Meg's Meal Planning

Entertaining

How to make homemade pesto

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There is nothing tastier than homemade pesto, and nothing smells better in the summer than the sweet, aromatic scent of fresh basil! 

pesto homemade

Basil is one of my favorite herbs to grow in my garden. I dedicate an entire section of the garden just for basil because I buy so many plants! Homemade pesto is perfect for numerous summer dishes-pasta, chicken, paninis, pizza etc. Try my Trader Joe’s cauliflower crust pizza topped with pesto, or this easy pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. 

Homemade pesto

A great way to have homemade pesto in the winter is to freeze the pesto in ice cube trays. My recipe makes 6 “ice” cubes which are 2 oz each. Add pesto to ice cube tray, freeze overnight, then pop out and store in a freezer zip lock bag.

Summer pesto

How to make homemade pesto
 
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Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
  • 3 cups fresh basil
  • ¼ cup unsalted almonds
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients, except olive oil, to a food processor and blend well.
  2. Slowly drizzle olive oil and continue to blend.
  3. Add salt and pepper to taste.

 

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Easy homemade basil pesto

Watermelon Cilantro Margarita

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Sweet and refreshing watermelon cilantro margarita is the perfect Summer drink to cool off with. Enjoy this easy crowd-pleaser while soaking in the sunshine.

Summer watermelon margarita

One of my favorite drinks I’ve EVER had was a strawberry basil vodka lemonade from The Vendue in Charleston, SC. Click here to see my copy cat version. What I loved about this drink was it screamed summer time. It is impossible to not kick back, relax, and fall in love with this fun summer drink.

That’s how I feel about these watermelon cilantro margaritas. The color is the perfect pop of pink; the pink of the watermelon and the green of the cilantro and lime match perfectly. Served on the rocks and made with freshly squeezed lime juice, these drinks are superb!

Margarita

They are great for entertaining – all your guests will be impressed with such a contemporary cocktail. But do yourself a favor. No one wants to be squeezing limes while your friends or family is over, so make up a batch in advance and store in a pitcher. It will keep well for 24 hours. Trust me, I know from experience.

Summer margarita

Watermelon Cilantro Margarita
 
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Sweet and refreshing watermelon cilantro margarita is the perfect Summer drink to cool off with. Enjoy this easy crowd pleaser drink while soaking in the sunshine.
Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 cup of seedless watermelon
  • 1 sprig of cilantro-leaves and stem
  • ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lime juice, about 4 limes
  • ½ tsp honey
  • Ice
  • 2 tbsp tequila
Instructions
  1. Add watermelon, cilantro, lime juice, and honey to a blender or NutriBullet and puree until smooth. Remove foam from top.
  2. Fill a martini shaker with ice and add watermelon mixture. Add tequila. Shake well.
  3. Add salt or sugar to rim of margarita glass (optional).
  4. Pour margarita into glass.

 

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Watermelon cilantro margaritas

Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos

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Sheet pan chicken nachos are incredibly cheesy and have the perfect amount of zing. They make the perfect appetizer or meal! 

I take nachos very seriously. There is nothing more disappointing than eating sub-par nachos or having cheese only on the top layer of chips!! That’s why the most importance step is the layering of ingredients!  But you can’t forgot about key ingredients that bring the dish together. Sour cream, salsa, olives, jalapeño peppers, beans, and guacamole are just a few ways to personalize your nachos to your liking.  If it was up to me, I would use an entire can of olives!

For this recipe I seasoned the chicken with a fajita seasoning. I used this one from Penzeys Spices. Fajita seasoning is basically a blend of a bunch of spices like cayenne pepper, garlic, celery seed, cumin, basil, etc.

Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
 
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Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Tortilla chips
  • 1.5 cups rotisserie chicken, either shredded or cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
  • ¼ cup onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup black beans
  • ½ cup queso
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
  • 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Layer chips in a single layer on a large sheet pan or baking pan sprayed with nonstick spray or use a silicone baking mat.
  3. In large bowl, add the chicken and season with fajita seasoning. Arrange chicken on top of the chips. Add the onion and black beans. Drizzle the queso on top, add the Mexican cheese, then top with the cilantro.
  4. Bake for 6-7 minutes, rotate pan then bake for another 6-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted fully.
  5. Top with your favorites - sour cream, guacamole, salsa, etc

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Disclamier: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting Meg’s Meal Planning.

Southwestern Easy Black Bean Salad

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As summer is winding down, my garden is taking off! This happens every year! I think it must be the climate I live in? This year in the garden, my cherry tomatoes and jalapeno peppers plants are doing the best! I’ve already made lots of fresh salsa! Click here for a peach salsa recipe!

I had fresh cilantro in the fridge left over from steak tacos last week, so I decided to make a black bean salsa using the cherry tomatoes and jalapeno pepper! I enjoyed this meal 3x for lunch! I added crumbled tortilla chips for a little extra crunch!

Southwestern Easy Black Bean Salad
 
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Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 15 oz can of black beans
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper (less or more depending how spicy you like it)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, stir together. Serve with tortilla chips.

 

Strawberry Basil Vodka Lemonade

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On a recent trip to Charleston, SC, (Click here to read about the trip) I was inspired by this mighty fine drink at the Vendue Rooftop Bar. It was the perfect cool and refreshing summer drink. Getting a mixed drink in my opinion is risky! Will to be too strong? Too weak? Will I like the mixture? There’s too much to worry about, so that’s why I usual stick to beer or wine at bars.


