Thursday, February 26, 2009

Fast Food Favorites

Burger King Onion RingsI've been trying to eat more healthily lately. Well, lately means since Christmas when I was joined by a few extra pounds that seem to be amazingly needy and clingy. So you might think it's odd that I'm listing some of my favorite fast food indulgences but it's mostly out of an extreme longing for the things I'm trying to avoid right now. Maybe once the jeans aren't feeling quite so tight I can go back to enjoying my transfats and cholesterol cravings guilt-free but for now all I can do is dream . . .

1. Blackberry Milkshakes. While I'll admit that I don't think I've ever had a bad milkshake the ones I crave the most are at our local burger den, Arctic Roadrunner. They've been in business since . . . like, forever and because of those blackberry shakes I've written the restaurant into my will.

Have you ever heard how many calories are in a regularly-sized milkshake? It's something like 6500--give or take--but I love them with a passion that will never die.

2. Peach Cobbler Milkshakes. Which is why I'm going to mention one other of my favorites before moving on. When I lived in Provo, Utah during my days at school there was this local burger place called Stevenettes--or at least that's what we called it. I'm actually not certain that that's what the name was, rumor was that Steve Young owned the place but that's probably just one of those urban legends (or rather a rural legend, I wouldn't exactly call Provo a metropolis or anything).

But at any rate they had, among other wonders, these milkshakes in any flavor you could dream up and my favorite was peach cobbler which had little bits of shortbread cookies mixed in with the chunks of peach suspended in all that fattening glorious ice cream. The day I gave birth to Grace Andrew brought me one in the hospital to celebrate. If you're in the area go get one and enjoy it for me.

3. Burger King onion rings. French fries are fine--don't think I've got anything against them--but onion rings are the food of the gods. Burger King's are my favorite. You know when you bite into an onion ring but you don't quite get all the way through the onion inside so you end up having to slurp the soft little onion guy out of the deep-fried batter tube? Well that completely grosses Andrew out--it makes him cower in terror and I kind of do it just to watch him twitch.

4. Turkey bacon guacamole sandwiches at Quiznos. I've always loved Subway sandwiches but I must admit Quiznos' toasty goodness is even better. When I'm trying to be good, either with money or calories, I go to Subway but when I want pure pleasure? It's Quiznos. Every time it's the same thing: turkey bacon guacamole on wheat. I don't really know why I throw the "wheat" part in there, with all that fat it's not as if the wheat magically transforms it into a healthy meal but somehow it kind of makes me feel better and justifies the whole experience.

I've tried other sandwiches there and while they're fine and all I keep coming back to the good stuff and about a year ago I just completely gave up even thinking about ordering something new. Stick with the best, that's the way to live.

5. Broccoli Cheese Soup at Quiznos. So if I'm feeling really wild the only thing I'll do differently is to replace half the sandwich with a cup of their Broccoli Cheese soup which is seriously the best broccoli cheese soup on the planet. I don't know how they got it so cheesy and good and I don't really want to know but boy it's good. Andrew won't touch the stuff--he figures he doesn't have to eat any vegetables when he's eating out--but I've got Grace turned onto it.

6. Soft Tacos and Bean Burritos at Taco Bell. I'd never eaten at Taco Bell until I met Andrew then he changed my world. In fact on one of our first dates we were sitting in Taco Bell, probably staring deeply into each other eyes all mushy-like when it dawned on me that I had promised to take my sister and her friend into Salt Lake to see the Nutcracker. They had tickets and the show was starting in 15 minutes (it's a good hour's drive). I still feel guilty for making us late by being so flaky and it's been 16 years but I still also love Taco Bell and always get the same thing: a bean burrito and a soft taco. If I'm really hungry I might go wild and get two bean burritos and a soft taco or the other way around but it's always the same. Boy do I live on the edge, I'm like Thelma and Louise rolled into one package.

7. Taco Bell Sauce. Whatever I'm eating at Taco Bell I've gotta have their taco sauce--mild please. I love that stuff like crazy and need approximately two and a half packets for each tortilla-ed tasty I eat. I don't take hotel towels or ashtrays but I have been known to take a couple extra Taco Bell sauce packets home with me though I sorta stopped doing that because it felt kind of wrong. Something about cleaning the place out of mild sauce kind of made me feel like I needed to go to confession.

