Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 40
November 26, 2024
Tuesday Things.
1. Very excited for our advent spiral this year. And advent calendar tradition!
2. Oh my word. Croissant stuffing!!! I need this in my light.
3. As much as I hate nearly every fashion trend that has come back in style, I’m sort of into the stirrup pants… yep.
4. 2 questions to ask yourself everyday.
5. If you need a little holiday treat, the favorite day peppermint bark ice cream is out of this world.
6. Not much sounds worse to me than pizza hut tomato wine.
7. TV things! That Yellowstone episode was crazy. Not shocked. Landman!!! Oh my gosh, it’s so good. We love it. I also watched the JonBenet doc.
8. I am in love with my gift guides this year, it’s like a compilation of all my favorite things. I also made a list of black friday week and the deals on items I love are incredible.
9. Milk or dark chocolate? I choose milk almost every time.
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November 25, 2024
Crispy Prosciutto & Havarti Dutch Baby.
This ham and cheese dutch baby is the perfect holiday breakfast. Made with melty havarti cheese and crispy prosciutto, it’s super satisfying and indulgent. It feeds a crowd and is easy too!
‘Tis the season for holiday breakfasts!
This ham and cheese dutch baby is incredibly delicious and also simple. Crispy prosciutto, melty havarti cheese and fresh herbs give this the most fabulous flavor – and it’s easy too.
A dutch baby is one of my favorite breakfasts to make – even if it means breakfast for dinner too. It makes a whole pan, it’s super satisfying (lots of eggs for protein!) and it tastes wonderful.
It’s essentially a giant pancake baked in a 9×13 inch dish, and in this case, it’s a savory one. I’ve shared a savory dutch baby before and let’s just say that I love it more than the sweet versions. This indulgent version is perfect for the holiday season, whether it’s thanksgiving or christmas morning, or brunch with friends and family.
There are so many excuses to make a breakfast like this, but it’s not like we actually need one, right?
Let me introduce you to the beautiful dutch baby method: throw everything in the blender and then pour into a hot buttered pan.
THAT IS IT.
It’s super easy and simple – the base always begins that way. From there, you can add whatever you like.
Today, while the dutch baby cooks, I crisp up some prosciutto. I add a little cheese into the actual pancake, but I like to save most for when the dutch baby is done.
As soon as the dutch baby is nice and puffed, I sprinkle on the havarti cheese. It gets all melty and then it’s topped with the crispy, crunchy prosciutto. (more…)
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November 24, 2024
A Week In The Life, Vol 48.
Since I do these posts weekly, I’m very aware of how many weeks are left in the year!
This is crazy.
To start the week, we had a lot of bananas on their last leg.
The sky Tuesday was incredible.
The weather was wild. It was in the 60s one day.
And then snowing the next!
Locked in to painting his nutcracker. He loves painting these and displaying them in his room!
My mom and I had a show this week! MJ the musical. The cast was incredible. I didn’t love the premise of the show but the cast was unreal.
Woke up to snow!
Super happy for it!
Took many walks in the snow! In Max’s old snowsuit, Max’s old boots, Emilia’s old hat… I love it!
She is so funny.
She walked all over the house with a measuring tape measuring everything she could.
Jordy and I both ended up sick this week. Good thing he got an antibiotic since I couldn’t get him off of playing on the floor at urgent care. Ugh.
She is the best.
Hockey this weekend!
Love this one of him chasing the puck.
Cutest.
I am dying. Emilia took a picture of what she built with the nugget couches. This is how she returned my phone – with this pose!!
I have no idea where she learned it. I could not stop laughing.
More hockey today!! Look at that blade on the ice!
And I made a gigantic batch of chex mix today. Getting ready for Thanksgiving week!!
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What To Eat This Week: 11/24/24.
We’ve got a huge fun holiday week!
What’s on your menu this week?!
What To Eat This Week
Smoked sausage with cabbage slaw
Thanksgiving chicken and stuffing bake
Grilled salmon with mango salsa
Dark chocolate cranberry overnight oats
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November 23, 2024
2024 Gift Guide For Kids! A Ton of My Kids’ Favorite Gifts.
Sharing my 2024 kids gift guide! All our favorite things for babies and kids, trusted toys and gifts that we love the most!
