Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 47

A Week In The Life, Vol 41.

It was a fun fall week here!!

Here’s what we did.

Carpool line cutie.

And it rained like crazy during cross country practice so we sat in the car.

Hockey!

Her hair!

His hair!

He loves elephants.

Her award that is not a surprise at all! Happiest girl alive.

His award that is amazing!

Baby BFFs.

Impromptu photo shoot?

Eddie’s mini.

I like this fall color so much better than orange.

Max went to a football game with a friend and we went to halloween at the zoo!

It was super cute!

So fun.

Fog machine + bubbles.

Happiest.

It was such a beautiful night too!

These were amazing.

I want to go back before Halloween.

All I have to say about this is… boys.

Brownies in the sun.

Salted honey butter for cornbread.

Cuddles with baby Lucy!

Max had a flag football game.

And today was the cross country championship!!

They both did amazing!

Hardest little workers.

It’s such a fun sport and so uplifting. We love it!

Then Jordan proceeded to eat my salad for dinner and the weekend was over!

The post A Week In The Life, Vol 41. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

What To Eat This Week: 10/6/24.

Here’s a delicious menu for your week!

What’s on your menu this week?!

What To Eat This Week

Mediterranean stuffed sweet potatoes

Black bean chicken chili 

Salmon couscous packets

Black bean smashburgers

Crispy chicken with avocado salad

Sloppy joe stuffed peppers

Marinated white beans on toast

Pumpkin baked oatmeal cups

The post What To Eat This Week: 10/6/24. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Currently Crushing On.

Happy weekend!

This week on the blog I shared these mediterranean stuffed sweet potatoes with feta sauce. I also shared this amazing black bean chicken chili, jalapeño cheddar cornbread and all the recipes you can make in October!

You can find all my favorites in my amazon store front and LTK shop! I started a few gift guides too.

And my September favorites right here. Also, what I read in September.

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 WEEK

This tuscan soup with tortellini looks incredible.

Sourdough cinnamon rolls! Yes.

Perfect homemade salsa every time.

Caramel apple spread is the best.

The cutest halloween moscow mule!

Bonfire cider too! Love it.

Always up for potato chip chicken.

Pumpkin bars I need in my life.

And pumpkin cheesecake brownies. Yum.

Making apple french toast bake!

Butterscotch pie forever.

Prep some apple butter this weekend.

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

What I Read In September 2024.

Got a great reading month in! One book stole the show and the others floated by but I still enjoyed them.

Be on the lookout for my whole fall reading list soon too.

I do have a book of the month membership – I love it so much. That’s where I got a few books from this month. I get so many of my new releases and debut author books there. You can sign up for one here.

Most of these books are linked through bookshop (if available!) and I highly suggest shopping through there because it will support your local indie bookstore. You can choose the local bookstore to support! I support Penguin Books when I buy which is my fave here in Pittsburgh.

Let me know what you’re reading below!

WHAT I READ IN SEPTEMBER 2024The Housemaid’s Secret – 3.5 stars

I started the Housemaid series last month so I had to continue. These books are such fast reads and very twisty – and I love that they don’t really involve kids when it comes to the thriller part. We follow the same character as the first book but it’s years later. She’s trying to stay away from her old life but gets roped back into her ways and wow – the way this one ends is crazy! It’s definitely my second favorite (after book #1).

The Housemaid is Watching 3.5 stars

This one was my least favorite, but still good. In this book, we jump ahead many years (it was a little jarring!) to when Millie moves into a suburban area from the city. Drama ensues with the neighbors. I didn’t care for these characters or this storyline so much, and the kid parts made me cringe a bit, but it was still really twisty and good. Another very quick read where you don’t know what is going to happen!

The Wedding People – 5 stars

Easily my best read of the month and possibly, year! This book was SO good and lived up to all the hype. It has a heavier start, when Phoebe checks into a hotel to end her own life. What transpire is crazy – she is the only one at the hotel who ISN’T there for the wedding. The characters in this are incredible. They are all so likeable and loveable even when they aren’t perfect. It is such a wonderful story. I cannot recommend it enough!

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe – 3 stars

This was very cute and gilmore girls-ish. In this book, we follow Jeanie who moves to a small town (very much like stars hollow) when she inherits her aunt’s coffee shop. The characters in the town were great. I loved the town feel and it’s definitely a good fall book. I didn’t get a ton of chemistry with her and the love interest and it felt a bit young adult/juvenile to me. Still cute though. Another fast easy read.