8. Quarter Pounders at McDonald's. Have you seen these commercials running right now on American Idol where it shows this guy biting into a Quarter Pounder and slowly reaching nirvana? Well they're working. I love Quarter Pounders though I can't really remember the last time I had one and something about those commercials where they zoom in on the burger and you can see the patty all shiny after its recent frying and the fake yellow processed cheese drooping seductively over the edge of the patty is getting to me. I can taste one every time they come on and it's been hard. So very hard.

9. Arby Q Sauce. Man I could drink this stuff it's so good. I never go to Arby's but if they sold this sauce in the supermarket you can be sure I'd be buying it. This site claims to have the recipe for it--I really ought to give it a try though if their claims are true who knows where my cravings would end? Pouring it on cold cereal? Over ice cream? It could be very bad. I don't know that I'm ready for it.

10. Schlotzsky's Sourdough. Why is it called sourdough? It doesn't really taste like I've come to remember sourdough tasting but that doesn't necessarily translate into a complaint. I looked the recipe up for this one as well and all the sites claiming to have the recipe say the same thing.

Ingredients:
1 package sourdough bun mix
water
yeast

Okaaaaay . . . sounds like it's easier to find weapons of mass destruction than it is to find a legitimate recipe for making these buns but that doesn't mean I will be stopped. I will experiment until I find a way. With or without the cooperation of the United Nations.

11. Apple Pies at McDonald's. The baked apple pies at McDonald's are really really good--and especially for only $.50--but if you want to really get me happy, if you want to take things to the next level then you need to order an apple pie but ask them to put it in a cup with some vanilla ice cream on top.

You heard me. Yes, it is legal and yes it can be done though you might get some little newbie working the drive through that balks a bit at first. Just be calm, be patient but be persistent. Tell them that they do it all the time for Michelle in Alaska--maybe that'll work.

12. Dipped Cones at Tastee Freeze. And to finish with the whole ice cream theme I'm going to put you wise to the greatest fast food menu item ever. Ready? Chocolate soft-serve cones at Tastee Freeze are fine but if you're really really lucky your local branch will have toasted coconut dip. You know--just like the chocolate shell that they dip the cone in and it hardens up so that it makes a mess when your toddlers try to eat it?

Well it's the same thing only here they have a bunch of dip flavors and one of them is toasted coconut. When you dip the chocolate into the sauce and it hardens it gives the cone this glorious golden glow and there are real pieces of coconut clinging to the cone, suspended in time and when you bite into it it is like eating a frozen ice cream-German chocolate cake on a cone. I've done a bit of experimenting and I have to say that using vanilla and strawberry soft serve for the base also has highly pleasing results as well but chocolate is the best. The very best.

Oh my I'm drooling. I need to go run some laps.

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Technorati tags: fast food, lists

64 comments:

Serena said...

A blackberry milkshake? I'm coming to Alaska on the first flight I can get.

We've recently discovered a place called Beach Hut Deli. They put cream cheese on their sandwiches. With avocado. And other cheese. It's glorious.

And oh-my-goodness, McDonald's apple pie with their ice cream on top?!!!!! Forget organic homemade apple pie, I want that!

Peruby said...

Oy vey. You do know how to torture a soul. It's only 5:00 A.M. here in Ohio and after reading your post I am quite dizzy with hunger.

My guilty pleasure is the Italian sub at Arby's. Tangy pleasure.

Jennifer said...

We have so much in common Michelle! Particularly numbers 6, 7, and 9! I don't think I've ever gone to the Bell and ordered anything other than a Bean Burrito and a Soft Taco. My dad has practically perfected the homemade version of the Bell's Bean Burrito... but you have to either steal the sauce packets or buy it in a bottle at the grocery store.

And are there people who even consider eating an Arby's Roast Beef without the sauce?! I can't believe that... I put it on top of the meat, and then take an extra packet (or 2) and squeeze some on after each bite.

Thanks for making me hungry... my Lucky Charms aren't cutting it now!

Anonymous said...

