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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April 20, 2020

Recipe: Very Veggie Lasagna

Ingredients

1 lb brown rice lasagna pasta

1 (10 oz) package frozen, chopped spinach

1 (16 oz) container 4% milkfat cottage cheese

1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese (non fat or whole milk)

2 tbsp olive oil

½ yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow zucchini, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces

1 green zucchini, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces

1 bell pepper (any color)

25 oz whole white mushrooms, sliced

1 32 oz jar your favorite tomato sauce

Kosher salt & pepper

1 chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided

2 cups shredded mozzarela and cheddar cheese

Directions

Cook pasta to package directions. Drain then rinse in cold water.

Thaw the spinach in the microwave. Squeeze out excess water and place in a large bowl. Mix with the ricotta and cottage cheese. Season with some salt and pepper.

Add olive oil to a large skillet. Sauté the onions and garlic over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add the zucchini and bell peppers. Cook for 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes or until the veggies soften. Mix the veggies as they cook. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Stir the tomato sauce into the skillet and 1/4 cup parsley. Bring to a boil then simmer for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375˚ Fahrenheit with the rack in the middle.

Start with a thin layer of sauce in a 9X13 inch casserole baking dish. Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles. On top of the pasta add a layer of the ricotta/cottage cheese mixture, then a layer of sauce and the noodles again. Continue layering finishing with a layer of the pasta then finally the sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.

Bake the lasagna for 35 minutes then broil on low for 5 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown. Top with 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Serve while hot.

~ Marla Meridith

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April 15, 2020

Recipe: Homemade Blueberry Pop Tarts

Ingredients

Pastry Dough

3 ¼ cups AP unbleached flour

1 tbsp baking powder

¼ tsp Kosher salt

¼ cup granulated sugar

8 oz unsalted butter

½ cup corn syrup

Fruit Filling

850 g fresh, frozen, chunks, sliced fruit

⅔ cup (75 g) light brown sugar or granulated sugar

¼ tsp ground cinnamon or ginger

1 pinch Kosher salt

2 tbsp (25 g) cornstarch

Egg Wash

1 large egg

2 tsp water

Glaze / Royal Icing

1 ¾ cups powdered sugar

34 tbsp milk

⅛ tsp Kosher salt

1 tsp any extract flavor (vanilla, lemon, orange, etc)

of color if desired

Directions

In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the sifted dry ingredients. Add the butter and mix until it combines with the dry ingredients. Add the corn syrup and mix until a ball is formed. Let the dough rest for 2 hours in a cool place.

Make the filling while the dough rests. In a saucepot, bring the fruit to a boil. Combine the dry ingredients. Once the fruit has released its juices and has come to a boil, add the dry ingredients. While whisking, bring the mixture to a boil and hold at a boil for 3 minutes. Let cool.

Roll the dough onto a floured surface until it is 3 mm thick. Cut the rolled dough in half. Cut one half of the dough into the 3 x 5 inch rectangles. Cut the second half of the dough into 3¼ inch x 5¼ inch rectangles – these slightly larger rectangles will be the top of the pop tarts. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the bottom pop tart dough rectangles on a parchment or Silpat lined baking sheet. With a pastry brush, paint the egg wash around the outside edge of the dough. Put the cooled pop tart filling inside of the egg wash rectangle. Add the larger rectangle dough on top of the filling. On one side of the rectangle, press the two pieces of the dough together, fastening them with a fork. Brush the top of the pop tart with egg wash.

Combine the egg and water with a fork or a whisk.

Bake until a light golden brown 15-20 minutes. Let cool. Using a spoon, knife, brush, palette knife or hands, spread or dip the cooled pop tart. Let dry and enjoy.

~ Marla Meridith

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April 9, 2020

Recipe: Boozy Frozen Lemonade

Ingredients

½ cup lemon simple syrup

½ cup tequila, vodka, gin or your favorite spirit

4 cups ice

lemon zest for topping

Directions

Combine the lemon simple syrup, liqueur and ice in a blender. Blend on the “smoothie” setting or until smooth.

Top with fresh lemon zest and serve immediately.

~ Marla Meridith

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April 9, 2020

Recipe: Lemon Simple Syrup

Ingredients

4 lemons (1/2 cup lemon juice)

½ cup granulated sugar

zest from one lemon

Directions

Zest one of the lemons. Carefully remove the yellow outer skin of the lemon with a knife.

Juice the lemons discarding seeds. If you do not have fresh lemons you can use bottled unsweetened lemon juice.

In a small saucepan bring the lemon juice and sugar to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes so the syrup can thicken a bit. Mix in the zest.

Transfer the lemon syrup to a heat proof bowl. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 20 minutes until cool. Strain out all of the zest. Store in the fridge in a clean airtight glass jar until ready to use.

~ Marla Meridith

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April 7, 2020

Recipe: Austrian Linzer Tart Cookies

Ingredients

3 cups (375 g) unbleached all-purpose flour

1 cup (96 g) blanched almond flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp Kosher salt

1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature

1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 cup rasberry, fig, cherry, lingonberry or cranberry jam

powdered sugar for dusting the tops of cookies

Directions

In a bowl whisk together the flour, almond flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed. Mix for a few minutes until well combined and pale in color, scraping down the sides when necessary. Add in the eggs one at a time; mix again until well combined. Mix in the vanilla. Turn off the mixer and add in all of the flour mixture, then mix on low speed until it’s just incorporated.