Rock Bottom Girl – 3 stars

This also came after The Wedding People. It was a quick and easy light read, but the story fell flat for me. I didn’t love the whole teacher storyline even though the ending does end up being fun/cute/slightly heartwarming. We follow Marley who ends up as a gym teacher and soccer coach after her life all but falls apart. She is reacquainted with a high school love interest (and some frenemies) and we go from there. I thought the best part of the whole book was Libby!!

Fall Into Temptation – 3.5 stars

Another one that came after The Wedding People and just couldn’t live up to the hype! I liked the one more than the above though. We follow Gianna and Beckett who shouldn’t end up together but have crazy chemistry. Another one with really cute characters and I did like the storyline more than I thought. End is cute too!

One Star Romance – 4 stars

Got this in my book of the month box! I really really liked it. We meet Natalie and Rob, the friends of a couple getting married. They have a very rocky start and hope to never see each other again, but continue to bump into each other because of these friends. It’s VERY cute and sort of harry met sally-ish. Love the ending, it’s super heartwarming and really wonderful.

(This is not sponsored but there are a few bookshop and/or affiliate links above! Thank you for reading!)

The post What I Read In September 2024. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread.

This jalapeno cheddar cornbread is a dream! Crispy, golden edges. Fluffy, tender crumb interior studded with cheddar cheese and pickled jalapeños. The perfect fall side dish and soup’s new BFF!

Say hello to my new favorite cornbread!

This jalapeno cheddar cornbread is going to be your BFF for the season, complete with crisp edges, a fluffy, cheesy interior and some tangy heat from the peppers. 

Cuddle on up to some soup or chili and stay awhile! 

Since it’s officially soup season, a new cornbread recipe is a must. I have tons of others, but why not make something completely different?

I love this brown butter cornbread with cranberry butter. These cornbread crumble muffins! And we adore skillet cornbread with chipotle honey butter. Those are just a few but as is always the case with me, a new favorite can be found. 

I’m always in search of favorites! 

That’s exactly what this cornbread is. The exterior is so crisp and golden. The interior is so fluffy, cheesy and savory. It’s everything I want cornbread to be and more. 

I don’t love a lot of heat, so the pickled jalapenos are perfect. You can use fresh jalapenos, but I wanted that pickle-y flavor and minimal heat. I tend to grab a mild version because I’m a large baby when it comes to spice. But you do you. 

My favorite part about cornbread is that it comes together QUICK. This bakes up in 25 minutes, which is so easy. I can’t even tell you how many last minute cornbreads I decide to make with dinner. It’s my go-to because it can be whipped up fast. 

Goes great with that black bean chicken chili I told you about earlier this week! 

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread PrintJalapeno Cheddar Cornbread#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-33 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-50 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-66 stop { stop-color: #343434; }This jalapeño cheddar cornbread is a dream! Crispy, golden edges. Fluffy, tender crumb interior studded with cheddar cheese and pickled jalapeños. The perfect fall side dish and soup's new BFF!Course Side DishCuisine AmericanPrep Time 15 minutes minutesCook Time 25 minutes minutesTotal Time 40 minutes minutesServings 12 to 16 squaresAuthor How Sweet EatsIngredients1 cup all-purpose flour1 cup cornmeal1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon kosher salt½ cup butter, melted and slightly cooled½ cup sugar1 large egg1 cup buttermilk8 ounces sharp white cheddar, freshly grated⅔ cup chopped pickled jalapeñosInstructionsPreheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9x9 inch pan with nonstick baking spray.In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, soda and salt.In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Whisk in the egg and the buttermilk. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.Stir in the grated cheese and jalapeños.Spread the mixture in the pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until set and golden on top.Let cool slightly before serving!

Cuddle bread.

The post Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

31 Recipes To Make In October!

The best halloween recipes are here! These are the most delicious recipes to make for the rest of October – cozy pastas, delicious cocktails, the richest desserts and bowls of soup to enjoy.

I’ve got the perfect list for you to cook from for the rest of the month!

So many delicious dishes – savory and sweet – to enjoy this October!

Whether you’re into creating spooky dishes for the season or just want to enjoy the crisp fall weather, there is something here for everyone to love.

Throw on your favorite Halloween movie and make a treat or cozy up with a bowl of soup. These October recipes are seriously dreamy.

31 Best Halloween Recipes To Make In October

(more…)

The post 31 Recipes To Make In October! appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Super Easy Black Bean Chicken Chili.

The best black bean chicken chili! Make it easily with a rotisserie chicken, black beans, fire roasted tomatoes, green chilis and all the toppings. It is super satisfying and such a delish comfort food dish.

I have an actual hug in a bowl for you.

This black bean chicken chili is so comforting and delicious. It’s filled with shredded chicken, fire roasted tomatoes, tons of tender black beans and diced green chiles. Topped with cheese, scallions, sour cream and chives, it’s the most wonderful fall meal. 