I say it every year, but this might be my favorite year of the kid’s gift guide yet!
Now that I have a 9 year old, a 7 year and a 3 year old, I feel confident in what my kids LOVE and enjoy playing with the most. This list hasn’t changed a lot this year – in fact, many things stay on it as Emilia moves into playing with some of Max’s things and Jordan moves into Emilia’s. One thing I left off the list because it’s so extensive: LEGOS! Max and Emilia are absolutely obsessed with Legos and build constantly. I’ve listed a few of the big faves, but that’s it.
Since I have a variety of ages, I broke this into sections below – you can find toddler & preschool gifts, little kids and tween gifts.I also have a huge kids stocking stuffer gift guide right here!And as usual, you can find a few kids favorites in each of my monthly favorites posts.2024 KIDS GIFT GUIDEPreschool & ToddlerToniebox audio player. This is the best best best gift for little ones. Think all of their favorite music – and they can control it.
Super Smalls dress up shoes. We love everything super smalls. Emilia has SO much and even at 7, still play with it and dresses up.
Little People Wicked characters. I was so excited to find those. Jordan got them a few weeks ago and he hasn’t put them down since.
Little People Barbie Pet Playset. I love this set that is more manageable than the huge house.
Hot chocolate plush toy. Jellycat everything is our favorite.
The Nugget play couch. I can’t sing the praises of the nugget enough. We have three!! The kids build forts, playsets, etc every single day. It’s the best.
Nesting table & stool set. These are my favorite table/chair sets for young ones. I still have one in my kitchen today.
Magnatiles construction set. One of the best lifetime gifts ever. Every age adores these.
Melissa & Doug Take Along train. Jordan got this last year for Christmas and he still loves it. It’s out almost every day.
Zingo. Most played game in our house, period.
Pogo foam jumper. My older kids got these at age 3 and they have continued to be a fave!
Glow in the Dark rock painting. We are also very big into arts and crafts. This is fun.
GeoSafari Kidnoculars. Each kid has a pair of these and take them on nature walks.
Magnatiles downhill duo. More magnatile car fun!
Dress up play armoire. I got this for Emilia’s dress up clothes when we moved. It’s so wonderful.
Electronic plush doggy. If your kids want a dog but like me, you don’t know if you can keep one more living thing alive at this time in your life, this is for you.
Princess tent. We have used these for YEARS. Kids are always obsessed.
Wooden magnetic puzzle. All 3 of my kids love this. It is so satisfying. I keep it in the car for Jordan to mostly play with it.
Kinetic sand ice cream set. I don’t mind kinectic sand and this is a favorite set.
Sorel waterproof snow boot. If you live in a cold climate… can’t beat the best!
Car Road Tape. This is a repeat from last year because it’s a life saver. On a rough day, I pull this tape out and place it all over the house. The kids instantly have a road/race track/etc and LOVE it.
My Big Wilmmelbooks. We love books in this house, but these are the ones my kids can get stuck in for a good while. It’s almost like a where’s waldo, but with scenes. We have every version, we always travel with them on road trips and they are really fun!
Doona Liki Trike. The Doona car seat was by far the best purchase I made with Jordan. Last year he got the trike and it’s awesome!
Melissa and Doug One Stop Shop. Another item that we bought years ago for Christmas – both kids still love this. There is tons of imaginary play that goes on in our toy room, and this shop is a huge part of it.
Melissa & Doug Cool Scoops ice cream set. We have older versions of this. One of the biggest hits in our class.
Melissa & Doug Grill & Pizza Oven set. Thinking about this for Jordan this year. All three kids still love play food.
Little KidsYoto mini player. Emilia has had this for a few years and has used it DAILY ever since. It is a game changer. Most used item in our house!
Super Smalls leopard gloves. Can’t resist anything leopard.
Glitter boots. Or let’s be real – anything glitter!
Cozy winter socks. She also loves cozy socks.
Black sparkle wool coat. This is her fancy coat for the second year running. It’s so warm and excellent quality.
Rainbow gem bracelet. Super cute and pretty!
