Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 56
July 24, 2024
Summer Chicken Meatballs with Zucchini Risotto.
Favorite meal alert! These summer chicken meatballs with zucchini risotto are incredibly delicious. Perfect for when you need a super cozy but still seasonally appropriate summer meal. Tastes like heaven!
If you’re looking for a cozy summer meal… I’ve got it!
These chicken meatballs are juicy and tender, filled with fresh herbs and so much flavor. They’re served over creamy zucchini risotto that has hints of lemon and green onion. It’s the best combination ever and a swoon worthy meal!
I know, I know… summer and cozy aren’t necessarily what comes to mind when it’s 90 degrees. But! Think of a rainy summer day, it’s foggy and dreary and all you want is a meal that is soul warming. One that is satisfying, tastes amazing and is the cure to your comfort food cravings.
THIS IS IT.
I mean, just look at this bowl? Comfort food at its finest.
Maybe it’s because we’re very slowly coming up on fall… in eight weeks. Too soon?
Yes. But still. I can see it in the distance!
A meal like this is a little high maintenance. It takes longer than my preferred 30 minutes, but it’s worth it. And if you make it a few times, then you’ll get it done in far less than an hour. I suggest having all your ingredients out and chopped and ready to go before starting. This makes the process go so much quicker. And smoother!
I start by making the meatballs, because you want your full attention on the risotto. Once I start the meatballs and have them browning in a pan, I’ll start the risotto in a big pot next to the meatball.
As the meatballs finish up, I’ll cover them and place the whole pan in the oven just to keep them warm and juicy. This is so easy and you can put all your focus on that creamy, parm-filled risotto.
Risotto doesn’t need full-on babysitting, but you do want to stir it quite a bit because that stirring is what helps with the creaminess of the dish. The rice plumps up, it takes on all the flavor of the wine and the stock, and then just before finishing, in go all of our summer ingredients.
Garden zucchini, green onions, chives, lemon zest, parmesan.
I mean, I wish I could grown parm in my garden. But, you know…
Anyway!
I throw those meatballs right into the risotto and serve it.
Oh how I LOVE this meal.
It just tastes so good and is one of those ideal weeknight dinners that makes the day end on a good note. (more…)
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July 23, 2024
Tuesday Things.
1. Majorly craving a mangonada!
2. S’mores season is in full effect. The TJ’s chocolate truffle bars make the best ones!
3. 57 journaling prompts for self improvement. Love it.
4. TV things!! We watched the old Twister with the kids because we want to see the new one. We also watched the Simone Biles doc and it was incredible, can’t wait for more episodes.
5. How to stop being jealous.
6. I’m the queen of overpacking and don’t know how to stop this. Help!
7. See above. I could never do a capsule wardrobe. I wish I could.
8. How to break bad habits. I want to read atomic habits again!
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July 22, 2024
My Favorite Summer Chickpea Pasta Salad.
This summer chickpea pasta salad is one of my favorite salads of all time! I make it ahead of time for weekday lunches or serve it as a side for dinner. It’s tangy, bright and satisfying. Everyone loves it!
Summer loving!!!
This chickpea pasta salad is chock-full of summer garden veggies, tiny pasta shells, chickpeas, fresh herbs, smoked provolone and drizzled with my super zesty italian dressing for the perfect bite.
This is such a wild amount of flavor in this little bowl, you won’t even believe it. Seriously.
It doesn’t look like much. And it doesn’t look very special. But it’s just over-the-top good and every time I take a bite, I wonder why I don’t make this dish year ‘round.
This is the pasta salad that I’ve been talking about all summer!It’s embarrassingly easy.
And very satisfying. Perfect for lunch!
It is versatile and you can throw in whatever you want.
But this exact one? This exact one is the one I’ve been making on repeat. That I’ve been loving. It’s been my go-to pool lunch and also a great side dish for summer nights.
I actually AM embarrassed to tell you how many times I’ve made it!
First, I make the dressing. This is my zesty italian with a little dill zing. It’s quite possibly the most made dressing in my house. We love it.
Next, I make the pasta. I love using shells with this. It’s cute and delicious when the chickpeas get buried in the shells! Fun.
Then, I marinate the shallots and zucchini and summer squash. I slice these as thin as possible and let them hang out in the dressing a bit. If you’re not eating the salad right away, you don’t need to do this. They will marinate nicely right in with the pasta and chickpeas.
Finally, everything goes into the bowl. I throw in chopped cherry tomatoes, smoked provolone (the best!) and a bunch of fresh herbs too. Basil is my first choice, but really any herb you have and love works.
