Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 15

Summer Marinated Goat Cheese.

This summer marinated cheese is the perfect snack! Great for happy hour, a BBQ at home or even a pool party, it’s spreadable on crackers and crostini and tastes amazing. Fresh and light and so delicious!

Raise your hand if you need a new summer app!

This summer marinated cheese is perfect for a little summer snack. A lovely appetizer made of sliced goat cheese, summer sweet corn, scallions, fresh herbs, a touch of vinegar and more. It’s tangy and herby and seriously so good, you won’t believe it. 

Summer snack season is the best season! I love serving light summer snacks for dinner on a hot day. At the pool. Even if friends just happen to stay longer than planned. It’s always fun to have a snacky meal and it gets the conversation moving too. 

One of my most popular recipes (and personal favorites!) is this marinated christmas cheese. It is SO flavorful and the best make-ahead appetizer. It works as both a spread and a dip and you can prepare it ahead of time for the maximum flavor result. 

Seriously, people freak out over it!

Now there is nothing “Christmas” about the recipe whatsoever, aside from the color. So sure, you can make it at any time. But I have wanted to make a summery version – one that is packed with fresh herbs and sweet corn and is so light and tasty for summer. 

Think happy hour on the deck with a chilled glass of wine. Any summer BBQ. A pool party even. 

The options are endless and the dip is plentiful. It doesn’t look like it makes a lot, but it’s very satisfying and simple to throw together.  

Not only is this delish, but it is SO pretty. I love to throw in some chive blossoms if I have them from my plant and it adds a pretty pop. Beautiful AND edible.  (more…)

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Tuesday Things.

1. We are freeeezing at the beach right now in the wackiest rainiest cold and windy weather. I keep saying “but it’s still the beach!”

2. Also making my kids eat lots of fried clams by telling them they are beach fries.

3. I need these key lime pie bars.

4. You know you’re an adult when the biggest flex on vacation is having a washing machine.

5. Speaking of: a snob’s guide to the jersey shore.

6. The cumulative effect of daily actions.

7. TV things!! Loved this season of Ginny and Georgia so much!

8. The out of touch adults guide to kid culture. Why am I so old? The worst part is that you’ve witnessed me get old

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Grilled BBQ Chicken Guacamole Sandwiches.

These grilled BBQ chicken sandwiches are super flavorful and easy to make for dinner! Topped with melty cheddar, guacamole and pickled onions, they taste amazing and are so satisfying.

Summer sandwich season!

These grilled BBQ chicken sandwiches are incredible and the perfect weeknight meal. Top with guacamole and everyone will be thrilled!

Tastes like heaven, looks impressive and is easy enough to assemble for a big summer BBQ.

Extra guac for me please!

We bought a new grill so I’ve been grilling all the things. I usually grill all the things but this is different: we’ve been without a grill for a few months so I was extra excited. When I say that I use the grill daily for dinner in the summer, it’s not an exaggeration! I can’t live without it. 

I’ve been making chicken thighs often – Eddie adores them and they are our favorite to make for easy lunches, dinners or meal prep. This method is so easy but it’s also very flavorful. It seems too flavorful for what it is! 

Chicken thighs + seasonings + BBQ sauce + sharp cheddar

That’s how it’s done and it tastes like heaven. Put it on a sandwich or even slice it for a salad. Delish!

And of course I have to make it a bit extra by adding a quick guacamole. It should be our summer spread of choice. 

This is what’s stacked on our bun!

Grilled BBQ chicken thighs with melty cheddar

A heavy handed scoop of guacamole 

My favorite pickled onions

Some crisp refreshing romaine lettuce

Also can we talk about how I accidentally wrote ICONS instead of onions? I mean… they basically are pickled icons. Let’s be real. 

Oh and a super buttery brioche bun! (more…)

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A Week In The Life, Vol 24.

We had the fullest week ever!!

And the best one!

Started with pickled onions for the week.

Max and Emilia both had cooking camp this week!

The start of summer adventures.

Fave girl!

Max and Eddie went to the US open!

He had a blast.

I’m obsessed with him.

Love!

Jordy started swim lessons!

Cousins!! Fave pic ever.

Post swim.

And then we had a birthday party!!