Iridescent heart jewelry box. I loved trinket boxes as a kid.
Crystal bow hair clips. These are SO pretty in person. I already bought them and may get a second set.
Iridescent stars Ugg boots. We get a pair of uggs every other year here. The stars this year!!!
Flip sequin pin board. This is SO fun for bedroom.
Labradoodle critter pillow. Each of my kids wants one of these this year.
Butterfly wedge pillow. And this is a very fun reading pillow.
Armoire jewelry box. A classic, timeless gift for the top of the dresser.
Hard side kids luggage. My kids are obsessed with their own luggage.
Rainbow loom set. Max and Emilia LOVE making bracelets. This is so fun.
Kids smart watch. Both of my older ones have this and love it. It has games, etc.
Holiday barbie. Can’t beat the classic. Even though I didn’t love barbies growing up, the holiday ones always got me.
Type Set Co Boards & Letters. The kids got these for Christmas last year. The letters are SO pretty!
Illustrated Harry Potter Books. Max got these years ago and he and Eddie read them all. Now Emilia’s into them.
TweensKids Kindle. Max got one last year for Christmas and uses it daily. He never goes a day without it!
Polarized baseball sunglasses. He also loves these.
Lego The Globe set. This is 18+ but he could definitely do it. He loves geography and world maps.
Fuzzy dog slippers. The coziest!
Cake graphic t-shirt. This is so fun.
Dog graphic sweatshirt. And this one too!
Hooded fleece robe. A holiday robe.
Nike dunks. The coolest dunks in all the colors.
Light Up football. We have the baseball bat and soccer ball of this – love it.
Indoor basketball hoop. Max also got this last year and loves it.
Brain Bolt. Another one from last year! It’s addicting.
Nerf bounce and score game. This is super fun for kids and adults.
Light Up Rollerblades. Both my older ones have rollerblades. They go out a few times a week!
Baseball palm pals plush. Our favorite little cuties.
Wall neon name light. I love these for the kids. So fun.
Harry Potter sky projector. A splurge for their bedroom. Will last for years!
Baseball bean bag chair. We have these and they are GIANT and like sitting in a cloud.
Sorel waterproof boots. Best of the best!
Bauer mystery mini hockey sticks. Max’s favorite. They make balls too!
[This is not a sponsored post and any of the above items that I own were purchased by me! There are a few general affiliate links above where I make a commission from products purchased. Thank you for reading! xo]
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2024 Gift Guide For Parents & In-Laws.
My 2024 parents gift guide is perfect for so many, including grandparents and in-laws! A bunch of classic, timeless and useful gifts here for the people who have everything and don’t want to collect junk.
This gift guide is my lifesaver. This is for the people who have everything – the ones that don’t want to accumulate more things. Parents and In-laws are so tricky to buy for so I’ve listed some of my favorites below. Leave your ideas if you have them too!
2024 Gift Guide for Parents & In-LawsLola blanket. My #1 gift this year. It’s so soft, worth the hype – we all love it. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t!
Condiment set with spoons. This is beautiful and so useful.
Flume electric lighter. Also super useful and practical.
Hulken bag. I can’t live without these bags – and they are also wonderful for everyone as they get older thanks to the wheels.
Breville One Touch tea maker. My favorite tea maker ever.
Wave tabletop fire bowl. So beautiful and cozy.
Aura digital frame. I’ve gifted this for YEARS. I still update ours weekly with pics of the kids. It’s so fun!
Luxury board games. These are so beautiful and timeless.
Vintage bookshelf game bundle. So are these. They are stunning!
Wick rechargeable table lamp. I gifted these a few years ago and they are such a hit. A great reading light.
Bose soundlink speaker. Same with this – the perfect high-quality bluetooth speaker.
Lucite jenga game. Another gorgeous, fancy game.
Geometry kitchen towels. Practical and pretty. My mom and I use these daily.
Kindle paperwhite. I’ve gifted this as well. It’s wonderful for the reader.
American Spoon gift set. My favorite jam makes the best gift sets.
Candle warmer lamp. I gifted this a lot last year. All the scent of the candle without the frame.
Large towel warmer. Dying for one of these in our bathroom. It’s such a luxury.
