What is your biggest cooking challenge? It could be a recipe that you just can't seem to perfect, or just the fact that you don't have time in your day to cook at all. What do you wish you could master in your life in relation to cooking? I have 2. 1. Perfecting that onion jam recipe I posted here previously. I'd like a thicker consistency without having to add a lot of extra ingredients. 2. teaching my mother-in-law how to cook a steak that isn't a charcoal-coated battle for your mouth. LOL How about you?

I did have success with that attempt(s) at a real food version of the McShaker fries. Here's the video and the printable recipe is in the classroom under the Budget Recipes. Now I'm looking for other foods to use it on...like maybe popcorn.

My hubby intrigued by the holiday Grinch meal because of the McShaker Fries, so I am determined to create my own pickle seasoning for homemade fries. I'm working on trying to dehydrate the seasoning. Is anyone else tempted?

Get a small pot. Dice a large onion. 1-2tbsp butter on medium heat. When melted, add onions. cook for 5-10 mins, depending on how much you like your onions cooked/browned. Add 1 TBSP balsamic vinegar 1 Tbsp brown sugar 2 Tbsp water salt and pepper to taste 6 Tbsp Ketchup 1 Tsp Tabasco sauce. Increase heat to med-high and boil 6-8 mins to thicken while stirring, if it starts burning to the bottom, reduce heat. If too watery, cook longer. Spoon onto food while still warm or put into a jar or container and allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

I hope everyone is feeling like life is back to normal (well, as normal as December can be). Thanksgiving leftovers are finally all gone. The dogs were happy to oblige. Two days with some detoxing recipes has really helped. Are you feeling like you are back on track in the kitchen and with work?