Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 3

Currently Crushing On.

Hello hello!

This week on the blog, I shared this chicken meatball noodle soup. I also shared this taco chicken with frito slaw, a bunch of my favorite fall salad dressings and these jalapeno cheddar turnovers.

I also shared my september favorites here!

If you haven’t joined my substack newsletter yet, you can do so here! I also have shared all our favorite back to school items here.

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! xo

WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEK

Dubai stuffed dates! I am obsessed.

I adore this pumpkin chocolate chip bread.

Pumpkin seed brittle too! Yum.

I want to try baked rice pudding.

Beer cheese dip with bacon. Yes please.

Love this cranberry apple martini.

Apple fritter cake for the win.

Pretty sure that cheese pudding was made for me.

Stuffed shells are a fave here.

Going to make pumpkin mousse pie.

Cheesy mushroom baked pumpkin has to happen.

I love making pecan pie brownies.

Cheesy pepperoni bites! Kids would love these.

The post Currently Crushing On. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Jalapeño Cheddar Turnovers.

These jalapeno cheddar turnovers are the best snack! Golden, crisp puff pastry is filled with a melty cheddar jalapeno filling. The turnovers are topped with everything seasoning and baked until puffed and perfect.

Snack time!

These jalapeno cheddar turnovers are cheesy with a hint of spice and a lovely golden exterior. Crispy, flaky pastry with a cheesy filling is all I need for an ideal snack. 

If you’re a lover of cheesy jalapeno poppers, you will LOVE these.

They are a great snack, a handheld app that is easy to pass and you can even customize the size and shape.

Think of it as a savory poptart. 

I can get behind that! 

Over the years I’ve seen lots of articles and have heard people complaining that jalapenos are no longer hot. I totally agree and yet, I find that this is a good thing for me. Because I am a huuuuge baby when it comes to spice and heat. I don’t enjoy it. In fact, I don’t understand why people ruin the flavor of food by covering it in hot sauce!

See? Total baby. 

The thing is, that I LOVE the flavor of jalapenos. Jalapenos taste so summery and garden-fresh to me. The scent, the flavor – it takes me back to my childhood and I really enjoy using them straight from the plant. 

So that is why you can find three (!!!) jalapeno peppers in here. The pastries have so much wonderful jalapeno flavor without being too spicy. Trust me – if they were, I couldn’t handle it! 

We were inspired to make these after a local cafe had jalapeno cheddar pastries. I’m sure their version used their homemade dough because it wasn’t quite as puffed, but I knew that puff pastry would do the trick!

Is there anything better? I live for puff pastry. It has so many uses and I’m thrilled to be adding another one today. 

The filling is simple and straightforward: creamy cheese, cheddar, diced peppers and some seasonings. 

The puff pastry is perfect, of course, so there isn’t much that you have to do with it! Everytime I share a recipe with puff pastry, I like to talk about the kind that I use. I prefer to use the refrigerated version that comes rolled up in a long sheet, instead of the frozen variety that is perforated. 

I find that this is SO much easier to use, looks prettier, yields a better result and tastes amazing. In my grocery store, I find it in the refrigerated section by the pie crusts. Brands like wewalka or jus rol are what I use the most often!  (more…)

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September Favorites.

A peek at everything I loved in September 2025!

FOOD

Spiceology greek freak seasoning. This is SO good. My cousin introduced us to it and we love it. I can find it at target and even a big one at costco. It tastes amazing on just about anything.

Trader Joe’s falafel. I’ve been heating these in the air fryer and make wraps with them for lunch! Add romaine, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, hummus and feta. Amazing.

Go Nanas pumpkin loaf mix. I make my own pumpkin muffins multiple times a month, but sometimes it’s nice to just grab this and make it! My kids LOVE the banana bread one and they love this too. I was so excited to find it!

HOME

The doughbed by Sourhouse. I’ve raved about the goldie for my starter for years now. This little bread bed is amazing and I love having something specific just FOR the bread. I’ve haven’t had anything like that before. I always use one of my bowls that I use for everything else. These items are pricey but I use them every single day and week.

Hypochlorous acid mini wipes. I was SO excited to find these! They are stashed in my car, purse, travel bags – everywhere now. Love having them on the go and that they aren’t super harsh.

The best little label maker. I use this all the time – I’ve had it for years but it never comes in better use than at the beginning of the school year! I can’t be without it.

BEAUTY

Inkey list ectoin barrier serum. This might be my best skincare find all month. It feels incredible on the skin. I use it at night and it is SO hydrating.

Pantene 10 in 1 miracle rescue. I love this stuff SO much. I use it as a leave in conditioner, heat protectant – it smells amazing. Love everything about it.

