Restaurant Mixes

[rt49andellis]

Other than things like Taco Bell seasoning and Arby's sauce, I can't figure out where to get the foods sold in restaurants. For instance, Red Lobster rolls... those are just a mix.... but it aint no Bisquick, if ya know what I'm sayin.

So any ideas on where do get this sort of stuff?

[spiceplace]

In my opinion those packaged restaurant named products are loaded with salt and MSG. I don't think you need to use either of those in cooking. MSG has it's place in some foods, but I can't handle MSG and read labels. Mama Mangia had posted some nice restaurant like recipes last month on the forum.

Mama - got any Taco bell or Arby's recipes?

[Manga]

haha its like asking whats the KFC recipe?
11 secret herbs and spices. Anyone figured out what they are?

[GregGraves]

Actually, Mama Mangia has a great number of great recipes, and wouldn't be surprised if she had a some Taco Bell recipes.

[rt49andellis]

It's not the recipe's I want. Just the actual product they use in the restaurant. And I HAVE actually tried 3 or 4 of the taco bell recipes and they were AWEFUL!!! Would have been better if I'd just use hamburger and nothing else.

[mtmomj]

I wish I had the KFC recipe.

[rt49andellis]

It almost makes me want to go work for the people for a month or so and see where their supplies come from. But on the other hand... maybe it just tastes so good because we don't have to cook it? Ya think?? LOL

[Raquelita]

I think they buy their stuff in bulk from restaurant food suppliers so you cant buy it in the grocery store.

[rt49andellis]

Well... as jar jar binx would say .... that's muy muy stinkowith! Hmmm.... let's all get together and start holding up delivery trucks.... LOL Nah, nevermind.

[Mama Mangia]

Okay - give me time with this post - Mama may have walking pneumonia and I can't stay on too long.

First - let's start out with these restaurant "mixes". Many times a "name" restaurant has it's own mix from a company and it is packaged under the restaurant name. Many papers are signed so that no one gets the recipe. I have seen this so many times. There are copycat and clones out there. Most restaurants do not have the time and personnel to make everything homemade. You would be surprised to see how much is actually added to a mix, or another item in the restaurant. Not only does it keep the costs down, but it makes everything "fast". We live in a fast food world. Think about it - if you were to make a lavish meal at home - it would take time. Restaurants have to cut most of that time out. Many are now even getting there products pre-cooked. Go to a BBQ pit - luscious chicken and ribs - good chance they were cooked in one warehouse, flash frozen, shipped to the restaurant, and then re-tossed on the grill to look like they cooked it while they are getting the ice crystals out if it! You would be amazed at what flash freezing does for restaurants, bakeries, etc. Too many bakeries and pizzerias ack like it's their recipe - LOL - I know better than that. Give me a few different labels and that one recipe will be anyones!

That alone cuts down on the restaurants costs and labor!

I used to love the salsa they served at The Ground Round - come to find out it was made by a company called Territorial House and I was able to buy it at a restaurant supply house. Had to buy it by the gallon and freeze it in portions - but I had my sauce! Restaurants do not want anyone copying their recipes - cripe - if you can make it at home - you don't need them anymore.

Now - spiceplace - you are soooooo right! If we keep eating all these preservatives and additives - we won't have to be embalmed when we die! LOL! There are enough toxins in our lives - we don't need to add more. Now before anyone jumps the gun - all Mama means is - if you want to eat it once in a while that's great. But too much of a "good" thing is really bad for you. That is why I prefer to make my own. Plus I can add my own ingredients, etc. Yes I have recipes - yes I will post them

Manga - 11 different spices in KFC???? Hogwash! I know for a fact that their chicken is marinated, frozen and shipped from local poultry distributors. These distributors have to sign the papers - NO ONE ELSE CAN BUY IT!

Take a real good look at KFC chicken. Do you see parsley, paprika, etc. If you ask me - it's pure MSG - salt heaven. I think the Colonel sniffed his MSG when he came up with that one. (sorry Colonel). These frozen parts are thawed, coated from a bag, and cooked.

Greg - you know i will post. I will make a thread.

rt49 - eveything tastes better when you don't have to cook OR do the dishes and clean up - LOL!! Right now - everything tastes crappy to me - not that I am actually eating much. And if you hold up any delivery trucks you may just be disappointed with what you've got. You say you've made some clones and that they were disgusting. Remember - clones/copycats are usually tweaked and twisted to that particular cook/family likes or dislikes. Sometimes a bit of experimenting will see you through it.

Ok - Mama's gonna look up Arby's, Taco Bell, KFC for you.