Working on a floured work surface, divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten into 1-inch (2.5-cm)-thick disks. Wrap separately in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours up to 5 days.

Remove the dough from the fridge 15 minutes before you are ready to roll it. Roll in between two sheets of parchment paper to ⅛ to ¼ inch (3 to 6 mm) thick. If the dough cracks, just press it back together. If the dough gets too sticky, you can add more flour to it as you roll. You can also place it back in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm back up.

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) with the rack in the middle. Cut shapes from the dough with a 2½-inch (6-cm) cookie cutter (I love hearts for these), cutting an equal amount of tops and bottoms. Cut a hole in the middle of the tops. Carefully move the cookies with a spatula to parchment-lined baking sheets. When all the dough is rolled out and cut, place in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the fridge and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes; they should be lightly golden brown on the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks.

Dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar. Spread the bottoms with some jam. Make cookie sandwiches and serve.

~ Marla Meridith

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April 3, 2020

One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti or linguinie

½ cup chopped red onion

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 cups bite sized pieces broccoli florets

2 cups vegetable broth

1 ¼ cups whole milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Kosher salt to taste

ground black pepper to taste

Toppings

chopped fresh Italian parsley

sliced green onion

Directions

Heat the oil over medium heat in a 12 inch cast iron cast iron skillet.

Sauté the onion for 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Add the garlic. Cook 2 minutes. Mix in the lemon juice.

Add the broth, milk and broccoli. Bring to a boil. Add the pasta making sure it’s all submerged in the cooking liquid.

Cover the skillet and simmer the pasta for 8 minutes. Remove the lid, stir and continue to cook 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is done to your liking. Mix in the cheddar cheese in the last two minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top with parsley and green onion. Serve immediately.

~ Marla Meridith

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April 1, 2020

Recipe: Rustic Roasted Beet & Sweet Potato Salad

Ingredients

1 bunch beets

2 sweet potatoes

2 tbsp canola or grapeseed oil

½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp garlic salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

2 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 avocado

6 cups baby spinach leaves

Toppings

Maple Citrus Roasted Pecanshttps://marlameridith.com/recipe/maple-citrus-roasted-pecans/

Salad Dressings: Try one of these!

Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette

Lemon Honey Salad Dressing

Directions

Pre heat the oven to 375 degrees F with the racks in the middle. Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper or oven proof silicone liner.

Slice the beets and sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch thick sticks. Place on the baking sheet in a single layer.

Drizzle with the oil and maple syrup. Using clean hands, toss with the cinnamon, garlic salt and pepper.

Bake for about 40-45 minutes until slightly browned, caramelized and very tender.

Plate spinach leaves with roasted beets and sweet potatoes. Top with avocado and maple pecans. Serve with lemon juice and olive oil or my Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette or Lemon Honey Salad Dressing.

~ Marla Meridith

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March 25, 2020

Recipe: Pantry-Only Tex Mex Mac ‘n Cheese

Ingredients

10 oz macaroni, rotini or fusilli

salt for pasta water

16.25 can whole kernel corn

11 can Ro*tel (diced tomato & chili)

3.25 can sliced black olives

1 lb Velveeta cheese block

1 tbsp chili powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp ground black pepper

¼ tsp smoked spanish paprika

¼ tsp ground red pepper

minced dried onion for topping

Directions

Cook the pasta to package directions.
Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water.
Drain pasta.

Open the canned ingredients and drain.

Chop the Velveeta into 1 inch pieces.

Heat a 12 inch cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
Add the canned ingredients. Heat for about 5 minutes.

Mix in all the dried seasonings excluding the dried minced onion.

Mix in the reserved cooking water.
Mix in the Velveeta until the sauce is creamy.

Mix in the cooked pasta.
Top with the dried minced onion and serve immediately.

~ Marla Meridith

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February 3, 2020

Chili Cheese Oven Fries

Ingredients

Oven French Fries

1 ½ lbs Russet potatoes

¼ cup canola or vegetable oil

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

Chili

1 lb ground beef

1 tbsp tbsp olive oil

1 medium yellow onion diced

1 green bell pepper finely chopped

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

½ tsp coriander

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 cup crushed tomatoes

½ cup water

Toppings

1 tomato seeded and diced

Shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese

green onions chopped

sour cream

Anything else you may want such as sliced Jalapeno, salsa, pico de gallo, avocado, guacamole, olives, lettuce, etc.

Directions

Oven Fries

Clean and pat dry the potatoes. Do not remove the skin.

Slice into desired thickness.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F with the rack on the lower level.

In a large bowl toss the potatoes with the oil, salt and pepper and any other toppings you like.

Place on the baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake for 25-35 minutes tossing the fries in the middle of baking time.

Chili

While the fries are baking prepare the chili. Cook the meat in a 12 inch cast iron skillet until browned, breaking up the meat up as it cooks. Remove the meat from the skillet with a slotted spoon. Discard oil.

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a the same skillet, no need to wash it. Saute the onion for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add the bell pepper and cook a few more minutes.

Add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil and then to a simmer for 20 minutes or until chili thickens.

Plate the fries in a bake safe casserole dish or single serving dishes. Top with chili and handfuls of cheese. Bake for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve hot with various toppings.

~ Marla Meridith

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February 3, 2020

Recipe: Pumpkin Dutch Baby with Caramelized Apples