Christmas

November 20, 2018

Roasted Butternut Squash with Butter, Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

It’s only 36 hours until Thanksgiving! How are you all doing? Are you cooking, relaxing, at work, getting ready for ski season (we are in Telluride!) Hopefully you are not stressed, we all know this can be a crazy time of the year. I’ve been posting lots of new recipes for Turkey Day and there are many in the archives. This Roasted Butternut Squash with Butter, Brown Sugar and Cinnamon is so completely delicious you won’t be able to stop eating it. It’s buttery (1 stick) and a sweet/savory mixture of flavors. Enjoy on it’s own or make into a full meal over a salad or with grains.

Click HERE for recipe details.

~ Marla Meridith

Comment

Leave A Comment

Gluten Free

November 19, 2018

Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Shallots

If you LOVE Thanksgiving side dishes then you have come to the right place. Sure the turkey is great…but for me the sides are for the win! I’ve got a great archive of side dish recipes for you here on MM blog, simple type what you are looking for into the search field. If you already love brussels sprouts then you will gobble up these Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Shallots. If they are not yet your favorite, then these will likely change your mind. Want to make this dish a main course? Toss these sprouts with some quinoa, pasta, barley or cous cous.

Click HERE for recipe details.

~ Marla Meridith

Comment

Leave A Comment

Fashion & Beauty

November 18, 2018

Songlines by Jewel

Throughout my life I’ve always been drawn to creators. Folks who forge their own paths with care, kindness and absolute freedom. People who are so into their craft that they can’t help but share it with the rest of the world. I’m lucky and grateful to live in this tiny jewel box of a town, Telluride, CO. Not only do we have the most epic skiing and phenomenal mountain culture, but it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. It’s home.

Here in Telluride we also have the coolest community of creators. A few local artists have come together to create a brand new jewelry collection that I’m so excited to share with you! Songlines by Jewel is a collection designed and made here in Telluride. (If you happen to be in Telluride on November 27th, 2018 contact me as we are having a holiday trunk show featuring Songlines)

The team behind this collection is headlined by the musician and songwriter Jewel and expertly crafted by Christopher Beaver, Colleen Thompson and Ava Nelson …all passionate locals in my home town. I always support local when I can & I’m really excited about this line of jewelry. It has purpose and connection to where we are from and how we got here. Learn more about the team here.

Shown here are some of the pieces that I proudly have in my collection and there are many others to choose from. As a gift from Jewel and Songlines we offer you a discount of 15% off your entire purchase. Simply enter the code jewel15 at checkout and expect your order promptly. This collection has quite a few price points, all very reasonable for each piece. There are so many great choices for holiday gifts and don’t forget yourself! The website is super easy to shop and custom orders are an option too!

Star Compass Pendant, Star Compass Earrings, Labradorite Chain with Diamond Clasp

Flight Earrings, Tundra Ring, Across the Skyline Necklace

The Hunter Earrings, Amulet Necklace, Aurora Ring

Touchstone Necklace

~ Marla Meridith

Comment

Leave A Comment

Cheese

November 17, 2018

Skillet Bacon Cheddar Cornbread Stuffing

When it comes to Thanksgiving I am all about the sides. Give me all the stuffing, green beans & sweet potatoes. Let’s not forget a glass or two of holiday cheer and a great dessert. Bookmark and make this delicious Skillet Bacon Cheddar Cornbread Stuffing recipe, I bet this side dish is gone before any other on the table!

Click HERE for recipe details.

~ Marla Meridith

Comment

Leave A Comment

November 13, 2018

Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

How could three of the absolute best ingredients in world come together in one cookie? They sure do in these Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. This cookie recipe will definitely become a seasonal family favorite. These cookies will be great at your holiday dessert table or just as wonderful for munching on after a busy day at work or school. There is no mixer required for this recipe & they come together very quickly…which is great if you are having a serious cookie craving!

Click HERE for recipe details.

~ Marla Meridith

Comment

Leave A Comment

Appetizers

November 12, 2018

Spinach Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Shallot Vinaigrette

It’s nice to have a balance during the holidays. A balance in everything we do…busy, quiet. Heavy, light. This salad will help to satisfy the lighter side, while also being belly-filling as a main ~ maybe served with some soup and bread. This healthy and delicious Spinach Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Shallot Vinaigrette recipe is a gluten free, vegetarian dish great for the holidays! The dressing is simple to prepare, just combine the ingredients in a mason jar or with a whisk and voila!

Click HERE for recipe details.

~ Marla Meridith

Comment

Leave A Comment

Lifestyle

November 10, 2018

The Best Holiday Gifts for Foodies

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start thinking about those holiday gifts. If you read MM regularly, then I can only assume you love food and probably are surrounded by folks who do too! I recently posted my Holiday Gift Guide: Cookbooks, hopefully that has inspired you to get into the kitchen. Here are some of my all time favorite kitchen tools and gadgets that make cooking a whole lot more fun.

