Klout Influencer Review: McDonald’s new Quarter Pounder

Recently I was given the opportunity to review one of McDonald’s new Quarter Pounder Burgers. I chose the spicy Bacon Habanero Ranch, not sure what to expect. I don’t generally go all-in over something that might clear my sinuses after one bite, but I was looking for something with a little more kick than the norm. And since it was free, I figured why not?

I also had this great coupon to include a free medium fries and beverage with any new Quarter Pounder purchase.

Photo of McDonald's Coupon for free fries and drink with purchase of new Quarter Pounder

McDonald’s Coupon

Not a bad offer, eh? So after a day at work followed by two hours of errand-running, Dot and I drove through our favorite local McDonald’s and made use of the coupon along with a $5 gift card provided by McDonald’s through Klout.

The aroma from the warm bag was more than enticing for the short route home. We burst through the door, grabbed paper plates and chowed down!

McDonald's combo meal: Bacon Habanero Ranch Quarter Pounder Burger, Medium Fries, and Ice Tea

McDonald’s Bacon Habanero Ranch

It smelled so delicious, I almost forgot to get some decent photos. Luckily for you, I remembered.

McDonald's Bacon Habanero Ranch with sauce

Hababero Ranch Sauce

But after I took the first bite, I decided if you want any more photos, you’ll have to take your own.

McDonald's Bacon Habanero Ranch with sauce, with one bite taken.

Just one bite.

It’s hard to impress me with fast food burgers. What’s all the rave around town just doesn’t seem to grab my taste buds. But this one did. After the first bite, the Habanero sauce kicked in, but mildly so. Each juicy bite was full of burger, bacon, tomato, lettuce and sauce. The quality sesame seed bun was firm and flavorful.

McDonald’s is trying to boost their menu to make it more competitive with other burger joints that offer “premium” or “quality” burgers. I’d have to say, with the Bacon Habanero Ranch Quarter Pounder, they’re definitely off to a good start.

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

Influencer Disclosure:
I was given a free product or sample because I’m a Klout Influencer. I am under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

All opinions in this review are my own and not influenced by any product, company or promotion offered to me.

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RECIPE: Independence Day Cupcakes

What better way to celebrate a birthday than with deliciously moist cupcakes? And what better celebration than the birth of our nation?

I wanted to do something fun for the Fourth of July that would inspire you into your own kitchen with a touch of creativity.

Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes with white topping and red and blue sprinkles

Independence Day Cupcakes

Looks great, right? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet! And the recipe? Easy-peasy.
But first, take a look at these mouth-watering photos:

Independence Day Cupcakes with Flag

Independence Day Cupcakes with Flag

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!

Independence Day Cupcakes with Flag

Look at those layers!

Independence Day Cupcakes

Rating: 51

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Yield: 24 cupcakes

Serving Size: 1 cupcake

Independence Day Cupcakes

This festive Fourth of July cupcake is sure to please everyone from young to old.

Ingredients

  • White cake mix from a box
  • 1 1/4 Cup water
  • 1/3 Cup cooking oil
  • 3 eggs
  • Red and blue food coloring

Instructions

  1. Prepare a white cake mix according to package directions.
  2. Divide uncooked batter into three equal parts.
  3. Set aside the white batter.
  4. Mix blue food coloring into the second batter.
  5. Mix red food coloring into the third batter.
  6. Line a cupcake pan with red, white, and blue cupcake liners.
  7. Drop one large spoonful of blue batter into each liner.
  8. Using a clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of white batter onto the blue.
  9. With another clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of red batter onto the white.
  10. Bake according to package directions.
  11. Allow to cool completely. Top with white frosting, then add red and blue sprinkles.
  12. Decorate with a small flag.
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/07/01/recipe-independence-day-cupcakes/

She's a Grand Ol' Flag!

She’s a Grand Ol’ Flag!

These cupcakes will definitely add a delicious flare to your table this week. Enjoy!

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

Berries and mini marshmallows on pinwheel skewers

Patriotic Fruit Kabobs

For more Fourth of July ideas including this Patriotic Fruit Kabob,
click here to sign up for my monthly email newsletter.

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Eight Days and 75% To Go

On the heels of yesterday’s Penny Parable post, I’m excited.

I’m excited because, first, I found two pennies yesterday morning in a place they previously weren’t: a side pocket in my bag. I know they weren’t there, because I use this bag all the time. But yesterday morning, after posting The Penny Parable, there they were. Later, I found another penny when we finished our shopping at Target (I was successful in not buying needless things, either! Points for This Girl!).

I’m working on frugal craft and recipe ideas for the July newsletter, which will be emailed on the first so y’all have time to see if there’s anything you want for your Fourth of July table. I recently purchased a cell phone camera mount and tripod so I can venture into the world of making better videos. Let’s face it, you don’t need the camera shaking just because I can’t stand still, right? [If you haven’t subscribed to the monthly email newsletter yet, click here. It’s full of great, exclusive content that always include Faith, Family, Food and Fun!]

And my Writing Partner is soon on her way to adventure. Big adventure. The kind of adventure that, if she were anyone else, I’d be spittin’-nails-jealous. But since it’s her, and I know I’ll live vicariously through her, all I can say is, Happy Travels, Megan. And come back very soon. With dragons and jewels.

I received a really great email yesterday morning: The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition, has been forwarded to the Judges Panel for the Writer’s Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Competition. Now I wait until October to see if I won.

The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition, entered in Writer's Digest 21st self-published book competition.

Wish Me Luck!

So all these things have been going on. And I haven’t really promoted my newest Kickstarter project. Which is where you come in. I really need help getting the word out. This time around, I’m offering both the First and Second Editions, and a set of both. Easy orders. Easy shipping.

But as you surmised by this post’s title, the funding isn’t where I need it to be. My goal is small, quite reachable, but only if people know about it.

Will you help get the word out? The photo at the bottom of this post will lead you to the Kickstarter campaign where you can read all about it including Project Updates and FAQs. There’s also this link to my Q&A post on the Blog which, hopefully, clarifies everything.

Feel free to share this post through any and every social media site you have. Tell your family. Your friends. Your neighbors. Your trash collector. Your People’s people. Just please help me get the word out!

If you have any questions or ideas, leave them in a comment for me.

As always,
HAPPY EATING!
~Molly Jo

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

The Unemployment Cookbook, First and Second Editions

TUC, x2

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