McDonald's Breakfast at Home

Some mornings we just NEED McDonald's, but in a family our size, we don't NEED the bill that comes with it. So, I "hack" my way through to a cheaper and more wholesome "meal in a hurry" for busy Saturdays.  Here's how:

#1 English muffins.  I admit, I have never been able to successfully make home made English muffins.  They just don't turn out right for me.  So I buy the 12 pack, or horror of horrors! 2 6-packs of the leading brand.  Whatever.  Still cheaper than McD's! :)

#2 Home made sausage patties.  You could buy pre-made patties, but we are all about saving money, right?  I just divide 1 lb of our favorite sausage into 8 thin  patties and fry 'til brown.  If you fry up an extra pound, you can cool them and then freeze in a zippie bag for quick week-day grab-and-go. (Or prepare them on a weekday for that upcoming oh-so-busy Saturday morning!!) You can also brown some sausage links (1 or 2 per sandwich, then just split lengthwise), bacon, or use leftover ham slices or shaved deli-ham.

#3 Eggs. If you like 'em scrambled, just whisk 4 eggs in a bowl, then fry in a small frying pan, flip to cook the second side, and cut into 1/4ths.  Even easier, we just crack 4 eggs into the small frying pan, poke their yolks to make them cook faster, then eat them over-medium or hard.  Easy-peasy.  If you want to go gourmet with your fast food, you could also make omelets and divide them into serving-sized helpings. However you choose to cook your eggs, you can also make up extra ahead and freeze.

#3HASHBROWNS!!!!! Can you tell this is my favorite part of a McDonald's breakfast? ;)  Here's the link for the recipe I used.   As usual, I did not follow the directions totally, and skipped the "freeze and shape" steps.  I also do not deep fry. I just spooned the mix into the well-olive-oiled fry pan, flattened them a little with the back of the serving spoon, and fried them on both sides until brown and crispy.  Delish without all the fat!!

#4 Drinks.  Serve this delicious on-the-go meal with either scalding hot coffee or nice cold orange juice to complete your meal.

#5 Enjoy your McDonald's at home meal!!