Mini blender plus. I love a mini blender for dressings and sauces.
Jeni’s pint club subscription. This is one of my favorite things to gift too!
Paint anywhere paint kit. Like adult coloring, but paint.
Glass wine stopper. Beautiful and practical again.
Bombas gripper slippers. Our favorite socks now make slipper grips! My mom loves these.
Santa matchbox. I love how kitschy this is.
Watercolor playing cards. These are beautiful for the card player.
Hydrangea Coffee Table Book. I LOVE gifting coffee table books too. This one is stunning!
The Rainbow Atlas. Another gorgeous one.
Shower steamers. These are a full self care experience. Just make sure they don’t make the floor slippery.
Water Painting buddha board. More adult crafts and coloring! This is so fun.
Motion sensor nightlights. We have these nightlights all over. I love them.
Desk calendar. A stunning desk calendar is always a win.
Shiatsu back massager. I’ve had this for a million years. We ALL love it.
Ember temperature control mug. Excellent for the coffee/tea drinker.
Brightland olive oil set. The best olive oil ever.
Smart plug sets. I love these smart plugs so much. They are easily controllable from your phone.
Tabletop fire pit. Another pretty tabletop fire option.
Doggy eyeglass holder. The cutest. Eddie needs this since he loses his all the time.
Himalayan salt night lights. I also have gifted these! They give the best warm, cozy glow.
Literary classics puzzle. A fun one for the reader.
Baby pizza slicer. This is the best and I just ordered four.
Fancy popcorn seasonings. Pair this with the below!
Dash popcorn maker. We use this almost every week. It is so fun, easy and makes a ton of (delicious!) popcorn.
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Currently Crushing On.
Happy happy weekend!
This week on the blog, I shared a huge thanksgiving recipe guide. I also shared my step-by-step thanksgiving week timeline and how I pull the meal together! Along with cabernet cranberry sauce, a cranberry orange cheese danish and my holiday reading list.
Gift guides on the blog are live! So far, we have:
You can find all my favorites in my amazon store front and LTK shop! I have gift guides here and some more here too!
There’s a new menu for the week and a new peek inside our everyday life.
You can join The Everyday Dinners cookbook club right here! If you have a copy of the book, request to join the group. If not, get one here! Ready to start on fall! It is such a wonderful community and an amazing place for recipe ideas.
xoxoxox
WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEKThanksgiving chicken looks so good.
I want to try spinach enchiladas.
Sweet potato pie cookies are so cute.
Making pumpkin chia seed pudding.
Homemade cranberry cordial looks so good.
Love an apple bourbon cocktail.
Chocolate orange cookies. Yum.
Whoa – pumpkin slab pie!
Brown butter pumpkin cheesecake is also unreal.
Love an apple cider moscow mule.
Kale and brussels slaw looks incredible.
Ooooh salted caramel toffee pie!
Baked oatmeal with apples and raisins. So cozy.
Time to try cottage cheese mashed potatoes.
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November 22, 2024
My 2024 Holiday Reading List.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
I adore this time of year for books – there is nothing cozier than curling up by the christmas tree or fire and reading a holiday story. Instead of my usual fall book list, I thought I’d do a holiday one this year because they are some of my favorites.
I’ve read so many of these! Some of them (like Elin’s Winter Street series) I often reread every year because they put me in major holiday mode. And I love it!
Also! If you’re new around here, my go-to reads and favorites picks are most types of women’s fiction. Light, fun, beachy reads are my #1 choice. I love to listen to nonfiction, memoirs and autobiographies on audible. I like thrillers, but have a few triggers that I stay away from. I read to escape, to get lost in the story, to feel like the characters are my friends. And I actually love the day after I finish a great book and can’t even stand to start a new one because I’m mourning my new (character) friends. It’s the best worst feeling.
I can’t WAIT to hear your current recommendations in the comments, what you’re reading now and what’s on your list. You can find my summer 2024 reading list here.
MY 2024 HOLIDAY READING LISTThe post My 2024 Holiday Reading List. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
November 21, 2024
The Best of the Best Thanksgiving Recipes!
