Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 66

40 Recipes For Mother’s Day Weekend!

40 of my favorite mother’s day weekend recipes are here! Vibrant salads, fun cocktails, grilled entrees, breakfast, brunch, cake and more. So many delicious options for the moms in your life!

I’ve got a bunch of mother’s day weekend recipes for you!

There are SO many of my favorites here. Whether you’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day with friends or family this weekend, or if it’s a hard weekend for you to get through, there is something here to make. I promise you can find something extra good. Lots of snacks, salads, meals, treats and even cocktails. Perfect for a late spring meal when we’re all craving warm summer weather.

Cooking at home is my favorite on a weekend like this – or at least enjoying food at home if someone else cooks! Restaurant meals never taste quite as good and I love enjoying a meal at home with family. These are the best of the best that I picked out below. Let me know which sounds amazing to you!

35 MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND RECIPES

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Pimento Cheese Grilled Chicken Sandwiches.

These pimento cheese chicken sandwiches are such a delicious treat! Tender, juicy chicken, a buttery brioche bun and melty pimento cheese. Major flavor!!

It’s May!!

That means this week it’s time to enjoy all the Kentucky Derby recipes. Give me all the pimento cheese! 

This pimento cheese grilled chicken sandwich is so juicy, tender and absolutely PACKED with flavor. The chicken is charred and smoky, topped with pimento cheese that melts right off the toasty brioche bun.

Talk about delicious. 

!!!!!!

I love my classic pimento cheese recipe so much! It’s so incredibly simple and I love that it makes a big batch. And that it can easily be made ahead of time. 

Pimento cheese is such a versatile spread. We love it as a dip with pretzels or crudite. I like to put it on burgers, tacos and more. Plus, you can use as little or as much as you’d like! 

To make this recipe, I marinate the chicken first. I use my classic olive oil, balsamic and garlic marinade. You can even do this part overnight so the chicken is extra flavorful!

That is the greatest part of this whole thing. While the sandwich is so incredibly good, both of the main components can be made ahead of time and combined when you’re ready to eat. Which means it comes together super fast.

I make a few other sandwiches like this that we really enjoy. My grilled buffalo chicken and grilled chicken caesar are two of them, and they are one of the only ways I like to eat grilled chicken sandwiches. They taste like restaurant quality! 

The key is flavorful marinade, a toasty buttery bun and some sort of topping. Like slaw or cheese or sauce. 

Anyway! 

Once the chicken is finished, I throw a dollop of pimento cheese on top and close the lid. Just for a minute or two, because you don’t want it sliding off and melting all over the grates. 

The pimento cheese gets super melty in the best way possible. The chicken gets placed on a toasty golden bun and it’s ready! (more…)

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Tuesday Things.

1. It was 87 degrees here yesterday! Why must we go from 50 to 87? Whomp whomp. I’m happy at a nice little 65.

2. Oh my goodness: strawberry crunch sheet cake! This looks phenomenal.

3. I tried the starbucks lavender latte the other day and was so pleasantly surprised! I still think mine is better, but it was pretty darn good.

4. Divine intervention: I dropped my key fob in a giant gravel parking lot at a greenhouse and had no idea! It wasn’t until I was checking out and someone brought up a key fob that I checked for mine and realized it was gone. Crazy moments.

5. TV things! I watched Baby Reindeer and just thought it was nuts and disturbing, but not scary. Still loving Palm Royale – everyone is so great in it! Josh Lucas kills me.

6. Also, who else lived for watching MTV spring break as a kid? My brother and I couldn’t wait… we would get so excited. It was basically people dancing at a beach club with music. Ha. And I bet I was 11 years old, wanting to watch it.

7. Less clutter = more happiness.

8. I keep referencing my summer essentials list now that it’s warmer out. I may make an updated one this year!

9. Trying my hand at growing cilantro again. Tips please.

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Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Savory Granola.

This strawberry cucumber salad is made with peppery arugula greens, creamy goat cheese, ripe strawberries and refreshing cucumbers. It’s drizzled with a strawberry balsamic dressing and topped with a savory pistachio granola. So delicious!

I have a salad that will just scream SPRING! 

This strawberry cucumber salad is made with arugula greens, baby spinach, goat cheese, strawberries, cucumbers and a whole bunch of crunchy savory granola. It’s drizzled with a strawberry balsamic dressing for the ultimate punch! 

And it’s heavy in the rotation over here. We adore strawberries.

I think I could fulfill my kids’ college funds with the amount we spend on berries each week. And they are gone in a day or two! 

So, remember my amazing blueberry salad? Blueberries, cucumbers, balsamic dressing? It’s such a simple recipe but one that is fabulous. Everyone adores it. 