Hanni splash salve. If you want major moisture for your skin, this is a must try. I love it. You put it on in the shower while your skin is still wet. It locks in so much hydration. Also smells wonderful too.

Rare Beauty luminizing lipgloss. I have the shade flicker and it is SO pretty.

FASHION

Cute in this cardigan cardi. Got this cardigan a few weeks ago and have been living in it.

Nike vomero plus sneakers. I think this is Nike’s answer to hoka – the insane cushioning is really good! The colors are amazing and they feel like walking on clouds.

MZ wallace light denim small sutton. I’ve had this bag since last spring and I grab it all the time. It’s a great everyday bag, perfect size for my kids’ age and also such a nice neutral that isn’t black or tan!

MEDIA

The Academy. I LOVED Elin’s new book with her daughter. I think it is a perfect fall read (the school feel is real!) and has that signature Elin voice.

Olivia Dean’s music. All of it! How am I just discovering this now?

The Summer I Turned Pretty. Absolutely made my whole month. I have loved this show from the very start.

KIDS

3D printed dragons. We bought these at the beach this year and I have no idea why, but my kids are obsessed with them. They play with them constantly. And we have gifted quite a few now too!

Wipe clean notebook. I got Jordan this exact workbook because he loves drawing and tracing – he does this at hockey or sits at the kitchen table and does it! He loves it and will do it over and over.

Pumpkin jewel kit. Bought two of these for fall/pumpkins and they are AMAZING!!

Ponytail cutters. I can’t live without these for Emilia. They make removing tiny elastic bands SO easy. And pain free.

[none of this is sponsored, i just love to tell you what i love every month! there are a few general affiliate links above! xo]

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Six Fall Salad Dressings You Should Add To Your Menu.

These are the best fall salad dressing recipes! Add them to your menu for the week to spice things up and make your salads more exciting. These are some of my favorite recipes to use this season. 

We’re going to spice up your salads today!

The funny thing about having a food blog and sharing recipes is that sometimes the best recipes are inside another recipe! Case in point: all my salad dressings. I touched upon this in my post about my obsession with signature house salads, but dressings are my FAVORITE.

In fact, I have an entire portion of Everyday Dinners dedicated to my favorite dressings and sauces that you can make for the week to elevate your meals and add variety to your life. A good salad dressing is EVERYTHING.

And that’s hilarious, because growing up I hated most salad dressings. To this day, I still don’t like most bottled dressings. That means I am always making my own and have perfected them. These ones below are a dream for fall and will make every salad taste so much better!

Six Fall Salad Dressings

(more…)

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Grilled Taco Chicken with Frito Slaw.

This grilled taco chicken with frito slaw will become your new favorite dinner! Spiced taco seasoned chicken is grilled to perfection and served over crunchy, refreshing slaw with chili cheese fritos. Tastes amazing! And it’s fun to serve too.

Time to make frito slaw your thing! 

This grilled taco chicken with frito slaw is my new favorite meal! It is everything you want it to be: refreshing, crisp, crunchy, satisfying, easy and more. The slaw is delicious and the chips add such a perfect crunch. The chicken can be mixed right in or sliced on the side and the combo is SO good.

Fresh, light, flavorful and fun to eat. 

This is a dinner here that everyone is absolutely LOVING. 

My cousin Lacy and her mother-in-law found this recipe for frito slaw and we couldn’t stop thinking about it. And talking about it!

It sounded SO good. I’m not even that big of a frito fan but I couldn’t get it out of my head.

It sort of reminded me of that old school dorito salad (that I semi-recreated) where you drench everything in a bottle of catalina dressing and crush up the bag of doritos. I love it and hate it in the best way possible.

This slaw sounded like an even better version of that. It’s no secret that I am such a huge slaw fan – I will make a slaw out of anything so I can serve it with everything. The texture and crunch is unmatched. And it’s a fun way to spruce up a “salad.” 

The original version that Lacy found used bacon and a creamy dressing with taco seasoning. I knew I didn’t want the bacon and had to put my own spin on the salad and the dressing. My cilantro lime dressing is always a hit, so a creamy version was in order. And here we are! 

The best new dinner idea that you’re all going to love. And yes, you need a bag of fritos for it. 

First up, the grilled taco chicken. These are chicken thighs that I use some taco-inspired seasoning on and then throw on the grill. Super easy and so flavorful. 

Next, the slaw. You will want to eat this over and over and over! It’s crisp and crunchy but light and refreshing and tastes absolutely fabulous.  (more…)

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Tuesday Things.