Cast iron skillet, I cannot live without mine. I use them in a few different sizes every single day. They are budget friendly, go from stove to oven to table with ease and look rustic cool for presentation. They are also non-stick as long as you keep them maintained with oil. You can go with the versatile 12 inch size or here’s a handy set of 3 skillets too. $19.99 & $31.99

I love a great salad, no matter what the time of the year. To make the perfect salad, you have got to make sure those greens are dry after you wash them. I love this salad spinner by OXO, it’s got an easy to use pump, a stainless steel salad bowl and doesn’t slip all over your counter. $50.00

To serve that salad you need some nice serving utensils. Here you go! I love these with the gold & silver. $39.00

A French Press is a reliable and delicious way to make the perfect cup of coffee. 4-12 cup sizes range from $36.95-50.00

I love traditional cast iron Japanese tea kettles (Japanese Tetsubin). They come with their own strainer, and the cast iron is the best for heat retention, it’s stove top safe as well. Not to mention they look so nice for presentation! $29.99

I can’t live without my classic sheet pans. I use them for roasted vegetables, homemade granola, scones, turnovers and of course cookies! These are heavy duty and won’t warp. Set of two: $36.95

Casseroles and all kinds of baked pasta dishes are served up a whole lot this time of the year in my house. They feed a crowd and are simple to prepare. This Staub ceramic baking dish is super versatile. Great for fruit crisps and crumbles too! $55.96

This 6 1/2 quart slow-cooker by All-Clad will become a staple in your home, especially if you work outside the house. Simply prep your ingredients, toss them in the slow-cooker, program the time and let it do all the work. Great for game day, the holidays, weeknight meals and any kind of entertaining! $139.99

‘Tis the season for lots of soups, chili and pasta dishes. It makes sense to have a large stock pot on hand, great for on-pot meals too! This one by Sur la Table comes in two sizes, 8QT ($79.95) and 16QT (119.95)

I use my Mini Cocottes whenever possible, they make serving petite dishes extra special. This set is great because it includes 4 mini cocottes (dutch ovens) and a cookbook. $100.00

No excuses now! You can grow your own herbs and small produce in your own home with this Click & Grow Smart Garden 9 Self Watering Indoor Garden. Be the farmer you always wanted to be! $199.95

Smeg Toaster: Love the retro styling and comes in so many beautiful colors and toasts that bread for your avocado toast like a champ! $199.95

I love the simple and highly functional line of cutting boards by Boos. They are used by most the chefs I know in professional kitchens. This one is just as great to use as a cheese/charcuterie board as it is for a cutting board. $158.95

I know how simple these seem, but I can’t be efficient in the kitchen without flour-sack towels and plenty of them! Inexpensive and great for stocking stuffers. These towels are tightly absorbent and can get into tiny areas for quick, spotless, lint free cleaning. $11.96

Skip that over sweetened canned soda and make your own! We love this SodaStream and feel free to make your own fizzy drinks as often as you like…with your own creative flavors too! $99.95

Here’s the ultimate gift for that baker in your life: a KitchenAid stand mixer lasts forever and the rewards are endless! This Raspberry Ice color is gorgeous! $429.95

This Ball Jam and Jelly Maker will assure you have the best toppings for your toast! $79.94

Add these little 1.5 oz GoJars to that jelly maker gift as a prelude in the holiday stocking! 24 pack of jars for $19.99

Can’t get outside to grill? Do not fret! A grill pan can get you to those beautiful (and tasty) sear marks in no time at all! $135.96

~ Marla Meridith

Comment

Leave A Comment

Appetizers

November 8, 2018

Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

There’s no reason why Thanksgiving and Christmas recipes need to be complicated. Try this quick and easy appetizer: Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Serve as many guests as you need to with ease. All you need is a wedge of brie cheese and warmed homemade cranberry sauce, chopped candied nuts and some of your favorite crackers. One of our favorites simple pleasures! Decadence is redefined with perfectly simple ingredients.

Click HERE for recipe details.

~ Marla Meridith

Comment

Leave A Comment

Bread

November 6, 2018

Cheddar Cheese Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls. Two words that are unavoidably, completely mouthwatering! Adding cheddar cheese to these rolls makes these even more irresistible. This recipe for Cheddar Cheese Dinner Rolls has no seasonality, they are always best served up warm…with plenty of softened butter alongside them. Include this recipe to your holiday table and of course, they are perfect for family meals as well.

Click HERE for recipe details.

~ Marla Meridith

Comment

Leave A Comment

Fashion

November 4, 2018

Shop the Post: Chalet Girl

Image: Sweaty Betty

If there is a singular subject thats near & dear to my heart it’s skiing. But what makes skiing so dang fun (other than swooshing down the slopes on a powder day) THE FASHION! I love modern snow bunny style, but it’s the retro ones that really grab me. Here are some favorite pieces that will look just as fabulous making turns down the slopes as they will enjoying a hot toddy by the fire. Staying warm never looked so good!

When it comes to ski clothes, I consider them to be an investment. Well made pieces can be pricy, but they should also be built to last for many seasons.

