Cinnamon Sugar Maple Bacon Donuts (Gourdough's Copycat)

Ever since Gourdough's opened in Austin, Texas, I fell in love with their crazy delicious donuts. They had one that my fiance always got called the "Flying Pig" which consisted of a donut with maple icing and bacon on top (topped with even more maple icing). This is what I decided to attempt to make at home yesterday and they turned out amazing. If I can do it out of my own home, anyone can. Raise your hand if you love donuts like me! If so, give these a try, and make your way to Gourdough's if you are ever in Austin.

*Makes: 7 donuts

Donuts:

• 2 tablespoons water, warmed
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 3/4 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• vegetable oil, for frying

Maple glaze:

• 2 tablespoons milk (give or take)
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup 
• 2 cups (260g) powdered sugar

Cinnamon sugar bacon:

• 7 pieces of bacon (you can use more if you would like, this is all I had)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon 

Homemade Mini Sweet Potato Chicken Pot Pies

Chicken Pot Pies are the perfect meal for when Fall & Winter arrive and it's super chilly outside. I had never made Chicken Pot Pie previously to last night, and considering it took FOREVER to make, it was probably my favorite/best tasting dinner I've made thus far. Yes, it did take quite some time to make, but it was nice being in the kitchen for hours, having some alone time. These Mini Chicken Pot Pies are to die for, and I've added some other ingredients that make the traditional pot pie with peas and carrots, just plain boring. Check it out!

*Makes: 4 pot pies

Ingredients

For crust:

• 2 1/4 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (230g) of cold butter, cut into pieces
• 6-10 tablespoons ice cold water

For filling:

• 1 pound (450g) or 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup (150g) of chopped carrots
• 2 baby broccoli heads (or 1 normal sized head would work)
• 1 sweet potato, peeled, chopped
• 1/3 (50g) cup of butter
• 1/3 cup (5 tbsp) of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 cup (250ml) of water 
• 2 chicken stocks
• 1/2 (125ml) cup of milk

Ramen Noodle Burger

This is a unique twist on the classic burger that everyone should try. I saw a video online of this burger being made and I knew I had to try it myself. What's better than eating a burger without the guilt of eating bread at the same time? Who's with me?

*Makes: 2 servings

Ingredients

For noodles:

• 2 packets of instant Ramen noodles (or you can use any package of egg noodles, I used Sharwood's fine egg noodles, 1 nest/package per person)
• 2 eggs

For meat:

• 7 oz. (300g-500g depending on how thick and big you want your burgers) ground beef 
• 2 tbsp spring onions
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp of chinese all spice seasoning
• salt and pepper to season
• 2 slices of cheddar cheese (or another cheese you'd like instead)
• Splash of oil to fry

Baked Mac N' Cheese Balls

If you are looking for an alternative to consuming macaroni and cheese, try these crunchy, tasty, delicious cheese balls!

*Makes: 

Ingredients:

• 1 batch macaroni and cheese, prepared as directed and well chilled (1 box store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe, I used a homemade recipe containing bacon, green onion, and a homemade cheese sauce)
• 1/2 cup/ 70g all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• about 1 cup/125g breadcrumbs (seasoned if preferred; I added some salt and pepper)
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil, divided (you may use non-stick cooking spray if you prefer)