I seriously live for meals like this!

This might be one of my favorite soup recipes EVER. Between my tortellini chicken soup and this chicken chili, I am going chicken soup crazy. 

We’re eating it once a week and making a night of it!

Feels like it’s the 90s and I’m making the same few meals over and over. Worth it. Plus, it gives my kids a vehicle for consuming one of their favorite snacks: tortilla chips.

Crush some tortilla chips over this and everyone is thrilled. 

We’ve been having the rainest weather which is very much welcome over here. It didn’t rain all summer, so to have it rain for over a week straight feels like a luxury, as well as a good reason to enjoy some cozy, comfort food.

We haven’t hit cold temps yet, but as soon as we do, soups on every night! 

This chicken chili is a take on one I have made for almost 15 years now and it is SO SO good. It’s hearty and soul warming, without being heavy. It’s super satisfying and tastes wonderful with an excellent base of flavor.  (more…)

The post Super Easy Black Bean Chicken Chili. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Tuesday Things.

1. I am so in love with everything chocolate brown or espresso brown this year! All the clothes, shoes, bags, etc. Maybe it’s because of the espresso or chocolate part?!

2. A homemade cheesy gordita crunch! OH MY WORD.

3. And a word I always always always spell wrong on the first try: molasses.

4. Freaking out about Ina’s book being out today! I’m going to be listening to it nonstop. She narrates it.

5. Speaking of, here’s a little peek at my fall reading list.

6. TV things!! Oh my gosh, how amazing is Nobody Wants This?! Incredible!

7. We got a new christmas tree for the holiday season. It was delivered and is still sitting in the hallway because I am very tempted to just put it up! Not decorate it, but put it up so we don’t have to drag it downstairs and then back up.

8. Decluttering tips for super busy people. We are all so busy!

The post Tuesday Things. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Feta Sauce.

We adore these chickpea stuffed sweet potatoes! Roasted until buttery and creamy, the potatoes are drizzled with feta sauce, topped with a roasted red pepper and chickpea salad, then sprinkled with more feta and herbs. So good, nourishing and satisfying!

Monday meatless meal coming at you!

These sweet potatoes are topped with creamy feta sauce, a satisfying chickpea salad with roasted red peppers and then tons of herbs and feta. 

It is such a filling meal and one that you can truly enjoy! 

Stuff sweet potatoes are one of my favorite feel-good meals. I’ve been making them for years now and they are probably one of Eddie’s favorite dishes, period. He LOVES sweet potatoes. They may rank up there as one of his favorite foods!

I, on the other hand, took a slight hiatus from sweet potatoes because I had an aversion to them when pregnant. I’ve slowly come back around and have been enjoying them so much

We do buffalo chicken or BBQ chicken for stuffing. Even cheeseburgers. These sweet potatoes stuffed with chickpeas and blue cheese are also one of YOUR favorites. 

There is just something about the slow roasted sweet potatoes – they are incredibly creamy and sweet. Almost having a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s mousse-like! 

This is what I love to throw on top of the mediterranean-inspired sweet potatoes: 

Chickpeas!

Lots of roasted red peppers.

Diced shallot – some tiny pieces.

Sometimes tomatoes, but I prefer the peppers,

Lots of fresh herbs. Like dill, for sure. 

Even though I have the chickpeas, sometimes I like hummus too.

And feta sauce! (more…)

The post Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Feta Sauce. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

A Week In The Life, Vol 40.

40 weeks into the year!

HOW THE HECK DOES IT GO SO FAST?!

Kids didn’t have school on Monday which means fun!

I always burn the nuts.

These two could play with sand and play dough for hours.

Also got into the dress up bins!

I only do hot coffee like twice a year.

Cutest boy in the school drop off line!

These fall skies.

They were trying to cover themselves in pumpkins.

Blends right in!

I made white chicken chili at some point.

And apple crisp.

We went to the pumpkin patch!

First visit of the year. It was HOT and humid and rainy.

This heat is really cramping our fall style and outfits.

Fave.

I was DYING over this pot. I want to do this arrangement for fall next year on my front porch.

Apple cider donuts forever.

We wait all year for one!

Loved it.

Hockey officially started this weekend!!

Cheer squad.

We need all the snacks.

Painting more Halloween crafts in between games.

And cross country today!!

Big PR for Max which was AMAZING because he had two hockey games in nearly 12 hours and the race right after the second!

Literally the happiest runner ever!

She’s like a running puppy. She ADORES puppies. She got a new PR too!

And that was our week! Yay fall!

The post A Week In The Life, Vol 40. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.