June 14, 2021

Recipe: Orecchiette with Sausage & Spinach

Ingredients

1 lb Orecchiette, cooked to package directions

1 lb ground sausage (breakfast, sweet Italian or Andouille)

1 tbsp olive oil

½ chopped red onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups baby spinach

1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

splash dry white wine

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

3 oz high quality crumbled feta (I prefer sheep feta for it’s deep, tangy flavor)

Directions

Cook the pasta to package directions in plenty of salted water. Drain and return the pasta back to the cooking pot, set on the counter.

While the pasta is cooking make the sauce. Heat a 10 inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 7-10 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a bowl.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the olive oil and onions to the skillet. No need to rinse the skillet, leave a small amount of sausage grease in the pan to enhance the flavor of the onions. Cook the onions for about 5 minutes, until fragrant and translucent. Add the garlic at the last 30 seconds of cooking the onion. Add the spinach, wine and lemon juice to the skillet. Cook a few minutes until the spinach is wilted. Transfer the sausage back into the skillet. Cook until all is hot, season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer the sausage mixture into the pasta and toss to combine. Transfer to a large serving dish and top with crumbled feta cheese.

~ Marla Meridith

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May 9, 2021

Recipe: Ultimate Campfire Skillet S’mores

Ingredients

11 oz (1 bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips

11 oz (1 bag) butterscotch chips

7 oz shredded, sweetened coconut

⅓ cup half and half

10 oz (1 bag) marshmallows

graham crackers for serving

Directions

Over the Campfire

Set a metal rack a few inches over your campfire. Line a 10 inch cast iron skillet with foil and melt the butter. Evenly layer in the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and coconut. Drizzle in the half and half. Top with a generous layer of marshmallows. Tent with another piece of foil and cook for 6-10 minutes until the marshmallows are gooey. Remove skillet from the flame. Using a propane torch, brown the marshmallows to your liking. Serve with graham crackers.

Over the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium high and follow the directions above.

Baked in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Place the butter in a 10″ cast iron skillet. Melt the butter in the oven. Remove the skillet from the oven. Evenly layer in the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and coconut. Drizzle in the half and half. Top with a generous layer of marshmallows. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

~ Marla Meridith

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April 12, 2021

Recipe: Grilled Brie with Tomatoes and Basil

Ingredients

2 wedges brie cheese, or 1 large round

1 pt grape tomatoes, quartered or 1 pound ripe tomatoes diced

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

¾ tsp salt and more to taste

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup chopped basil ribbons, chiffonade

1 loaf sliced rustic baguette or pita chips

balsamic glaze and shaved parmesan for topping

Directions

Tomato Basil Salad

Combine the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt pepper and basil in a large bowl.

Grilled Brie

Line a 10 inch cast iron skillet or griddle with foil (this makes for an easier clean up.) Place the brie in the center of the skillet. Grill over a campfire or hot grill for 15-20 minutes or until the brie softens and bubbles.

Baked Brie

This is easy to make in your kitchen too! Simply preheat oven to 375˚F with the rack in the middle.

Line a 10 inch cast iron skillet or griddle with foil (this makes for an easier clean up.) Place the brie in the center of the skillet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the brie softens and bubbles.

Serving

Top the melted brie with the tomato basil mixture. Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and shaved parmesan. Serve with baguette.

~ Marla Meridith

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June 15, 2020

Recipe: Lemon Coconut Ricotta Pancakes

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

½ cup sweetened shredded coconut

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 ½ tsp baking soda

¾ tsp baking powder

¾ tsp salt

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 ½ cups whole milk

1 cup part skim ricotta cheese

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tsp lemon zest

unsalted butter for skillet or griddle

Serve with

pure maple syrup

whipped cream

fresh berries

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, coconut, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Mix in the milk, ricotta cheese and vanilla extract.

Add the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix quickly to combine. Mix in the lemon juice and zest. Do not over mix the batter.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt some butter in the skillet. Using a measuring cup, pour 1/3 cup portions of batter onto the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes until the tops are bubbling and the edges start to turn golden brown. Gently flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add more butter to the skillet as needed. Repeat with all of the batter. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream and berries.

~ Marla Meridith

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May 29, 2020

Recipe: Campfire Skillet S’mores Dip

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter

20 oz chocolate bars broken into pieces or chocolate chips, milk, semi sweet or a combo

⅓ cup heavy cream

10 oz (1 bag) large marshmallows

graham crackers for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Place the butter in a 10″ cast iron skillet. Melt the butter in the oven. Remove the skillet from the oven.