Sharing all of my favorite thanksgiving dinner recipes! The best of the best – turkey, side dishes, desserts, cocktails and more! Everything you need for a delicious holiday.
I’m sharing all of my favorite thanksgiving dinner recipes with you! I mean, this post is LOADED.
There is something here for everyone! Turkey, side dishes, fabulous desserts and cocktails. We’ve got it ALL.
In case you are still deciding what to make, or need a little inspiration, I’ve thrown together this massive post with all of my favorite thanksgiving recipes. These are all tried and true and AMAZING!
And if you don’t want to make traditional Thanksgiving food at all, I have this post all about special meals to make that aren’t turkey and stuffing!
Below you’ll find all the thanksgiving recipes you need – turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, side dishes, bread, salads, appetizers, dessert, drinks and more!
TURKEY & GRAVY
Butter and Wine Drenched Turkey
Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Turkey Breast
Citrus Butter Sage Roasted Turkey
How To Make Turkey Stock For Gravy
The Best Buttery Herb Stuffing
Brown Butter and Herb Mashed Potato Bake
Lightened Up Sweet Potato Casserole
Maple Marshmallow Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Brown Butter Hasselback Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes
Whipped Bourbon Bacon Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Hot Honey Caramel Sweet Potatoes
French Onion Scalloped Potatoes
CRANBERRY SAUCE
Vanilla Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Lightened Up Fresh Green Casserole
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries and Goat Cheese
Spiced Maple Brussels Sprouts Salad
Hot Honey Hasselback Butternut Squash
Maple Mustard Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pumpkin
Loaded Skillet Toasted Green Beans
Smoked Cheddar Sour Cream Biscuits
Brown Butter Cornbread with Cranberry Butter
Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls
Brown Butter Herb Garlic Knots
Sweet Potato Honey Dinner Rolls
Shredded Citrus Brussels Sprouts Salad
Thanksgiving Kale Salad with Cranberry Cinnamon Vinaigrette
Brussels Sprouts Panzanella with Cornbread and Bacon
Maple Bacon Blue Cheese Brussels
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
APPETIZERS
Pomegranate Jeweled Cheeseball
Fall Cheese Board with Crackling Caramel
Caramelized Onion Apple and Brie Tart
Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus
Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake
Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Chai Ice Cream
Salted Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pistachio Macaroon Crust
Pumpkin White Chocolate Mousse Pie
Cranberry Cider Punch (non-alcoholic)
Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
Sparkling Pomegranate Cider Punch (non-alcoholic)
What’s on your menu?!
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November 20, 2024
Cranberry Orange Cheese Danish.
This cranberry orange cheese danish is super easy but as delicious as a pastry from your favorite bakery. Buttery puff pastry, a quick cranberry jam, citrus cream cheese and an orange glaze make this irresistible. Perfect holiday breakfast!
Best holiday breakfast, coming right up!
This cranberry orange cheese danish is a dream. The pastry is super flaky and buttery. The filling is creamy and citrusy. And the quick cranberry jam tastes like a holiday flavor explosion.
Put this on the list right next to my creme brulee french toast and overnight croissant casserole when it comes to christmas morning breakfast.
It can be breakfast.
Brunch.
Dessert!
A snack with tea or coffee.
A few years ago I shared a lemon blueberry cheese danish and it’s become a staple for us. I usually make it in the spring months, but I’ve been dying to have a christmas-y version too.
Cranberry orange isn’t my favorite flavor, but everyone else in my life absolutely loves it. My kids, my mom – it’s often their muffin of choice.
The combination of tart cranberries with fresh and bright citrus mixed with a creamy filling… oh my gosh. It is SO good.
To make this, I use puff pastry, which by at this point I think you know I can’t live without. My favorite brands are the ones that come in a full sheet in the refrigerated section. Brands like wewalka and jus roll. I don’t love to use the frozen versions that come perforated already. It’s much easier to use a full sheet like this and it cooks up beautifully!
The danish is so flakey and buttery, the filling spreads evenly on the dough and you can make it for a big family for breakfast!
That’s my goal. I love it.
With the refrigerated puff pastry, you can also make this ahead of time (night before or morning of) and store it in the fridge. All you have to do is brush it with egg wash before baking. (more…)
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