This stays great in the fridge for an extended period of time. A few days – a few hours, whenever you need it, it’s ready. (more…)
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July 21, 2024
A Week In The Life, Vol 30.
Another week of summer!!
And this boy. Oh my gosh.
Tons of watermelon all around.
Afternoon snugs.
The kids had friends over and I thought… what is one thing I could make that they’d all flip over. Oreo stuffed chocolate chips! Prob hadn’t made these since, like, 2010.
Loves the bath like no one else.
Aviary date!
Loving all the birds. Penguins were the fave.
Eeeeep.
Hockey camp!
Last day of swim camp!
Big long swim across the pool.
Little nordstrom date which has their fave cookie.
Orange spritzer thief.
Stopped in the amazing house of sports.
These colors!
Marinated tomato BLTs for lunch.
Cross country practice!
She loves a braid.
Celebrated my niece’s birthday and rode the pony with baby Lucy!
Some hockey fun.
Cutie.
Look at that fun.
And that’s another week!
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What To Eat This Week: 7/21/24.
So many delicious summer dinners!
What’s on your menu this week?!
What To Eat This Week
Grilled chimichurri chicken and couscous
Sweet corn, peach and tomato salad with crispy quinoa
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July 20, 2024
Currently Crushing On.
Happy weekend!
This week on the blog I shared this amazing grilled shrimp orzo salad. I also shared these blackberry chip overnight oats, a bunch of summer dinners I make on repeat and a new summer fridays post.
You can find my anniversary sale favorites here! And I started a big back to school list too.
There’s a new weekly menu and a peek at a week in our 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 WEEKThese poke nachos! OMG!
Best ever corn dip is my fave.
Love this paloma slush!
Green enchilada sauce sounds amazing.
Craving peach cobbler bars.
Brookies!! I love them so much.
Making blackberry and goat cheese flatbreads.
Mahi mahi tacos look fabulous.
Need this homemade hot fudge.
Shrimp pesto pasta forever.
Oh my gosh – s’mores clusters! Perfect.
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July 19, 2024
Summer Fridays, Vol 8.
Happy summer fridays to you!
EATINGMy one pot peach basil chicken! And my simple summer chickpea salad. OMG, if you haven’t made that before – make it! Chili lime chicken tacos too.
DRINKINGMargarita floats for everyone!
MAKINGLemon chicken caesar wraps. Peach bruschetta!
BAKINGMy blueberry peach galette. And lavender blueberry glazed scones.
CRAVINGMy zucchini corn fritters. ALWAYS.
GRILLINGMy grilled steakhouse pizza. This is so unexpectedly delicious!
LISTENINGTo the best of the 80s/90s female artists. Love this playlist.
READINGGoing to start A Novel Summer tonight! Can’t wait. Here is my summer reading list for ya.
WEARINGFor years I’ve raved about the spanx air essentials pieces. I think my most favorite one is this cropped jumpsuit. I LOVE THIS. It’s so comfortable and casual, but looks sleek. I have the long sleeve version of this and love it, but this short sleeve is even better. I have been living in it. Have it in black but want the tahini color! Also, my birkenstock arizona EVA in eggshell. I never thought I’d wear these but I adore them. They are so supportive and comfortable.
LOVINGThe ink and volt note pads are still some of my favorite organizational tools. The meal planning pad and daily list are ones I grab frequently. I also use this slim monthly planner for a months-ahead view of all the family activities to stay organized. This acrylic calendar is on our wall when we first walk in, but the monthly planner is so thin and I can easily keep it with me when I need it! I can’t believe how crazy our days get once school starts.
SHARINGYesterday the MacKenzie Childs barn sale started! Right now, I’m in love with everything sterling check. If you haven’t seen this in person, it’s gray (and I’m not a gray person!) with a slight hint of blue. It is so so so pretty. I have tons of pieces of MC from working with them over the years and I entertain with them constantly. I also purchase it often for friends/family gifts from a local boutique. So I love this sale! The serving platter and oval platter are both fabulous. The three tier stand is one of my favorite pieces that I have. This enamel vase is amazing – so short and stout and the perfect gift. And the triplicity piece! I also love the herb pots, the large cake platter, the abundant bowl and square baking pan.
SHOPPINGYesterday my mom and I went to shop the anniversary sale in person. I got a set of the moonlight shorts pajamas because they are the best! I am loving the spanx skort too. And order the on cloud coast sneakers in the green, more osea body balm and the wood bowl in the lighter color. Oh and the only sheets that Eddie will sleep on.
PREPPINGI’m getting things ready to go on our annual northern michigan vacation and this list is my life savior! Essentials include this carseat travel tray for Jordan, the backseat organizers for Max and Emilia, Uno splash which is new for us this year, as is the shibumi shade! Have you used one before?