Ski Sweater: An essential for keeping the chill away. These are fun to collect and year after year they never go out of style. As a matter of fact, the more vintage they are, the better looking sometimes.

Love the retro styling of this graphic sweater by Moncler! A pricy but forever piece: $1050.00

Perfectly simple and chic SKI graphic makes this sweater by Perfect Moment irresistible! $250.00

All ski bunnies need powder blue in their wardrobe! Loving this soft, cuddly sweater by Diane Von Furstenberg. $298.00

Earmuffs: Keep those ears nice and warm with a furry pair of earmuffs.

These beauties will not let you down. Fuzzy baby blue earmuffs by Pologeorgis. $250.00

Cotton candy pink makes a big statement no matter how you wear it! Gorski earmuffs $150.00

Beanies: A great beanie is an essential, just like mom always said: Keep your head warm on cold days, you loose the most heat from not wearing a hat!

Pretty in pink by Barbour: $49.00

Treasure & Bond cable knit beanie: $29.00

I love wearing Heidi Liebt beanies, super cozy with an extra layer of soft insulation. $89.00 Leggings by Ultacor. $196.00 Sunglasses by Smith $69.00

Gloves and Mittens: If my fingers aren’t warm then nothing is! Bottom line, keep ’em warm!

These long white gloves by Calvin Klein are everything! $739.00

I’ve beening wearing Hestra mittens for years. It’s true friends, mittens keep you warmer than gloves. So if your hands are very sensitive to the cold then these are the answer to warmth! $100.00

Down vest: I live in my down vests and have them in a few weights. Some fit nicely under other jackets, others are so warm I wear them on their own.

This basic down vest by Canada Goose can go under a larger coat or worn on it’s own. $425.00

This down vest by Bogner is a keep you warm statement piece that clearly will turn heads. $990.00

Comfy Scarf: Keeping your neck warm is not only essential but scarfs are such a great personal fashion statement.

This faux fur scarf by Snugglez is so dang cool! $160.00

Blush pink faux fur scarf by Luna. $55.00

Winter Boots: Cold weather boots should be well insulated, very comfortable and of course, stylish!

Loving these metallic Mou boots, super comfy and warm for the coldest toes. $235.00

These snow boots by The North Face Practical and super cute in powder pink. $129.00

Ski/Snow Suit: Whether you are skiing or not, it’s fun to play in the snow. But you need a waterproof/resistant outfit to play in!

I’m obsessed with the retro inspired, fitted ski suits by Cordova. Bonus is they not only look great, they are waterproof! Bib $790.00 Full suit with long sleeves: $920.00

Goggles and Sunglasses: Crisp, white snow really reflects the suns rays. You must wear eye protection.

Sweaty Betty just teamed up with Anon to create these awesome goggles. You can change out the lenses for varied light conditions. $99.00

Loving these stylish Cat-Eye frames by Adam Selmen. $120.00

Base layers: This first layer not only keeps you warm, but I love ones designed to be seen in public too.

I have a few sets of base layers by Sweaty Betty, great as separates are wear the combo for more impact! $105.00

Love this Sweaty Betty set with the stars pattern $105

Puffy jacket: You have got to have one of these for the coldest days.

Stand out with this gorgeous turquoise puffy by Moncler. $1650.00

This hybrid coat by Sweaty Betty is curve hugging, great looking and versatile for the snow bunny or active skier. $495.00

Tote/Backpack: Every ski diva/snow bunny needs a place keep her essentials.

Hitting the slopes and Aprés? A Fjallraven Kanken water resistant backpack is an easy way to store all your things for a quick change for on mountain fun. I always bring a packable cowboy hat in my backpack, the large brim protects my skin most from the sun. $80.00 Comes in many colors!

LOVE this blush shearling mini bucket bag by Mansur Gavriel. Tres chic! $595.00

~ Marla Meridith

Comment

Leave A Comment

Apple

November 2, 2018

Apple Pear Betty

It’s so fun to gather around the table this time of year for a big belly-filling meal. Top it all off with a delicious dessert and it’s total nirvana. I love desserts that make the most of seasonal harvests. This Apple Pear Betty recipe does just that. Bursting with ripe apples, juicy pears, brown sugar and cinnamon spice, this will be the hit at any feast and holiday table. A great alternative or add to your Thanksgiving pie selection.

If you are wondering what a Betty is, that’s a great question. This is a traditional dessert that the books say was named after a home cook named…you guessed it, Betty! What makes it unique is the golden brown, buttery bread crumbs that make up the crumbly, crunchy topping.

Click HERE for recipe details.

~ Marla Meridith

Comment

Leave A Comment

Brunch

October 30, 2018

Sweet Potato Scones

Here at my house we love scones. They are really easy to prepare and freshly home baked scones taste so much better than the ones you get in your local bakery or cafe. This time of year I always have sweet potatoes at the ready…they are so great to use in all kinds of recipes. These Sweet Potato Scones are so delicious and are perfect for grab and go breakfasts. Also, you can serve them for your holiday brunches too.