Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 32
February 2, 2025
A Week In The Life, Vol 5.
Another week down!!
And another packed week.
Drop off line fun.
And some leftover snow fun!
This week was catholic schools week which meant the kids had an insanely busy (and fun!) week at school.
We had open house…
Max had a big project that he’d worked on for most of the year.
We also had tons of hockey.
I made sourdough waffles for dinner one night! Actually, I was prepping them for the freezer and everyone wanted one so they became… dinner.
Thursday the kids had a glow party all day so they had to wear white!
Jordan just adores getting to be included in all this fun!
We had a school ice skating party!
Fun fun fun.
He is loving it!
The “I’m not tired” nap.
And in a very climatic end up her front teeth, she got them both knocked out at a party friday night!! They were hanging by a thread (you can even see in the pics above) but this was still a little traumatic since it was late friday night. By morning, she was all good!
Morning cuddles watching a show.
Max had lots of basketball too!!
He loves it.
No teeth and happy!!
Still looks like a little baby chunk here! I love it!
You wouldn’t believe the activities I keep in my bag.
Sometimes they don’t last.
And we end up with a monkey baby.
Bonus of 7am hockey games – amazing sunrise with zero filter!
Hello we are back here.
Wearing green lip gloss.
I also made sourdough french toast!
Then went to a favorite things party where I took no pics! My favorite things were this pizza oil + a geometry towel.
More hockey + goal celebration!
Finished off the weekend with a face mask, haha!
The post A Week In The Life, Vol 5. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
What To Eat This Week: 2/2/25.
Let’s make February delicious!!
What’s on your menu this week?!
What To Eat This Week
Broccoli cheese tortilla pizzas
Sheet pan tortellini and smoked sausage
Roasted cauliflower and black bean fajitas
The post What To Eat This Week: 2/2/25. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
February 1, 2025
Currently Crushing On.
Happy February!
This week on the blog, I shared this halloumi blood orange panzanella salad. I also shared this sheet pan pierogi meal, a bunch of recipes for February and crispy smashed buffalo wing potatoes.
I also shared my January favorites!
My winter favorites and Valentine’s day favorites are right here. Also, so many cute Valentine’s things I love!
You can find all my favorites in my amazon store front and LTK shop!
There’s a new menu for the week and a new peek inside our everyday life.
You can finally order a copy of my next book, Easy Everyday. I would be so thrilled if you ordered today.
xo
WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEKLemon caper pasta sounds amazing.
I want to make chocolate chip cookie cake.
Lemon brownies too.
Love these mini pimento cheese balls.
Meyer lemon pudding cake – everything lemon please!
This raspberry pistachio salad looks incredible.
Brown butter blondies! Yum.
Time for cowboy caviar!
Breakfast tostadas are right up my alley.
Always ready for chicken soup.
Everything bagel dip for the weekend!
I live for pickle dip.
Hawaiian sunset cocktail is stunning.
Craving these stir fried noodles!
The post Currently Crushing On. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
January 31, 2025
Crispy Buffalo Wing Smashed Potatoes.
These crispy buffalo smashed potatoes are out of this world! My crispy smashed potatoes are topped with melty blue cheese, drizzled with buffalo wing sauce and sprinkled with tons of cilantro and green onions. A perfect game day snack or side dish!
There is nothing I will eat with wing sauce!
It’s time to buffalo wing all the things. These crispy smashed potatoes are covered in wing sauce, blue cheese, green onions and tons of fabulous buffalo flavor. Ideal for watching the big game or heck, even just for an easy dinner side with some grilled chicken!
Because these are freaking delicious.
As a self-proclaimed smashed potato connoisseur, I have to say that these are one of my favorite varieties.
While I really love my chipotle candied bacon smashed potatoes, this buffalo version reminds me of baked homemade fries that I used to make all the time.
In case I need to remind you: I really like buffalo chicken without the chicken. Meaning, I like all the flavors – the wing sauce, green onions, blue cheese, ranch, cilantro, etc.
In fact, I LOVE the flavors.
Especially when they are piled high on something crispy and crunchy and salty.
Like smashed potatoes!
Oh, oh and I should remind you that you actually CAN add chicken to this if you don’t want just buffalo. You could throw some shredded rotisserie chicken on top if the potatoes when melting the cheese.
Easy as that! (more…)
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January 30, 2025
January Favorites.
A peek at everything I loved in January 2025!
FOODTrader Joe’s Aglio Olio seasoning. I can’t believe how much I love this. It is delicious on everything.
NYT chicken and red lentil soup. I’ve made this twice now and it’s incredible. I add a little more spice/heat but wow – so nourishing.
Patagonia Provisions sourdough crackers. New-to-me crackers that I LOVE. And I am not a huge cracker person.
My blueberry muffin baked oatmeal. We have been making this on REPEAT. I love it so so much. Great to prep ahead of time.