For MONTHS all Jordan has asked for was a “head cake” – a cake with his head on it. I have NO idea where he got this.

He LOVED it. It was a huge hit!

How fabulously 90s birthday is this?!

More cousins.

And how is my baby 4?!

Went mini golfing with friends for his birthday!

And got ice cream!

Max had a summer hockey tournament!

Back in the ice rink.

Friday night I went to see Thomas Rhett! It was SO good.

Baby Lucy came to Max’s game.

I could eat her up!

So we celebrated Jordy’s birthday, father’s day and my mom’s birthday!

Then today, we left for the beach!

Weather is garbage, but baby BFF’s are adorable.

60 degrees, high winds, they had a blast but I was basically in a snowsuit.

They don’t mind!

How do I have a child that wants steak and asparagus now?! I love it!

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What To Eat This Week: 6/15/25.

New week, new menu!

What’s on your menu this week?

What To Eat This Week

Garlicky burst tomato pasta

Cheeseburger puff pastry pizza

Sweet potato summer salad

Jalapeno cheddar chicken meatballs

Summer mushroom pizza

Carnitas tacos

Best tortellini salad

Bircher muesli 

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Currently Crushing On.

Happy weekend!

This week on the blog, I shared this sweet potato summer salad! I also shared these jalapeno cheddar chicken meatballs. And a new summer fridays post!

And I also shared my favorite summer essentials now that I have kids.

I shared all my outdoor entertaining favorites! And! There’s a list of my favorite summer beauty and kids’ summer faves!

There’s a new menu for the week and a new peek inside our everyday life.

You can find all my favorites in my amazon store front and LTK shop!

Thank you for continuing to make the launch Easy Everyday absolutely amazing . If you haven’t got your book yet, you can order here! There is a big giveaway happening on instagram and another happening in our facebook cookbook club!

xo

WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEK

This blackberry coffee cake looks UNREAL.

Crispy chocolate chip cookies for the win.

Craving this air fryer edamame.

No churn mango sorbet. Yesssss.

I want to make this strawberry sheet cake.

Mexican street corn is a huge favorite.

I need an ice cream sandwich cake.

Creamy lemonade is something I’ve wanted to try.

Love these BBQ chicken sliders.

Classic chicken salad looks amazing.

How fun are tequila sunrise popsicles?

No churn pistachio ice cream! Yes please.

The perfect picnic packing list. Love it.

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Summer Fridays, Vol 3.

Happy summer friday! Here’s what’s happening this weekend.

EATING

My parm chicken meatballs with tomato orzo. And my mediterranean beef bowls. And these lettuce wrap cheeseburgers that are incredible.

DRINKING

Some mango frose. It is super refreshing and lovely for hot days.

MAKING

My puff pastry hot dogs. I usually only love about one good hot dog a year. Yet I could eat these constantly. They are SO good.

BAKING

My jalapeño cheddar cornbread. It’s truly unreal.

SNACKING

On cantaloupe prosciutto skewers. Crave them. And salted mojito watermelon wedges.

GRILLING

My grilled broccoli salad. And grilled panzanella.

READING

I’m hoping to start Atmosphere this week! Here’s my summer reading list for you.

LISTENING

To a nice little dad’s day playlist.

WEARING

The lulu align dress. There really is nothing better once it hits the high 80s.

LOVING

This incredible body butter and body oil. I’ve mentioned many times how I use lotion + oil after every single shower – so I go through a lot. I like to have two on hand and usually switch them up. I grabbed these at Target and oh my gosh. They are fabulous. Unscented (which is KEY!), so rich and thick but not greasy.

SHOPPING

Nordstrom has an awesome beauty/skincare points reward right now. Five things I am loving and think are worth it: the new YSL blushes, dior glow lip balm, sigma brushes, lake and sky 11 11 perfume and the best ice roller.

BUYING

The new hoka bondi 9s! I’ve worn so many pairs of the bondi 8s and adore them. Best shoe ever. I also want these super neon pink slides.

SHARING

A bunch of father’s day favorites, the outdoor entertaining essentials I use weekly, our pool favorites and summer beauty favorites.

TRAVELING

This weekend on a little beach vacation! Going with friends and we are so freaking excited. I have a whole list of vacation favorites here.