That is where I got the inspiration for this salad! It has the same feel – berries, cucumbers, some goat cheese, a tangy dressing, lots of nuts. But I gave it an elevated twist.

Also, I will forever love strawberries more than blueberries. It’s just who I am. 

The base for this salad uses peppery arugula and baby spinach. Then we have juicy strawberries, refreshing cucumbers and lots of crumbly, tangy goat cheese. Yum yum yum. 

But the best part? The GRANOLA!!

In my book The Pretty Dish, I have an avocado orange salad recipe with almond granola. It’s SO delicious. Sweet, savory, salty and crunchy. It has all the textures and flavors going on. 

I love using savory granola in salad for that reason. It adds so much – more crisp and crunch than your traditional crouton. It also adds satiety with the nuts and seeds. You can mix it up with sweet, savory and even spicy flavors. 

I also like making savory granola because it stretches so many meals! I can make a batch at the beginning of the week and have it to sprinkle on all of my salads. It also stays great in the fridge for around two weeks or so, and that is menu planning gold!

Way to elevate a meal and make it feel fancy and special. Make a salad with granola! 

This savory granola starts with oats, pistachios and sunflower seeds. Talk about dreamy.

It also has some garlic powder and chives in it, mixed with a bit of honey, olive oil and even crushed red pepper. 

It’s SO good.

I could eat a little bowl of this on its own, no problem. 

The whole combination of this salad is so fresh, spring-like and full of flavor. While there are a few components to the dish, the flavors are simple and likable, making it a great party salad! It’s also so pretty and perfect for Mother’s Day. (more…)

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A Week In The Life, Vol 18.

Lovely week to finish off April!

All the trees in bloom are so pretty.

Little bird watchers.

Tennis baby girl.

While we play outside and in the car.

Baby sibling dinner at baseball.

And pics!

She picked this for school one day. I can’t handle it.

Greenhouse season!

Jordan always seeks out the cats.

And he got another haircut this week!

AND played in the dirt in his PJs.

AND went on lots of walks.

BFF lunch.

Baseball opening day means kona ice!

Jordy looks like an easter egg!

We had to make MORE waffles!!

Our family just blows through the sourdough waffles.

She is getting so great at cooking!

And she wanted to come to the greenhouse today too.

We got all our herbs…

And she asked if we could get lettuce to make salads. How is it almost May?!

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What To Eat This Week: 4/28/24.

So many delish meals to make!

What’s on your menu this week?!

What To Eat This Week

Garlicky burst tomato pasta

Our favorite taco salad

Melty meatball wraps

Lemon butter pork chops

BBQ chicken with citrus slaw salad

Hot honey pickle lovers pizza

Warm spring quinoa salad

Almond butter baked oatmeal cups

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Currently Crushing On.

Happy Saturday!

This week on the blog I shared this garlicky burst tomato pasta with chickpeas. I also shared this BBQ chicken with citrus slaw, a bunch of recipes for the Kentucky Derby and sheet pan cheeseburger pasta.

And my April favorites are here too!!

Plus, 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.

xoxoxo

WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEK

Salted caramel butter cake!! Oh yum.

These chicken fajitas look dreamy!

Honey lime margaritas?! Hello.

Craving this strawberry jello poke cake.

Shrimp creole looks fabulous.

This cucumber pasta salad is super fresh.

Double chocolate muffins. Delish.

In love with these orange cookies.

Caramelized white chocolate chip cookies too!

These breakfast sweet potatoes are awesome.

Soft pretzels. Always want one of these.

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April Favorites.

A peek at everything I loved in April 2024!

FOOD

Bubbly Bellini Bliss. I still can’t get enough of this flavor of seltzer. Oh my gosh! It is summer heaven and I love it.

32 ounces of vanilla bean paste. Cue all the heart eyes! This is the best purchase ever. I will never run out.

Thin Mint Bites. I was prepared to be underwhelmed and the exact opposite happened. These taste like tiny mint truffles and they are incredible.

HOME

Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze. This has been life changing. Since moving in the fall I haven’t been able to find anything to successfully clean my floors. I’ve spent a lot and returned a lot. This is INCREDIBLE. It’s so smooth and easy to use too.

Small portable folding table. I got these last year but they have been great to take to baseball practices for Jordan. He can use these for play or eating. They are so compact and light.

Dagne dover tech organizer. Another thing I’ve gone through multiples of – cord organizers. I should have just got this one in the first place. It’s the best!

Neck and shoulder relaxer. I have always held tension in my upper back and neck. This is remedying that super well.

BEAUTY

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Blush. Oh my gosh – this might be my most favorite blush ever. It is a blush/highlighter combo and so gorgeous. My favorite shade is Happy.