HOMESouper Cubes. These are not new but I use them every week! I make so many soups and this is perfect to freeze portions. I love it. It’s very easy to pop out one portion or more.
White post-in notes. Sounds ridiculous, but these white post-its are so nice compared to the neon ones all over my kitchen. I also love the black ones!
Moccamaster coffee maker. I got one in December after not having a pot for coffee… basically, well, ever. I need a pot for entertaining/holidays/having guests over though and this was the recommendation. It’s FABULOUS. I don’t use it everyday, but when I do use it, it’s so sleek, easy and lovely to look at. Also delish! This and the breville espresso live in my pantry.
BEAUTYHaus Labs concealer. I’ve been using the same concealer (too faced born this way) now for at least 5 years. Well, I started using this one and WOW – the shade is great and it is so hydrating. I love it! Doesn’t crease when set and is so creamy.
The Maker Dream Perfume. New favorite scent alert! Can’t get enough of this goodness. Definitely a warm, cozy scent.
XeraCalm Eczema Calming Relief Balm. My skin has been dry my entire life. This is SUCH a good cream!! I will use it after the shower then layer body oil on top. Great for the winter months too.
Butter Brush dry brush. I dry brush before every shower, then follow up with cream + oil after. This is by far the best dry brush I have ever used. It’s so soft and buttery, but still exfoliates wonderfully.
FASHIONVarley Zip sweat shirt. Adore this – the way it feels is amazing – super soft, high quality, but light at the same time. It’s almost silky. Varley is such excellent quality and lays so nicely. And looks super cute too.
Water resistant insulated jacket. I love this jacket. It’s not a puffer but it’s loose and light while being warm at the same time.
Fleece lined leggings. When our temps were -10 below zero for days on end, these were a LIFE SAVER. They are so stretchy but so warm. I probably couldn’t wear them when it’s higher than 20 degrees because I’m always hot. But they are so so comfortable and great for cold weather.
MEDIAThe Favorites. This was the most incredible book I’ve read in a long time! It’s fabulous. I’m still thinking of it 10 days later.
The Pitt on Max. Noah Wyle is back!! And here in Pittsburgh!!
KIDAll In Motion girls airy pullover. These are unreal. They feel JUST LIKE spanx air essentials loungewear, but for girls. I got Emilia a few varieties and everything is so soft, comfortable and cute.
Mondo Llama valentine’s string art. We love doing micro holiday crafts and both Max and Emilia loved this. Jordan needed some extra help with it but he liked it too! These are super fun.
Clay bead spinner for bracelets. We’re also in full bracelet mode over here. This bead spinner was life changing!! The kids also flipped over these different fun ones to add.
[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]
The post January Favorites. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
25 Recipes for Valentine’s Day.
These are my favorite valentines recipes! Tons of recipes for valentine’s day, from red wine lattes to champagne risotto and chocolate cream pie. You can find apps, cocktails, dinner and dessert!
Time to make the most delicious meals for the next two weeks!
Whether you’re celebrating valentine’s day or maybe galentine’s day or just want to make a delicious meal for yourself (do it!), there are so many delicious options here.
I mean, anything tastes better when it’s in the shape of a heart!
So, I talk about this all the time on my crumbs page, but ever since I had kids, celebrating these fun little holidays has been a blast. These micro holidays give us something to look forward to and enjoy together. You know? Even if it’s just making heart cut out cookies or a fun breakfast. We will make something delicious that day and enjoy it!
25 Valentine’s Recipes
Heart shaped pepperoni pizza, of course! (more…)
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January 29, 2025
Sheet Pan Pierogi, Smoked Sausage & Brussels Sprouts.
This sheet pan sausage and pierogi meal is a huge hit! Smoked sausage, your favorite variety of pierogi and brussels sprouts are roasted until charred and soft with sautéed onions. Delicious and so easy!
Another easy dinner winner!!
This sheet pan pierogi dinner is SO easy. Everything on the pan: smoked sausage and brussels sprouts, your favorite pierogies, a big drizzle of olive oil, balsamic and some seasonings.
Embarrassingly easy. Very delicious.
A big crowd pleaser all around.
This meal has three of our favorite dinner ingredients right on the pan, making it super simple. And it really only has six ingredients! As long as you don’t count the salt, pepper and garlic powder that you have in your pantry already, that is.
Frozen or refrigerated pierogi. Any variety works. We prefer cheese only.
Smoked turkey sausage! I love it and we have it often. The kids think it tastes like hot dogs.
Brussels sprouts!
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Sliced onion.
Of course you can add some other vegetables too, like a clean-out-the-fridge meal. Any extras you have that may taste good, add them in. Just don’t get too crazy crowding the pan, because then everything will steam.
We love pierogies in this house!! And my sheet pan pierogies with caramelized onions and chipotle cream are a staple. They are a must! Super simple and so delicious, I even like to make them for an appetizer or party snack. People go crazy!