Place the chocolate into the skillet. Drizzle the cream over the top. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

Remove the skillet from the oven and serve hot with the graham crackers for dipping. *be careful around the hot skillet

~ Marla Meridith

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May 26, 2020

Recipe: Vegan Toasted Barley with Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil, divided

½ cup pearl barley, rinsed

Kosher salt

2 cups broccoli florets

2 cloves garlic, chopped small

2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 red onion, finely chopped

freshly ground black pepper

3 tbsp white wine vinegar (or more to taste)

½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

½ cup chopped toasted pecans

Directions

Toast the pecans: heat a small skillet over medium heat. Cook the pecans for a few minutes until slightly brown and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

Toast the barley: In a 10 inch skillet, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Over medium heat, add the barley to the skillet. Toast 5 minutes. Add 3 cups of water to the skillet, bring to a boil then simmer for 25-30 minutes until the barley is tender.

Heat the remainder of the oil in another 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3 minutes. Mix in the garlic, broccoli and lemon juice. Cook 8-10 minutes until the broccoli is bright green. Transfer this mixture to a large serving bowl.

Add the cooked broccoli to the bowl with the broccoli mixture. Mix in the vinegar, cliantro and pecans. Serve warm or chilled.

~ Marla Meridith

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May 7, 2020

Recipe: Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

Ingredients

1 lb linguine, cooked to package directions

1 lb large shrimp, cleaned, peeled (leaving tails) and slightly butterflied

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

3 tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley

½ cup dry white wine

¼ fl oz olive oil

2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 pinch red pepper (or more to taste)

a few pinches salt and pepper

3 tbsp unsalted , divided

Directions

Clean and peel the shrimp. Make the marinade. Combine the onion, garlic, olive oil, wine, lemon juice, parsley and seasonings in a large bowl. Place the shrimp in the bowl and marinate for 20-30 minutes.

While the shrimp is marinating. Cook pasta to package directions. Toss with olive oil.

Preheat the flat top grill or skillet on medium high. Melt 1 tbsp of the butter on the grill then place the shrimp and marinade on top. Cook for 2 minutes then flip the shrimp and cook for another minute or until cooked through. Toss with the rest of the butter.

Serve on top of the linguine. Top with more parsley.

~ Marla Meridith

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April 27, 2020

Recipe: One-Pot Tuscan Chicken aka: Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

34 large chicken breasts

Kosher salt

ground pepper

For the sauce

1 tbsp unsalted butter

1 small yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half

2 cups baby spinach

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

¼ cup capers

1 ½ cups heavy cream

¾ cup chicken or vegetable broth

splash dry white wine

1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

freshly chopped basil

Directions

Heat the oil in a 12 inch cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Transfer to a clean plate.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium add the butter. Sauté the onion for 3 minutes. Add the garlic, sauté for 2 minutes. Mix in the thyme and oregano.

Mix in the tomatoes, sauté for 4 minutes. Mix in the spinach, cook 2 minutes until wilted. Add the mushrooms, cook for 2 minutes. Mix in the artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and capers. Cook for 3 minutes.

Mix in the cream, broth and wine. Bring the sauce to a boil then to a simmer. Simmer for 7 minutes. In the last 2 minutes, mix in the parmesan. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add the chicken into the sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Top with fresh basil and any extra sun-dried tomatoes and capers. Serve immediately with pasta, rice, garlic bread or baguette.

~ Marla Meridith

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February 3, 2020

Recipe: Skillet Salmon with Bacon and Lentils

This gluten-free, healthy Skillet Salmon with Bacon & Lentils is protein packed and completely delicious! Perfect for family dinners and for entertaining guests.

4-5 servings

–for the lentils
4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped small + extra for garnish
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled & chopped small
2 celery stalks, chopped small
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup French green lentils
1/4 cup Sherry vinegar
splash of dry Marsala wine
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
season to taste with salt and pepper
–for the salmon
4-5 (4 ounce) boneless salmon filets, skin on
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
chopped parsley and crispy bacon for garnish

Add the bacon to the a 12 inch cast iron skillet and cook over medium heat until the fat renders about 7 minutes and bacon is lightly browned. Add the olive oil, onion, carrots and celery. Cook about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the garlic, rosemary, broth and lentils. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the vinegar, wine, mustard salt and pepper. Cook for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed to soften the lentils, season to taste with salt and pepper.
Ten minutes before the lentils are done cooking. Cook the salmon.
Pre-heat a 10 inch cast iron with the butter and oil over medium high heat. Season the filets with some salt and pepper. Cook skin side down for minutes then flip and cook just a few minutes more until the salmon is done to your liking.
Once the lentils have soaked up all of the cooking liquid, place the salmon on the top and serve immediately.
Garnish with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.

~ Marla Meridith

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November 13, 2019

Recipe: Skillet Salmon with Bacon and Lentils

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

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November 10, 2019

Recipe: Skillet Brownie with Maple Whipped Cream

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

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November 10, 2019

Recipe: Lightened Up Chicken Korma