Shame on you, Michelle. Shame.On.You. ;-)

Onion rings are my weakness, but onions rings from Burger King do not agree with me at all. They give me such bad stomach cramps that my husband won't let me order for myself if we go there. He knows I won't have the power to order french fries instead of onion rings. And then I always lament, "Why'd you let me eat those?!"

When I was working at a bank during college, there was a Wendy's across the street. I think I survived on 99-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers!

Anonymous said...

I lived in Anchorage (actually EAFB) when I was little and one of my favorite memories of living up there was going to the Tastee Freeze out on Raspberry Rd. Too bad I live 3000 miles away, otherwise I'd be there in a second after reading your blog!!

As a matter of fact, this entry is truly a potential diet-wrecker... should come with a warning or something :)

Jeni said...

Is there still a Tastee Freeze at Raspberry & Jewel Lake? When we lived in Anchorage, we were in that neighborhood across Raspberry from that little shopping center, and you better believe that MANY walks ended up at Tastee Freeze!!

Tammy said...

Oooh, yummy! When I go to Taco Bell I always, always get a bean burrito (no onions) and a crunchy taco. And I love the mild sauce too! =)

ShabbyInTheCity said...

I was waiting for you to say Muffaletta :)

One Mom said...

Turkey bacon guacamole on wheat....every time :)

Must be somthing wrong with me cuz I've never been to Taco Bell.

I'll have to put that on my "to do" list for 2009!

corrie said...

I've got a few of those clingy Christmas goody pounds left over too. Stinks. Love onion rings. I am avoiding Lamar's donuts. They are so fabulous. sigh.

Kathy G said...

This was NOT a good post to read before breakfast!

I never get to Burger King or Quiznos (even though we have them relatively close). My favorite grease weakness is the tater tots at Sonic; they're never greasy and so crunchy.

Gotta love Taco Bell. I second the soft tacos and bean burritos, but with Medium sauce (cause I'm a spicy kind of girl). Sometimes when I'm not hungry I'll just get a bowl of pintos and cheese-THAT'S one recipe I'd like to be able to duplicate!

jacjewelry said...

These look good - even at 9 in the morning. :) My guilty pleasure is hot dogs - all kinds of hot dogs, but especially chili and cheese ones! Those apple pies are delicious; I also like hot fudge and caramel sundaes from McDonald's. :)

Kara said...

WOW that Quizno's sandwich sounds fantastic - might have to try and make that at home one day! Anything with bacon and avocado can't be anything but divine.

I'd add something to the list and I'm guessing they don't have it in AK but it warrants a special trip... Chick-Fil-A (particularly their traditional chicken sandwich). It would easily (save for the sentimental value) replace Taco Bell on your list... anytime, anyday.

Kristen M. said...

Reading about fast food in the morning before I've eaten my breakfast is a bad thing. I'm going to be craving milkshakes all day!

Janelle said...

I love tacos at Jack-in-the-box, fried zucchini at Carl's Jr., crispy chicken burritos at Taco Time (are they even still in business), and Dairy Queen. I love DQ's chicken strips and white gravy, their fries are so yummy, and they used to have frozen hot chocolate that I absolutely fell head over heels in love with.

Mirien said...

I remember Stevenette's! Didn't they have two for one shakes on Monday nights? But apparently I missed out by not ordering the peach cobbler shake--I was more of a grasshopper or oreo person. I'm afraid those calorie-carefree days are over for me. When we take the kids out for shakes (Arctic Circle) they know that I won't order my own--I just get to take a bite of each of theirs.

Jill in MA said...

You're killing me, Michelle, you're killing me! I definitely want to go and eat at a place called the Arctic Roadrunner. I'm betting we don't have one of those here in Mass. And the next time I'm near quiznos, I'm getting one of those turkey bacon guac on wheat subs!

That Girl said...

oh noooo you need to eat at a REAL Mexican restaurant!!! no Taco Bell!!

and i LOVE Quiznos too!! they are much better than Subways anyday!!

Scribbit said...

Now that I've spoiled all your diets . . .

Yes, Arctic Roadrunner and Tastee Freeze are still there. THey'll never go out of business thanks to my efforts.

We don't have Sonics or Chick-Fil-A but we recently got a Dairy Queen (love those Peanut Buster Parfaits).