We need a little more than just those for dinner though. Some greens, some protein, something to keep us a bit more satisfied and obviously stretch the meal for the family!
Enter the sheet pan pierogi meal! Smoked sausage, brussels sprouts (or I use broccoli often too!) … this little pillows stuffed with potatoes and cheese.
Oh my gosh – yum.
The smoked turkey sausage is an ingredient that I’m always looking to use in new and exciting ways. We love the classic sheet pan meal with peppers, or with tortellini. I also love to use it in soup and stuffed on grilled skewers! (more…)
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January 28, 2025
Tuesday Things.
1. Ooooh exciting news! You can order a SIGNED copy of Easy Everyday right here!
2. I’m officially old because I think I “threw my back out” and the worst part is I don’t even know how. Like I maybe moved one millimeter in the wrong direction. What!!
3. I want this cozy cornbread casserole for dinner.
4. Iced coffee season no matter the temps! Always.
5. I am in the BIGGEST book hangover ever after finishing The Favorites and desperately need something to get me out of it. I think it requires something trashy so I can just move on. Hello, when book characters are your friends…
6. The title made me laugh: I’d rather be sick than eat these soup drops.
7. TV things!! I finished this season sex lives of college girls. I also started Wild Cards which I really love! I tried to watch On Call on prime… but I just don’t think it is for me.
8. I don’t think I’m ready to carry my dessert in a glass purse.
The post Tuesday Things. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
January 27, 2025
Halloumi & Blood Orange Panzanella Salad.
This blood orange panzanella salad is a perfect wintery dish for chilly days! Fried halloumi cheese, pistachios, blood orange vinaigrette, toasty sourdough and all the vegetable make this a super satisfying bowl. It’s beautiful and delicious!
Who else needs a bright salad to warm up their winter days?!
Me, me, me!
This halloumi blood orange panzanella is so refreshing, crunchy and satisfying. Drizzle with blood orange vinaigrette, it has pops of pistachios, tart blood oranges, crisp radicchio, savory halloumi cheese and more.
It’s pretty and vibrant but most of all it tastes wonderful.
It tastes like a bright fruity bowl that’s reminiscent of warmer days to come. I love that! It’s like a precursor to the sunshine and spring warmth that we will see in a few months!
It’s no secret how much I adore panzanella salad. I mean, bread in salad? Hello, thank you, yes please.
I love how toasty the bread is. How it soaks up the dressing.
The way there is crunch, satiety and so much flavor with every bite.
The other thing I love so much is halloumi cheese. It gets so toasty and crispy on the outside. And it’s incredibly savory. It’s also a fun unique cheese to use in a salad aside from traditional parm or mozzarella.
Also, blood orange season! Just the best season ever. The oranges are tangy and sweet, not to mention gorgeous. I make a blood orange vinaigrette frequently and that is the perfect dressing for this. It’s tangy enough that it almost mimics that classic panzanella dressing with the tomato juice.
Fabulous!
Some panzanellas that I make don’t even have lettuce. For this wintery version, I like to include some romaine and radicchio, as untraditional as it is. But the amounts below are just guidelines; this is a salad after all! You can add as much or as little of what you like. That’s the beauty of it.
Toasty sourdough bread
Blood orange segments
Fried halloumi cheese
Chopped pistachios
Thinly sliced red onion
Romaine
Radicchio
Radish slices
Blood orange vinaigrette
Now if that doesn’t sound like a dream together, I don’t know what does!
It’s super filling. Has tons of texture for those of you (like me!) that crave the crunch. (more…)
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January 26, 2025
A Week In The Life, Vol 4.
Little wintery week over here!
Can you tell we’ve been cooped up in the house?
Gorgeous winter sunsets… temps were in the negatives… kids didn’t have in-person school. Ooomph.
Max finished up his tournament on Monday!
Jordan’s fave.
I made pita with yeast last week. For almost a year I’ve strictly baked with sourdough!
When you ask me how I read so much… I even do it in the car wash.
Lot of basketball.
The best little sibling cheer squad!
Jordan thrilled beyond belief he got to have a skittle. Don’t worry, I still don’t think Max (first born) has ever had a skittle. Jordan (third born) just tried one at 3 years old.
This is what they love to do after the game.
Max teaches him sooo much about sports.
It’s super cute!
Started her wicked lego set right before bed…
Finished as soon as she woke up!
Loves anything that twirls.
So.much.hockey.
Max had four hockey games in 15 hours.
And more basketball games!
Never thought that this would be my life (actually in my 20s I thought it sounded horrible) and now I LOVE IT.
Little coloring besties.
As long as I take 10 million snacks we’re good.
He’s so fun to watch!
Caught her sitting like this which was too adorable.
How much longer do we have to stay?!
And this is how I found them this morning watching Wicked. The cutest!!
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