CELEBRATING

Father’s Day! I have a giant list of the best recipes to make this weekend. Also my mom’s birthday! We have a packed, busy weekend.

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My Summer Essentials Now That I Have Kids!

Oh my, how my summer essentials have changed since I had kids!

I’ve promised you guys this list over the last year and here it is! Of course, I still have my own list of summer essentials. You can find them in my favorites posts or as soon as it’s summer fridays time, I’ll talk about them! I also have a TON of fun lists over in my amazon storefront. But this list – this is all my mom summer essentials. Things I’ve had and used now through three kids, the things that make a huge difference and ones I can’t live without. This is a list full of all sorts of things and while I don’t think anyone NEEDS all this stuff, these are the things that make summer easier with the kids!

Of course, this isn’t including toys like water tables or bikes and what not. (Side bar: this water towel is the BEST and keeps Jordan entertained forever.) This is more like our favorite sunscreen, the bags I can’t live without, the coolers I take everywhere, stuff I take for the kids during baseball season and long park days, etc. I’ve learned the hard way by not having something!! This list is huge and wordy and filled with rambling, but it lists all the stuff.

I’ve love to hear below what some of your essentials are!

My Summer Mom Essentials

The Scout 4Boys Bag. This bag is enormous and ridiculous, but it makes for the BEST beach or pool bag, especially if you have little kids. The reason this is a game changer is because it can hold a ton of towels. Like at least five or six towels, then anything else you need. Snacks, sunscreens, some toys, books, hats, everything. The bag itself is very lightweight and it zippers on the top. It’s also waterproof. This bag is my go-to in the summer! There is also a slightly smaller version too.

If you’d prefer one of the bogg-like bags, the simple modern tote is SO GOOD. First, it’s a lot cuter than the bogg bag. The colors are fabulous. It’s so comfortable to carry too. And huge.

An insulated pouch. I’ve talked about these many times over the years. To me, this is different than using a lunchbox or a cooler. This is something that I can grab in an instant that will keep some cold things cold – like yogurt pouches, a cup of fruit, cheese sticks, etc. This is not what I would use for a full day trip, but more like what I take on the go or if we’re going to be gone for an hour or two. I’ve used one of these since Max was a baby and it’s something I reach for every week. I also have this lilly version.

A soft cooler tote. Another one of my obsessions! Now, I personally like a more structured cooler for the pool or beach. But this is a great mom cooler, if you will. It’s soft and can squish into the bottom of your stroller or behind a car seat. It can hold any and everything cold. I have this version from amazon and it’s huge. I also have two of the hydro flask ones (a small and larger) and love them too. These are great for amusement park days too, kids’ baseball games, the park, etc. And it’s also an awesome tote for wine or seltzers if you have a girls night or something. We grab these all the time – including Eddie too.

Now, I also use my stanley backpack cooler constantly. It’s amazing because it fits two large stanleys (or similar cups) in the side pockets! The soft scout cooler also can fit soooo much.

Bentgo chill lunch boxes. If we’re going more of the lunchbox route, then I love these ones in the summer. I still prefer the yumbox for school everyday, but these bentgo ones with a freezer pack are awesome. I also use the snacklebox containers too. Almost every day in the summer!

A waterproof blanket. I’ve had this one since Max was a toddler and it’s incredible. Yes, we take it to the beach and that’s great for little ones with sandy feet, but it’s also amazing just here in the yard or at the park! It folds up nice and sleek too. It’s very easy to use and transport. Also squishy enough to fit in the bottom of a stroller or wagon.

A waterproof wet bag. These fold up to nothing and I keep them in a few places! Great for swimsuits or wet clothing.

Speaking of baseball, I also pack up a backpack (or diaper bag) to always have with my at the kids’ sporting events. This is due mostly to having to entertain Emilia and Jordan at Max’s (hockey, baseball, basketball) games up until this year. Right now I’m still using the dagne dover backpack which I absolutely love. But I have it ready to go with everything packed and it’s a lifesaver. Depends on the season, but things I make sure I take with us in the warmer months and replenish if used:

liquid IV or  gatorade packstylenol, bandaids, first aidsunscreenSPF chapsticksunglasses for the kids and/or hatssnacks like applesauce pouches, popcorn, nuts, pretzels, etckid bug wipes or bug spray + bite away for kidshand sanitizer or sanitizer wipeswater wipes and tissueshair ties/mini hair brusha few empty small ziplock bagsa folded up empty trash bagbeach towel, especially a turkish towel which folds up so smallage-interested toys, like coloring pads, water wow books, cars to go in dirt or on bleachers, etc

I keep things in pouches so they are organized, easy to find and then I can switch from bag to poolbag, etc. I really love the clear pouches so I (or actually, Eddie) can see what’s in them.