I should have also added Krispy Kreme to the list though we don't have one of those either. They're so good and my Mom swears that they fry their donuts at a slightly lower heat so that they absorb a bit more grease or something to make them taste better. The Maui airport is right next door to a Krispy Kreme and on the Alaska flights you can see all these Alaskans returning home with boxes of Krispy Kremes on their laps for the flight home. Sometimes locals will have boxes of the donuts overnighted for fundraisers and you'll see a roadside stand with someone advertising "Krispy Kremes for the South football team" or something like that.

Jordan McCollum said...

Two-for-one shakes Monday nights? Then is Stevenettes the place with the red roof on Univ Ave between Univ Parkway and Bulldog (south of the Riviera apts)?

Or, more helpfully: a picture

If so, the official name (these days, at least) is The Malt Shoppe.

(link to the pic: http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=the+malt+shoppe+provo&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,8774442686803290597&ei=YLWmSakxibiwA7af2OIP&ll=40.251208,-111.658537&spn=0,359.993091&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=40.251121,-111.658536&panoid=eDQcsAiX_ZpuU8KnIvc7uw&cbp=12,34.56320665437787,,0,5.559006211180124 )

nutmeg said...

I've been off fast food for six weeks. You're KILLING me!

NGS said...

I love onion rings from Burger King, but because they are a treat I allow myself only about once a year, they do miserable things to my digestive system. I always regret it later!!

My hidden weakness is McDonald's french fries. Probably once or twice a month, I covertly go through the drive through, order a small fry, wolf them down in a matter of seconds, and then roll the windows down in my car so no one can smell the wonderful smell and know I sneak fast food. It really wouldn't do much for my reputation as a healthy eater!!

Jen S. said...

OK, Scribbit, you're making me hungry!!

Unknown said...

You're killing me Smalls.

I am not sure which mention just made my stomach growl, but that photo of those onion rings got me from the get go.

Anonymous said...

Wow! What have I been missing at Quizno's?? I've even been throwing out coupons for Quizno's left and right - thinking "I'll never eat there...." Looks like I'll have to head over there but soon for the turkey bacon guac on wheat!!!

Anji Gallanos said...

You have to admit that some of the best milkshakes come out of Provo Utah. I also love Arby Q sauce...not just for the taste but also because it sounds perfect when you say it.."Extra Arby Q sauce please". I was extremely addicted to Arby's when pregnant..and wow..if only I could've locked myself in the Eagle River Arby's overnight...well..I can still dream.

Jolene said...

I wasn't ever a fast food fan - I worked at Taco Bell for a little bit while I was in high school and I still love their bean burritos, no onions and I always ask for green sauce instead of red.

BUT, we recently got an In-n-Out about a mile from my home and I'm afraid it will be the death of me or at least of my diet plans.

Their French Fries are fresh - you can watch them cutting the potatos from the drive-thru and the burgers Animal Style (carmelized onions and 1000 island dressing) are so so so good.

I can't wait for it to be lunch time!

Janet said...

Obviously you and I could go out to eat together with no problems at all. Of course, we might fight over the onion rings. And the Arby's sauce. And the Taco Bell sauce .. .

Hmm.

Maybe we CAN'T go out to eat together.

The picture of Andrew cowering over the onion rings is pretty funny. Pair that with some fried mushrooms and he'd probably be apoplectic.

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

I am so glad I have a fridge stocked or I'd totally be heading to a drive-thru! So, curious- have you tried the new Pink Lemonade Fruitista from Taco Bell? So interested in that one!

Steph

Unknown said...

Now I'm hungry.We don't have fast food around here.

I'm craving Wendy's nuggets. Mmmm...

Burger Kings onion rings are awesome -- in total agreement there. Maybe I'll make some homemade ones...

Gerky said...