Killian Sunkissed Goddess. This may be my new summer scent. It’s as if bronze goddess and soleil de blanc had a baby. SO summery.

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Gloss. I bought this by accident but it was a gorgeous shade! I tried it and instantly fell in love. Excellent gloss!

FASHION

A New Day Sandals. These are so comfortable, I love the shade for summer and could not beat the price.

Free People Button Up Shirt. I am very dedicated to a denim shirt but this may be my new favorite – ever. I just bought the other colors. It runs huge but it is so soft. A must have!

Pumeiy V Neck T shirts. This brand is my favorite for bodysuits, but now I am loving the t-shirt too. As a note, this looks cropped but I am so short, it is not cropped on me. If you’re tall, it might be too short!

Dagne Dover sunglasses case. One of the best purchases of the year. This case holds 3 pairs of glasses (so I use it for my everyday glasses, then 2 sunglasses) and the color heatwave is amazing. I want the entire line in that color.

MEDIA

Palm Royale. I’m obsessed with this show and can’t get enough. I feel like I’m in a total 60s era.

Just For The Summer. Favorite book of the month, by far. Abby Jimenez can do no wrong!

Til Death Do Us Part podcast. Clearly I’m in my murder podcast era too. I only like the ones about husbands and wives (no kids can be involved. and yes, Eddie thinks I’m nuts) and this one is excellent. I’ve almost exhausted their list. It’s a husband/wife recording and they are so funny – I love them.

KIDS

Divided serving box with handle. This has been my dinner box, mostly for Jordan. I pack it up with snacks/dinner/etc and take it to our evening activities for the older kids. He loves it!

The best bubble machine! We’ve had this for years but I just ordered a new one. Nothing beats this bubble blower!! It puts out so many bubbles at one time. It’s super fun.

Lego sunflowers. Both Max and Emilia are super into legos and adored building these. They each got one and they are so pretty!

[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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Sheet Pan Cheeseburger Pasta.

This sheet pan cheeseburger pasta is a weeknight meal that we all enjoy! Baked farfalle topped with melty cheddar and cheeseburger beef – it’s a delight! So flavorful, chewy and even light. Add it to the list!

Um, hi. I made dinner!

This sheet pan cheeseburger pasta is made with tender bow ties, ground beef, melty cheddar and your favorite burger toppings. 

It tastes like heaven!

Can you tell that I’m having a moment with cheeseburger flavors? 

I am and I love it!

Cheeseburger tacos, stuffed sweet potatoes, salad, meatballs, tostadas and more. Can’t get enough. 

It’s such a nostalgic and comforting flavor. Full of summer vibes too!

This is just one more way to enjoy it. And it may seem a little odd, but it totally works. It’s a nice switch up to pasta if you’re looking to make something unique with classic flavors. 

Now, the main reason that I love this is because unlike other hamburger helper-like meals, this pasta is actually quite light. 

I’ve made the version in a skillet before and it’s very rich and cheesy and cozy and comforting. Super delicious.

This pasta bake is not creamy. It’s not overly cheesy, but it does have lots of melted white cheddar! It has all the flavors of that classic cheeseburger dish – the seasoned ground beef, melty cheese and even tomatoes and onions. 

At the same time, it isn’t heavy! And I love that because it’s a nice switch. 

This is something you can make and serve with a greens salad and you actually feel perfectly satisfied once you’re done.

On that same note, my kids go wild for it. 

So it’s a crowd pleaser all around. 

You can also switch this up in many ways. First, you can use ground beef or ground turkey. You can also use different variations of cheese.

Another great idea is to throw in some of your favorite burger toppings. Caramelized onions or mushrooms? Go for it. 

Heck, even if you want to pile this pasta on TOP of a bed of greens, it will work. That’s delish too!  (more…)

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30 Recipes For Kentucky Derby Weekend!

We love watching the kentucky derby every May! Sharing tons of my favorite recipes for kentucky derby weekend below, so break out the hats and pimento cheese and have a little get together!

I’m so excited to share a bunch of my favorite Kentucky Derby recipes in anticipation of the race next weekend!

We love watching The Kentucky Derby and if you’ve been reading forever, then you know Eddie is a huge fan. It might just be his favorite day of the entire year.

I love that we can make a few fun snacks at home and enjoy them for the entire minute or so when the race happens. Ha! No, but really, it’s a fun little micro-holiday (as I like to call them) that we get weirdly excited for and enjoy.

And! If you have a copy of The Pretty Dish, then you know that I have a full derby day menu in there! Super fun with lots of snacks. I have lots of recipes here on the blog too, so I wanted to share in case you’re partaking in the celebration next Saturday, May 4.

30 Recipes for Kentucky Derby Weekend!

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