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July 18, 2024
20 Summer Dinners I Make On Repeat.
These are our favorite summer weeknight meals! Fresh and delicious dinner ideas that come together quickly and are huge crowdpleasers. These are the ones we love the most!
I’ve got the best summer weeknight meals for you!
These are our favorite summer meals – the ones I find myself making constantly over the season. We all love these dishes and they are mostly easy to throw together. Plus, they utilize the best of the summer produce.
I also take into account some of my favorite sauces and dressings – vinaigrettes, pesto and chimichurri – things that I can prepare ahead of time and use in other meals too. I find that condiments like that are a staple in my fridge over the summer and help to elevate any meal, even breakfast.
I have a few methods for our summer dinner routine. One is to make something on the grill – a meat or fish, and serve it with a grain salad of sorts. Another is to make a big clean-out-the-fridge pasta with lots of fresh ingredients. You’ll see these methods used in the dishes below and I find that it’s so helpful to have an idea of what to make.
What are some of your favorite summer dinners?!
20 Summer Weeknight Meals
Grilled chimichurri chicken with couscous salad
Slow roasted tomato farro salad
Grilled honey mustard chicken and broccoli
Summer grilled chicken rice bowls
Pesto caprese puff pastry pizza
Jalapeño peach grilled chicken
Summer grilled salmon with chimichurri
Italian chopped salad on grilled garlic baguettes
Burst tomato pasta with chickpeas
Summer risotto stuffed peppers
Mini pesto chicken meatball soup
Summer BBQ chicken grilled pizza
Grilled hot honey chicken with corn salad
Cheeseburger salad with pickle vinaigrette
BBQ hot honey chicken with citrus salad
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July 17, 2024
Blackberry Chip Overnight Oats.
We love these blackberry chip overnight oats! Easy to make ahead for breakfast, chewy, satisfying overnight oats and made with a quick blackberry sauce and chocolate chips. So good!
Summer breakfasts are everything.
These blackberry chip overnight oats are the perfect summer morning treat! Satisfying, cooling, refreshing, these are chewy and flavorful, swirled with blackberry sauce and chocolate chips.
This is such an easy, go-to hot summer day breakfast! Making this ahead of time the night before is something I never regret.
I love waking up to a breakfast that I can grab and enjoy within minutes! Or even grab as I’m running out the door.
This whole thing started because of ice cream.
Blackberry chip ice cream, to be exact.
There is something about that combo that is just so incredibly summery and delicious. It works SO well in ice cream.
So I figured that of course, it had to work well in overnight oats!
Sometimes I think my overnight oats taste as good as ice cream, so there’s that. File it under things that old people say.
I’m one of those people that LOVES overnight oats. Mostly because I don’t enjoy hot oats, so the cold, chewy oatmeal straight from the fridge is exactly the texture I want. Even if it’s cold outside, I crave overnight oats more than warm oats.
Plus, it’s so easy to eat them. Grab and go! It’s simple.
No cooking or warming them up or anything. Add a million toppings and you’re good!
I make a quick and delicious blackberry sauce. Pro tip: it’s also fab on ice cream and yogurt!
Then, I make my overnight oats blend. These are the ratios I’ve been using for overnight oats for years. I love it.
I chill the oats overnight. In the morning, I swirl the blackberry sauce right in.
Sometimes I add other toppings. Nuts, more seeds, fresh fruit – whatever I’m feeling.
That’s it! Embarrassingly easy and ridiculously tasty.
Breakfast just got so much easier. (more…)
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July 16, 2024
Tuesday Things.
1. Favorite 4 ingredient cheater meal: the just bare chicken breasts, rao’s marinara, tillamook mozzarella and banza pasta. This comes together in literal minutes to make a faux chicken parm and my family loves it.
2. Are you buying anything for prime day?! We need a few things for our house. My #1 is the tineco vacuum mop that is on major sale! Best thing I’ve bought.
3. Okay have you heard about this tiktok viral marshmallow fluff coke? I am dying to try it. You fill a cup with marshmallow fluff, then crushed ice, then (diet) coke. What? It sounds horrible and amazing all at once. I need to try it.
4. Everything you need to know about the olympic women’s gymnastic team. YESSSS. Cannot even wait.
5. TV things!! I’m very boring and not watching a thing right now.
6. Why your mind feels cluttered. Interesting!!
7. I would not survive without the notes section on my phone. It is my lifeline.
8. I’ve been reading this book to the kids and it is SO cute. Emilia is loving it. Really reminds me of some of my favorite books as kid.
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