January 10, 2021

Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil

1 (1 1/2 cups) yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

¾ cup celery, chopped

¾ cup carrots, chopped

1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

6 cups vegetable broth

½ cup dry white wine

2 tbsp soy sauce or gluten free tamari

1 ½ lbs fresh mushrooms, sliced. Mix of Cremini and white button mushrooms.

½ lb Shitake mushrooms, sliced

1 (13.5 ounce can) full fat coconut milk

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

1 tbsp sweet paprika

ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Heat the oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook 3 minutes. Add the garlic, cook another 2 minutes. Mix in the celery and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring so the veggies don’t stick to the pot.

Stir in the broth, wine, lemon juice, soy sauce. Add the mushrooms. Bring to a boil then a simmer. Mix in the coconut milk. Continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste with black pepper.

Serve hot topped with some fresh chopped parsley.

~ Marla Meridith

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October 20, 2020

Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Veggies with Feta

Ingredients

2 broccoli crowns, sliced into florets

1 pt cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

½ red onion, sliced

½ zucchini, sliced into half moons

½ lemon, cut into slices

1 8 ounce block of feta cheese

6 mini bell peppers, sliced in half

¼ cup olive oil

sea salt, pepper and dried oregano

Directions

Pre heat oven to 400˚ Fahrenheit.

Slice all the veggies, lemon and feta. Place on an unlined sheet pan in a single layer.

Bake for 30 minutes. Serve with quinoa, rice or pasta.

~ Marla Meridith

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July 24, 2020

Recipe: Southwest Chicken & Rice Bowls

Ingredients

2 cups long grain brown rice, cooked to package directions

4 tbsp olive oil, divided

3 medium chicken breasts cut into 1-2 inch pieces

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp sweet paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp ground chipotle pepper (more if you love extra spicy)

juice from 1/2 lime

½ red bell pepper diced

½ yellow bell pepper diced

½ red onion, diced

1 cup canned or frozen corn, drained

1 can (15 ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed

½ cup sliced black olives

¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro

Optional Toppings

chopped fresh cilantro

crumbled queso fresco

pico de gallo

fresh lime wedges

sour cream

Directions

Cook the rice to package directions.

Heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil in a 12 inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breast, seasonings and lime juice. Cook 3-4 minutes each side until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate. DO NOT rinse the skillet.

Add the remainder of the olive oil to the skillet (2 tbsp) and saute the onions for 3 minutes. Add the bell peppers and saute another 4 minutes. Add the corn, black beans and olives. Cook another 3 minutes until hot. Mix in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Add the chicken back into the pan and cook 2 minutes.

Plate the rice into bowls. Top with the chicken mixture. Top with any additional toppings you desire. Serve immediately.

~ Marla Meridith

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July 7, 2020

Recipe: Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked to package directions

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

¼ tsp garlic powder

1 large English hothouse cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers, cut into 1/4 inch pieces

1 orange, yellow or red bell pepper, cut into 1/4 inch pieces

½ chopped red onion

1 pt cherry tomatoes, quartered

6 oz crumbled feta cheese

1 (15 ounce can) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

⅔ cup chopped Italian parsley

½ cup chopped fresh mint

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook quinoa to package directions with the 1/2 tsp salt. Transfer cooked quinoa to a large bowl, fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.

Dressing: Whisk lemon juice and garlic powder in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil.

Toss the cooled quinoa with the dressing veggies, chickpeas, feta, mint and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

~ 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 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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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: Sheet Pan Red Miso Glazed Chicken with Mushrooms

Looking for that perfect one-pan dish? Try this delicious Sheet Pan Red Miso Glazed Chicken with Mushrooms recipe. Minimal fuss and clean-up required!

Ingredients

1/2 cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar

5 tbsp red miso paste

2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten free)

1 tbsp finely grated ginger

2 1/2 tsp light brown sugar

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

3 pounds bone in chicken thighs and drumsticks, trimmed and pat dry

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

8 ounces Shitake mushrooms, sliced

1 bunch scallions, cut to 1 inch length

Directions

Pre heat the oven to 450˚ F with the rack in the middle.

Line a baking sheet with tin foil.

Make a few slits on the top of the chicken, slicing though the skin to the bone.

In a large bowl whisk together the rice wine vinegar, miso, soy sauce, ginger, sugar and pepper.

Place the chicken into the sauce mixture and rub to coat on all sides, being sure to get the sauce into the slits.

Place the chicken skin side up on the baking sheet. with the sauce.

In the empty (do not rinse) bowl add the mushrooms and the whites of the scallions. Toss to coat with sauce residue.

Add this mixture to the sheet pan, scattering around the chicken.

Roast until the chicken and mushrooms are browned and the internal temperature of the thickest parts of the thighs and drumsticks reads 175˚F ~ about 30-40 minutes.

With tongs, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and sauce with the mushroom mixture and the pan drippings.

Top with the green parts of the scallions.

Serve with rice, conscous, quinoa or pasta.

~ 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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February 3, 2020

Recipe: Chickpea Stuffed Acorn Squash

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

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November 25, 2019

Recipe: Chickpea Stuffed Acorn Squash