When it comes to the imagine ink coloring pads, these are things I make sure I have on hand all year round. I get them in the Target dollar spot and it’s nice because they usually have a theme that the kids are interested in – paw patrol, frozen, jurassic park, etc. All of my kids love these! Sometimes we take crayons places but many times it’s easier to throw two of these in my diaper bag and go. It’s also nice to only have to deal with one marker instead a whole pack of crayons if you’re sitting on bleachers or something.

These towelling throw ons are wonderful. Max and Emilia have loved them for years – they are great when you get out of the pool and end up freezing. They work on the beach, to go to and from swimming, etc. I cannot recommend them enough!

My kids have light eyes and love to wear sunglasses – they always have! I’ve bought babiators since Max was born. They are practically indestructible, in fact Jordan is still wearing a pair or two that Max and Emilia wore. I usually get the polarized version. They are also very comfortable on their face. They never complain about them. Of course, the heart ones are my favorites. Max and Emilia also love wearing these sunglasses for running, sports and swim.

For easy water shoes, we are big fans of natives. They have always been really comfortable for the kids too and they have worn them for years. We like these for any sort of water/grass play where they get wet. They are similar to crocs, and my kids also love those! And they dry fast and never smell. I also really like the keens seacamp for little toes (like ages 1 to 2, it protects their toes so well! Max LIVED in these.) but those do end up smelling terrible. The good thing is that you can throw them in the wash. All three kids love the reef flip flops, especially the ahi and fanning versions for both toddlers and bigger kids.

Water bottles!! I have raved about the thermos funtainers for YEARS. These are some of the only water bottles that never leak for us. I put them in the dishwasher and some we have had for many years! Max and Emilia need a larger water bottle than 12 oz now, so I can find the 18oz ones with a straw at pottery barn. My kids adore the simple modern sip bottles and tumblers. We also really like these owala sip bottles.

Sun Protection

I’ve mentioned it a million times but this is my favorite visor. It is so easy, lightweight, packable, covers a lot – it’s great! I also love this velcro bow visor when I want to look nicer and this UPF 50+ visor. I get too hot in a full hat, so I like a visor where I can put my hair up in the middle. I also always have this foldable roll-up visor in my car!

When it comes for sunscreen for the kids, we’ve used think baby since Max was born. It is super thick and you have to scrub to get it off, but it doesn’t burn the eyes at ALL and my kids are totally fine with it. I love the think kids, think sport and laroche posay anthelios. And the banana boat light as air. I also love the vacation sunscreen and the whipped sunscreen! I use the coola scalp sunscreen on the kids.

I buy this supergoop play everyday jumbo pump sunscreen every year and we keep it in the garage. This is used by EVERYONE. It’s fabulous and right there on the shelf when you step out the door. We also will use this to fill the solar buddies in a pinch.

I do have sunscreen sticks on hand in just about every bag if we need it for our faces really quick. Either the think baby or blue lizard or sun bum. This zinka nosecoat and colorful stick is also fun – think the bright colorful sunscreens from the 90s! This was especially a hit last year for Max because we had to keep a scar on his face covered at all times.

I also really like this alba kids sunscreen spray if I need to do their legs really quick to reapply or the top of their scalp. I can often find this at costco in the summer too!

Swim zip neon hats are ideal for the summer! And speaking of scalps, this iplay UPF50+ baby hat is amazing for ages 0 through 2.5 to 3. I have also used these for the last ten years! I usually have one or two for the kids so there is always one in my pool bag or car and one at home for when we are just outside. I also like the version with the flap in the back.