So much to say...lol.
Never had a peach cobbler shake but our DQ had a Banana Creme Pie Blizard that has bananas and shortbread cookies and it topped with whipped cream.
Ditto on the onion rings, especially with their onion ring sauce...yum!
Quizno's rocks!
Carmel apple empanada from Taco Bell is to die for.
Taco Bell sauce makes me laugh. Chip (my oldest)wanted to show how tough he was so he shot into his mouth their fire sauce. Poor lad turned beat red...lol
ArBQ sauce mixed with horsey sauce makes the roastbeef sandwich.
Micky D's apple pies are ok but their apple muffins are great. I have teh recipe for those...should make them.
Well...I guess I came out of lurkdom and told you what I think of fast food! Great blog!

Kelly said...

You know what else Taco Bell Taco sauce is good on? Maccaroni and Cheese. The kind from a box. Not the powdered, but the Kraft Deluxe or the Velveta shells & cheese. Just mix it right in on your plate. Heaven!

Jenna said...

Man, are you trying to kill us all or something? I've got to run out...I'll be RIGHT back.

Patricia L said...

Just seeing Tastee Freeze on your list reminds me of a little ditty about Jack & Diane... ;-)

I, personally, always find myself salivating over the DQ Blizzard of the Month-- doesn't matter what flavor.

Anonymous said...

What about the Hot Fudge Shakes at Lucky Wishbone? :)

Sheri said...

You are a woman after my own heart, or stomach,lol. I love Quiznos, and I get the Mesquite Chicken sandwich with guacamole. I make sure they put the guac on there, because that's what it's all about. And don't get me started on Quarter Pounders, that reminds me of my college days. Evil, pure evil.

amelia said...

Now I'm totally hungry. What is it with guys and taco bell? My husband would eat bean burritos every day. I love them too though!

Jennifer said...

I will have to try the blackberry milkshake next time we make a trip down to Anchorage - it sounds divine!

I really miss Schlotzsky's - there was one near our house in Texas. Maybe it's better that we don't have one here!!

We do have Quizno's which is super yummy, but no Arby's :( Oh, I would love a Cherry Limeade from Sonic too!! Haven't had one of those in years!

You're making me very hungry...

Melanie Jacobson said...

As a kid, one of our favorite fast food treats was dipping our french fries into our Wendy's Frosty. As an adult, I admit a mild addiction to Arby's curly fries. I just love a good seasoned fry. Oh, dipped in ranch.

Still, my favorite of anything fast food are Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets dipped in their Polynesian sauce. Yum.

Anonymous said...

I don't know if I have any favorites from a fast food restaurant other than McDonald's fries, with their yummy apple pies coming in a close second.

My guilty pleasure is a Burrito Special from Benny's. We only go there about twice a year, but it is so worth it. I was really heart broken when that monstrosity of a hotel took over it's long standing parking space. At least it didn't move too far away.

Mary@notbefore7 said...

I confess...there are several packets of TB mild sauce in my pantry for taco night. And I do refill when necessary :)

Elizabeth said...

I love McDonalds apple pies. And during the holidays they had hot pumpkin pies. They were so good.

Anonymous said...

I love the Broccoli Cheese Soup at Panera!!! And any milkshake I can get my hands on.

I am not totally craving the soup and a milkshake :)

Anonymous said...

We should totally go for lunch some time. I love all those things. In Utah there is/was? a place called Arctic Circle and you could get a Lime Ricky (sprite, grape juice and lime juice). I love those.

PS: Arby Q sauce on BK onion rings...you have to try it! of course you also have to swallow some self respect and go fast food restaurant hopping.

Alison said...

Great list! That peach cobbler shake sounds especially amazing.

Scribbit said...

Popping in here to keep up with all this amazingness--I am so glad I'm not going out for lunch, I'd be making half a dozen stops to try out all these things I"m craving.

Lime Ricky?? sounds fabulous. And I can imagine that dipping your fries in a shake might be good, I really like drinking smoothies for breakfast and last time I did that we had a package of Costco croissants and I dipped pieces of the croissant into the smoothie and it was fabulous.

JOlene--Andrew is a former Taco Bell man too, that was his first paid formal job as a teen. He was the one who measured out the meat for eat taco. There was a job title that was hysterical but I can't remember what it was right now.

I have to confess (Anonymous) that I've never had a Lucky Wishbone shake--only their chicken--I wish you hadn't told me about it.

And mac and cheese with TB sauce? I'd eat it for sure--my kids pour salsa on their mac and cheese all the time ;) We're total white trash and loving it!

