meal Kits. Diced and easy kits can be customized to accommodate families of all sizes. Plus, these meal kits can be customized for the types of cuisine you and your family like!

This brand new meal kit is super exciting for a lot of reasons. First, everything is already sliced, diced, and ready to go. Second, all of these rescued meals are very ‘veggie forward.’ Meaning, they aren’t vegan necessarily. But, if you’re a flexitarian like me, these are perfect.

Our first box had everything prepped and ready for the week. Lunches, dinners, and healthy snacks were all ready. Nothing else required. Well, it was perfect!

Perfectly Imperfect Hassle-free meal kit

Perfectly Imperfect Hassle-free meal kit recipe sneak peek

All of the food has been delicious, but the standout to me was the roasted cauliflower tacos. We make a lot of traditional tacos in our house. But veggie tacos weren’t something I had tried before.

Perfectly Imperfect Hassle-free meal kit

I seriously whipped this up in 5 minutes of prep work. Everything but the avocado and lime were already diced and ready to go. And, oh my goodness, my family is obsessed with these now.

I’m sharing the recipe with you below so you can try it at home. But I encourage you to try a Diced + Easy meal kit of your own. Save on your first box by using code ITSAHERO20 .

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower florets (12 ounces)
  • Garlic, 2 cloves
  • Red Onion, 8 ounces
  • Romaine Lettuce, chopped, 16 ounces
  • Radish, sliced, 8 ounces
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • Avocado, one whole
  • Lime, one whole
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder + 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • Vegetable oil, 3 ounces
  • Mexican cheese, 4 ounces
  • corn tortillas, 12

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

ingredients

STEP 1 -

Preheat oven to 450 * F.

STEP 2 -

Place cauliflower, garlic, and red onion in a large bowl.

Whisk together oil and spice blend (cumin/chili powder). Drizzle over cauliflower and toss to combine. Season with salt and fresh black pepper. 

STEP 3 -

Spread cauliflower out onto sheet pan and roast for 20-25 minutes.

STEP 4 -

Heat a large skillet and, in batches, heat corn tortillas until warmed through. 

STEP 5 -

Top tortillas with roasted cauliflower mixture, and top with romaine, radish, avocado slices, Add lime and cheese garnish as desired.

STEP 6 -

ENJOY!

© Rachel

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Game Day Ready with Baked Chili Cheese Dog Bread

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It’s almost time for the big day. Whether or not you’re a football-loving type, football season is basically a legit season. And personally? I am here for it. I’m here for it mostly because of the food and the cheers. And what better way to celebrate than with this game day ready Baked Chili Cheese Dog Bread. It’s delicious. It’s easy. And it is absolutely delightful! Walmart has all of the Kraft Heinz ingredients, Dixie® Ultra plates, and Vanity Fair® Extra Absorbent napkins you’ll need to make this incredible dish perfect for feeding and serving everyone!

Baked Chili Cheese Dog

Why Baked Chili Cheese Dogs?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — there’s nothing better than gathering for the big game. If there’s a reason to host and to make delicious food? I’m there.

Also? Chili cheese dogs are life. And baking makes them even more awesome because it gives them an extra boost of flavor and crunch.

How to make Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

This recipe is super easy. All of the ingredients, plates and napkins I need are found at Walmart, which is super amazing because they offer Walmart Grocery Pickup so I can get all of our groceries in a safe way.

Baked Chili Cheese Dog

Here’s what you’ll need from Walmart

1 (thirty-inch) French baguette 
4 ounces of VELVEETA 
6 OSCAR MAYER All Beef Hot Dogs (depending on size of baguette)
1 can (15 ounces) of premade chili sauce
½ cup of KRAFT Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese
8 slices OSCAR MAYER Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, cooked and chopped
½ yellow onion, diced
2 chives, sliced (optional topping)
¼ cup BREAKSTONE’S Sour Cream (optional topping)

How to make this delicious recipe!

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 

2. Cut a ‘v’ shape into the end of the baguette. Continue down the length of the baguette, creating a ‘boat’ inside of the bread. Set on top of a large piece of tinfoil (enough to wrap the entire baguette). 

3. Put the VELVEETA into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the VELVEETA for 90 seconds, stopping every thirty-seconds to stir. Cheese should be semi-melted. Use a spoon to spread VELVEETA into the bottom of the baguette ‘boat.’ 

4. Place hot dogs on top of VELVEETA cheese, end to end, until the baguette is full.

5. Spoon the chili sauce over the hot dogs. Top with ½ cup of shredded cheese and the bacon.

6. Fold tinfoil up over the baguette loosely at the top. Put into the oven on top of a baking sheet. Bake until warmed through and cheese is melted — approximately 25 minutes.

7. Let cool slightly. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Garnish with yellow onions and chives. Serve with an optional sour cream dollop! 

8. Enjoy this messy meal with Dixie Ultra® Plates (which are amazingly sturdy for this meal) and extra absorbent Vanity Fair® Napkins to clean up any messy faces.