Car Essentials

That brings us to the car essentials. I’ve talked about this a few times in my tuesday things posts over the years and you guys have always asked for more detailed posts on it. It’s nothing too crazy, but these are the things that I keep in my car every summer. It’s not exactly the same as the things in my sports bag/diaper bag for the summer, but similar. I put this stuff in a tote (like a scout bag) or a basket and it sits in the corner of the trunk. I used to add more of the stuff above into this bin in the car, before my kids were old enough for sports. But now that we are in more activities, I have most of the stuff in the backpack/diaper bag and just keep this stuff in the car at all times.

Full outfits for each, including socks and underwear. Their clothes are tiny so this doesn’t take up a lot of space even though it feels like it!A swimsuit for each. Again, tiny!A hat for each.easy, cheap flip flops for eachextra sunglasses (even cheap ones that just get the job done)A big beach towel or something to throw in the grass if we need it to sit, or to use to wipe down muddy shoes, etc.salty snacks, like snack-size pretzel bags and things like applesauce pouchesa plastic bag or two – and paper towelswipes and diapers – ones that never leave the car so I always have themAt Home

One thing we do at home that the kids have LOVED is to make “summer lists’ for them in dry erase pockets. We also do this doing the school year. I use canva and print out a checklist for them during the day. There are things on there that are responsibilities, like making sure their clothes are in laundry baskets and that they’ve brushed their teeth, but there are mostly fun things on there like “read for 30 mins,” “snuggle with mama,” “build legos,” etc. They love to check things off and this helps us keep some structure and routine in the summer! I print the list and then put it in one of these dry erase pockets with a dry erase marker. The sheets are double sided (morning and evening) and only take a few minutes. We use a command hook to hang them up in their rooms.

[There are a few affiliate links above where applicable! None of this is sponsored and I purchase all items myself!]

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Summer Sweet Potato Arugula Salad with Jalapeño Ranch.

This sweet potato summer salad is a dreamy, satisfying meal! Roasted chili lime sweet potatoes with peppery arugula, pickled shallots, sweet corn, roasted pepitas and the most delicious ranch dressing come together to create a delish bowl. Try it today!

New salad alert! 

This sweet potato salad is warm and satisfying while still feeling summery and refreshing. It’s the perfect recipe for June: things are still a little gloomy, maybe even chilly. The spiced sweet potato is cozy but it’s on peppery arugula with sweet corn and pickled shallots and a dressing that is almost drinkable. 

I love recipes like this that bridge the gap between seasons! The ones that hit just right before everything comes perfectly into season. 

If you haven’t noticed, my goal is to constantly make salads that I want to eat. Give me all the crazy add-ins, different dressings, sweet and savory ingredients and I am a happy girl. Oh and crunch.

How could I ever forget the crunch?

The crunch is basically my religion. Everything must have an insane amount of texture or don’t even bother feeding it to me. 

I swear I’m easy to please! 

This is what goes into this delicious bowl: 

Tajin roasted sweet potatoes. Because everything is better when it’s chili lime. 

Sweet corn.

Pickled shallots. Which are just my pickled onions, but with shallots. 

Roasted, salted pepitas. 

Arugula that has the peppery bite that we all love so much. 

And dressing! Don’t forget the dressing. 

The jalapeno ranch is a spin of my classic ranch dressing. The one we all love, the dressing that turned me into a ranch lover. I never liked ranch until I made my own ranch! 

It’s fabulous. 

What I love about the jalapeno ranch is that it’s not overly spicy. It has some of that fresh garden pepper flavor which is incredible. There isn’t a ton of heat and what heat it may have is usually cut by the creaminess of the ranch.  (more…)

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Tuesday Things.

1. I have to make this s’mores ice cream pie!

2. My kids are in a cooking camp this week and it’s the cutest thing ever. Except everything they are making… they like better than what I make.

3. How to have a sara murphy summer.

4. The trader joe’s aglio olio seasoning is SO good, I can’t even explain. I’ve gone through jars of it. It’s the perfect mix of garlicky, herby and spicy. Works on so much.

5. I need a cloud coffee more than anything in life.

6. TV things!! So excited that Ginny & Georgia is back on. I’m also watching And Just Like That and… meh.

7. Oh but can we talk about how the Hamilton original cast reuniting at the Tonys?! Incredible. Max and I were flipping out.

8. Kinda love the idea of turning your smartphone into a dumbphone.

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