September 8, 2013

I had two requests when visiting my daughter in Minneapolis over Labor Day weekend.

In addition to visiting with my daughter and her husband, 1. I wanted to visit the massive Mall of America. 2. I wanted to eat at Mickey’s Diner in nearby St. Paul.

All visiting , and any other sightseeing during our visit would be a bonus. :o)

Mall of America did not disappoint with its 500+ stores, aquarium, and entertainment area, complete with Nickelodeon Universe, a Lego area, and more!

Mickey’s Diner was a highlight of my visit. This 1930’s St. Paul landmark, which stars in Disney’s Mighty Ducks trilogy, and the Christmas Classic Jingle All the Way, was just plain fun! The food was good, served in large portions, and the decor was early American Diner, as we played oldies from the juke box at our booth.

It was an enjoyable weekend filled with good company, fun times (including playing a round of miniature golf, playing Mexican dominoes with friends, and a walk in the park among other things), and good food (from a wonderful surf and turf dinner prepared for us by friends, Cracker Barrel, Stella’s Fish Cafe, getting take out cannoli* at Cossetta Italian Market and fast food at Raising Cane’s to name a few).

Miniature Golf Course

Buttermilk Pancakes with Blackberry Topping from Cracker Barrel.

Cossetta, and their delicious chocolate-covered Cannoli

Tender Chicken Fingers at Raising Cane’s

Next time? The Mary Tyler Moore Statue in downtown Minneapolis . :o)

In a nod to diner fare, I have included my recipe for easy Biscuit Doughnuts below.

Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

*Fun Fact for ya-the singular for cannoli is cannolo. Cannoli means little tube.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannoli

Although I attempt to post my blog weekly on Sunday, or Monday, my next blog will not be until October 1.

Talk to you then! :o)

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Biscuit Doughnuts

Ingredients:

1 package ready biscuits (10 count)

Vegetable oil

¼ cup sugar

1 tea. Cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

Heat 1 inch of oil in electric skillet (about 325 degrees), or a heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. (The heat may vary depending on your stove.) Drop a pinch of dough in to test oil. When oil is hot enough the dough will sink to the bottom and pop back up sizzling.

While oil is heating. Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish. Set aside.

Open biscuits and separate. Spread each biscuit and cut a hole in the center. I use a clean, old pill, pharmacy bottle.

Drop a few biscuits into the oil at a time. The donuts cook quickly so be vigilant, turning them as soon as the first side is close to the brownness you desire.

The donut holes cook more quickly and need to be flipped almost immediately.

Remove donuts from oil and drain for a few moments on paper towels, then dredge in sugar and cinnamon mixture.