Supplies for serving

We served this messy meal on Dixie Ultra® Plates and with Vanity Fair® Extra Absorbent Napkins for a reason. Did you know that Dixie Ultra® Plates can hold up to two pounds of food and they are strong enough for a one-hand hold? That’s the kind of strength you need when you’re piling up your plate with tasty treats on Game Day. Vanity Fair® Extra Absorbent Napkins are one part paper towel and one part napkin – so there’s no excuse to use paper towel as napkin. These will really get the job done to keep hands clean when eating messy, cheese food like this Baked Chili Cheese Dog Bread.

Use this recipe for all of your game day needs

Yield: 12 servings

Baked Chili Cheese Dog Bread

Baked Chili Cheese Dog
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 30-inch French baguette 
  • 4 ounces VELVEETA 
  • 6 Oscar Mayer® All Beef Hot Dogs
  • 1 can (15 ounces) of premade chili sauce
  • ½ cup of KRAFT Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese
  • 8 slices Oscar Mayer® Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, cooked and chopped
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 2 chives, sliced (optional topping)
  • ¼ cup BREAKSTONE’S Sour Cream (optional topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 

2. Cut a ‘v’ shape into the end of the baguette. Continue down the length of the baguette, creating a ‘boat’ inside of the bread. Set on top of a large piece of tinfoil (enough to wrap the entire baguette). 

3. Put the VELVEETA into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the VELVEETA for 90 seconds, stopping every thirty-seconds to stir. Cheese should be semi-melted. Use a spoon to spread VELVEETA into the bottom of the baguette ‘boat.’ 

4. Place hot dogs on top of VELVEETA cheese, end to end, until the baguette is full.

5. Spoon the chili sauce over the hot dogs. Top with ½ cup of shredded cheese and the bacon.

6. Fold tinfoil up over the baguette loosely at the top. Put into the oven on top of a baking sheet. Bake until warmed through and cheese is melted -- approximately 25 minutes.

7. Let cool slightly. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Garnish with yellow onions and chives. Serve with an optional sour cream dollop! 

Baked Chili Cheese Dog

© Rachel

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Instant Pot Copycat In-N-Out Burgers Recipe

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It’s been a lot longer than I expected since my last travel adventure. One of my favorite things to do when we travel is eat! Honestly, I feel like half the time we have planned our travel around the restaurants available. When we travelled to Las Vegas, I just knew I had to try In-N-Out Burger. We do not have In-N-Out here in the Midwest, and we certainly didn’t have it when I lived in New York! So In-N-Out was something I knew we had to try. And we LOVED it. So much so that I’ve been dying to try recreating it at home! And that’s why I made this Instant Pot Copycat In-N-Out Burgers Recipe!

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Why the Instant Pot?

If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll know that I’m basically obsessed with pressure cooking and one-pot cooking in the Instant Pot. It’s just… easy. And, when food is made in a pressure cooker, it is 100 times juicier and more flavorful. Sure, you could make burgers on the grill; but I highly suggest you try using an Instant Pot. It’s a complete game-changer.

What you’ll need for these Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Besides your trusty Instant Pot, you’ll need only a handful of other items.

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers
  • One pound of 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 Tablespoon of salt
  • 1/2 of a Tablespoon of onion powder
  • 1 Tablespoon of pepper
  • Three slices of American Cheese
  • 3 hamburger buns
  • 1/2 of a Tomato, sliced
  • 3 iceberg lettuce leaves
  • 1/2 an onion, sliced
  • 3 Tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing

That’s it! Read the full recipe card details below to make your very own Copycat In-N-Out Burgers. But, be forewarned: you’re going to want to make these every single day!

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

The Recipe

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time to come to pressure 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 Tablespoon of salt
  • 1 Tablespoon of pepper
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of onion powder
  • 3 hamburger buns
  • 3 Tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing
  • 1/2 Tomato, sliced
  • 3 iceberg lettuce leaves
  • 3 slices of American Cheese
  • 1/2 an onion, sliced

Instructions

INGREDIENTS:

ingredients for burgers

STEP 1:

Mix together your beef, salt, pepper, and salt. 

STEP 2:

Divide the meat into three sections. Pat them into 3 flat patties. Wrap them in aluminum foil. 

STEP 3:

Add 1 ½ cups of water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside with your patties (in aluminum) on the trivet. 

STEP 4:

Close the lid on your IP. Close the sealing valve. Set your IP to High Pressure for 10 minutes. 

STEP 5:

When the 10 minutes has finished, do a quick release of the pressure.

STEP 6:

Remove the patties from the aluminum foil. 

STEP 7:

Assemble your burgers. Add your thousand island dressing to the bottom bun. Add your tomato, lettuce, burger, cheese, and onion slice. 

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Enjoy!

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

© Rachel

Tell me — what’s your favorite fast-food burger joint?!

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