CountessLaurie said...

note to self: do NOT read blogs about food by michelle at 11:00 at night. there is NO WAY your husband is going to go to mcdonalds at this late hour, even if it IS your anniversary and you have borne his children!! Nope, just a blank stare :-)

Heather said...

I think I gained 5 pounds just by reading this! I'm with you - just slap it on wheat bread and it magically becomes healthy... I'll take that blackberry milkshake with a side of whole wheat toast please... :)

Anonymous said...

My arteries are hardening just reading this list...

Anonymous said...

Not to say that I don't occasionally indulge in the quarter pounder with cheese, Arby beef n' cheddar, and Quizno's sub!

Twinsmom said...

I just had my first Quiznos last night - used their free coupon - and tried the turkey bacon guacamole on wheat, not having yet read your glowing review! It was wonderful! I had to eat it quickly as I was being attacked by 3 feline furbabies wanting their share, but I would definitely get it again. And I agree with the soft tacos at Taco Bell. I've never been a bean burrito person but once had a cat who loved, loved, loved bean burritos with hot sauce. My ex would get them, and the cat would eat nearly a whole one all by herself if we would let her. Not a plain bean burrito, not one with mild sauce -- it had to have hot sauce. And yes, she spent the remainder of the evening outside!

jubilee said...

Oh, I think I need a quarter pounder with cheese. And fries. Maybe a choc cone dipped in coconut stuff.

threesidesofcrazy said...

I am so seriously drooling right now! I never thought when we moved to the north woods that the thing I'd miss the most was food! Not just any food, but select items similar to your list. I've been dying for a decent pizza and latte' since we got here. You're good for my diet though - look and can't touch works great!

Patricia L said...

Adding a diet Coke to any order makes it healthy as well. :)

Holly Crosley said...

I have only to disagree about the apple pies at McDonalds. They were so much better when they were deep fried little pies of goodness! Oh, the memories...

Sarah Jewel said...

I was a STRICT Bean Burrito/ Soft Taco girl @ taco Bell... until I tried the Cheesy Gordita Crunch. Now THAT is so good ole' fast food HEAVEN (though I get it w/out the baja sauce - that stuff is NOT necessary). Mmmmmm!

I'm glad I ate a giant baked potato right before reading this or I'd be SO MAD at you! hahaha It's a 30 minute drive to *any* fast food places.

Daisy said...

Mmm, Schlotzky's sourdough. And Quiznos' turkey with guac...now I'm hungry, darn it!! :)

Lei said...

Had #6 for dinner tonight! You'd be surprised how low in calories they are if you leave off the cheese... sorry, I'm on a health kick and you want to indulge. Lol! Leave that cheese on there, baby!

;)

Unknown said...

Note to self: do not read Michelle's blog when on a diet. :-)

charrette said...

Wow. That is quite a list!

I think the only fast food that could make my list is Wendy's Chili (it costs a dollar and tastes like homemade), and the Chicken Philly from Charley's subs.

Okay, I lied...if local mom-and-pop shops count, the shakes and the halibut fish and chips at Ripples totally rock! And the Turkey-Avocado BLTS, Gyros and fries at Connals in Pasadena are worth a stop every time we go back. Same goes for the JVC at Burrito Express in Pasadena!

Caffienated Cowgirl said...

Milkshakes...oh man...I love them...which stinks because I am lactose intolerant. But boy, the little frosty joint where I grew up made Hot Fudge Milkshakes and Marshmallow Fluff Milkshakes...I am drooling, just thinking about them! :)

Mozi Esme said...

Those milkshakes are sounding so good right now. And Taco Bell is on our list of things most missed when we're out of the country. We try to get sick of it while we're here, but it doesn't work...

thediaperdiaries said...

I agree with so many of these, but the Burger King onion rings take the cake. Dang it, now I want some!!

Stephanie said...

I'm with you on the onion rings - although I don't know if Burger King "takes the cake" for best of class in that category.

I'm not a big fast food fan, but - if I am going to get a burger - I prefer Carls Jr's Western Bacon Cheeseburger (which I have heard is their LEAST healthy burger...sigh) or a Cheeseburger from In-N-Out.