1. Definitely had a moment last week when I thought it was 2026. How?!

2. Oh yes: the best pumpkin bread recipe!

3. Really nothing beats that canned rainbow chip frosting. Better than funfetti any day!

4. I want to dress like Princess Diana for a week.

5. TV things!! Ohhhh that last quarter of the episode of TSITP. It’s played about 45 times on my account somehow… I love that The Morning Show is back!

6. The best places to declutter first.

7. Have you tried the reeses + oreo combo yet?! I haven’t but now I’m dying to because everyone is saying they are so good.

8. Comfort shows to rewatch every fall. I watch a bunch of them!

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Chicken Meatball Orzo Soup.

This chicken meatball noodle soup is such a fun twist on the classic! Mini chicken meatballs served in parmesan brother with orzo pasta and carrots and celery. It’s super delicious!

Happy first day of fall!! 

To celebrate, we’re making soup. This chicken meatball orzo soup is just like a classic chicken noodle soup, but with meatballs instead of shredded chicken. It’s a fun little twist that we all love!

And to kick off the official start of soup season, I think you definitely have to add this to your menu this week. It’s delicious, easy to make and very satisfying. 

It also doesn’t HAVE to be a fall soup, you know? Chicken noodle soup works anytime, so this one does too! Think wedding soup, but with chicken meatballs and little orzo bits that are so tender and delicious. 

There are a few ways I like to spice this soup up a little bit and make it feel different and special from traditional chicken noodle. Traditional chicken noodle is probably my kids’ all time favorite soup, so we eat it often. 

I like to take the same flavors that we love and incorporate more ways of eating them, and that is how this soup was born. Plus, I love little meatballs in soup!

To make it a little special, I do:

-chicken meatballs instead of shredded chicken

-finely grated carrot which is fun to eat and turns the soup a little orange

-orzo instead of a short cut noodle. My kids love orzo!

-parmesan broth, as usual. Never skip a parm rind in your soup! 

This soup has so, so much flavor. I attribute that to browning the meatballs in the pot before making the soup, which imparts a ton of flavor. The little brown bits from the chicken meatballs are everything! 

Another way I love to serve this is by making it ahead of time and using it for lunches throughout the week. I keep the orzo separate so it doesn’t soak up all the broth. And while the orzo cooked IN the soup tastes just a little more savory, it’s a great option if you want a hearty soup for lunch during the week that still tastes light. I love that this doesn’t feel heavy or fill me up too much. While at the same time, being very satisfying. 

Sure, making the meatballs is an extra step. This is a bit more high maintenance than the classic, because most of the time I just shred a rotisserie chicken for that. But it’s SO worth it. Not only for the flavor, but for the variety in your soup game! (more…)

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A Week In The Life, Vol 38.

Another one down!

This is what our week looked like.

Dentist for all!

Jordan loves it so much.

Just what the dentist ordered…

School drop offs with this looney tune.

Many beautiful skies this week.

I love this shot!!

Leaves are starting to change.

He thinks this is so fun.

And this.

Little BFFs.

Post cross country practice.

Post post practice.

Then it was Eddie’s birthday!!!

We made him this cake.

It was a fairly treat heavy week!

This sky has zero filter. It was incredible!

Another cross country race today.

This girl is killing it!

Another 1st place!! 1st place for female, 7th overall.

The sweetest part is that she has no idea how huge it is that she is coming in first. She just runs!

No cross country for Max today, he had a game at the same time. It was a divide and conquer day.

Boys day at the rink! Onto the next week…

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What To Eat This Week: 9/21/25.

First week of fall coming in hot!

What’s on your menu this week?!

What To Eat This Week

Crispy smashed chickpea wraps

Broccoli shells and cheese

Creamy chicken couscous soup

Baked bucatini with vodka sauce

Salmon aglio olio with lemon orzo

Black bean corn sliders

Butternut squash couscous bowls

White bean tuna salad

The post What To Eat This Week: 9/21/25. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Currently Crushing On.

Hello weekend!

This week on the blog, I shared this salmon aglio e olio with lemon parm couscous. I also shared this caramelized zucchini pasta salad, a ton of my favorite drinks for fall and this apple cider coffee cake!

If you haven’t joined my substack newsletter yet, you can do so here! I also have shared all our favorite back to school items here.

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! xo

WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEK

Chicken pozole looks absolutely amazing.

I want to make a pumpkin espresso martini!

Blackened salmon is my favorite.

This pumpkin olive oil cake is incredible!

Whipped squash looks so so delish.

These apple cheeseballs are so cute.

Apple pie cupcakes are unreal.

I love an easy kale salad.

Back to school dinners – yes!

This pear tart is so beautiful.

Roasted potsticker bowls! I need these.

Stunning marble candy apples.

Warm black bean dip. Looks so good.

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