Something about this drink called my name. I felt like I was in the Pier One commercial and this drink was secretly saying “Megan, Megan, pick me!” Maybe it was the fun color or the perfect summer night and sipping on a lemonade sounded amazing? Who knows, but I’m glad I ordered it! To read about the other bars and restaurants I went to in Charleston, click here.

Strawberry Basil Vodka Lemonade
 
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Recipe type: Drinks
Ingredients
  • 9 cups water
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 1.5 lbs strawberries, washed and tops cut off
  • Lemonade mix
  • Handful fresh basil leaves
  • Vodka or gin (optional)
Instructions
  1. Cut 1 lb of the strawberries in half.
  2. Pour 1 cup water and sugar in pot and cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the cut strawberries (save the rest) and cook until they soften, about 12-15 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, add the other 8 cups to a large pitcher and add lemonade mixture. Because the strawberry syrup will be sweet, only fill the lemonade measuring cap to the 1 quart line.
  5. Chill the softened strawberries until cool, to speed it up place in freezer.
  6. Slowly pour the strawberry syrup into the lemonade mixture.
  7. Pour desired amount into a glass, add vodka or gin and 1 fresh basil leaf per glass.

 

Fresh Blueberry Basil Summer Salsa

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Homemade blueberry basil summer salsa is sweet with the perfect amount of kick! Serve with tortilla chips or on top of grilled chicken or fish.


Blueberry picking season is one of my favorites.  I could eat them by the handfuls and I usually do.  As a result, I’ll run out of them before I can make something new with them.  This year I told myself to show some self control and not eat them all up right away! I am so thankful that worked and I was able to make this homemade fresh blueberry basil summer salsa.

Sweet with the perfect amount of kick makes this the perfect happy hour snack on a sunny summer Friday night! This would also be great served on top of grilled chicken and fish. If I can hold off from snacking, I’ll make this again with a dinner dish! To read about what else I made with the blueberries, click here to read about my healthy blueberry and banana oat muffins.


Blueberry Basil Salsa
 
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Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • ¼ cup red onion, chopped
  • ½ jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
  • Fresh lime juice to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves cut into strips
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
  1. Place blueberries into a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.
  2. Pour into a serving bowl and add the rest of the ingredients, stir.

 

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blueberry basil summer salsa

Veggie pizza bars

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Looking for an easy recipe to bring to your Memorial Day Picnic? Then try these veggie pizza bars. They can be made ahead of time and require no prep work or reheating, so you can enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend! 

Veggie pizza bars


Ingredients 

  • 1 8 oz refrigerated crescent roll package
  • 1 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup grated broccoli
  • 1/4 cup grated cauliflower
  • 1/4 cup grated carrots
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions 

Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 350. Unroll crescent rolls onto a nonstick baking sheet, arranging it into a single layer. Press together the perforations, then using a fork, prick the dough all over. Bake dough for 10 minutes until golden brown, remove from the oven and let cool completely.
  2. Meanwhile in a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Using a handheld mixer, blend together the ingredients until smooth.
  3. Spread the mixture onto the cooled dough, covering the entire surface.
  4. Sprinkle the grated broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, and scallions. Then place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper on top and lightly press down the veggies.
  5. Cover the baking sheet and refrigerate the bars for minimum of one hour. 
  6. When ready to serve, slice into bars.

Prosciutto and Brussel sprout pizza

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Clean out your fridge pizza. Ok sorta – the ingredients aren’t that random, but it did help me use up the rest of the ricotta cheese, something I don’t use often.

 

Prosciutto and Brussel sprout pizza
 
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Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • Flat bread pizza dough
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ onion, sliced thinly
  • 8 oz Brussels sprouts, sliced thinly
  • 2-3 strips of prosciutto, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh bail
  • ¼ cup fresh Parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place pizza stone or cookie sheet in oven and heat for 20 minutes.
  2. Add the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, lemon juice, and basil, stir. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil over large skillet, add brussel sprouts, onion, and salt. Stir occasionally and cook until ingredients start turning brown.
  4. Spread ricotta mixture over flatbread. Top with Brussel sprouts, onions and sliced prosciutto. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 5 minutes.

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving

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I have to admit, Thanksgiving is not one of my favorite Holidays. I’m more of a “let’s skip right to Christmas from Halloween kind of girl”.  My favorite “Thanksgiving” food, is my Nannie’s pasta and meatballs.  But this past weekend I celebrated my first Friendsgiving. Six couples, all friends from college gathered and feasted on a delicious meal. Everyone brought a little of their own traditions, I tried new foods, and was very stuffed by the end of the night. I would like to thank everyone who was there and shared their recipes with me. An especially big thanks to the hosts, who welcomed us all into their home and made a beautiful table arragement!

  

THE MENU

Appetizers

The main event

Dessert

  
 

Mini Cheese Ball Bites

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cup pecans

Steps

  • In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, blue cheese, and dried cranberries until smooth. Dampen hands to prevent sticking and form cream cheese mixture into about 24 tablespoon-sized balls. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours
  • In the meantime, toast the pecans by spreading out on a sheet pan and baking in a preheated 350 degree oven until lightly toasted for 7-10 minutes. Allow pecans to cool and finely chop them
  • Roll chilled cheese balls in  chopped pecans, pressing nuts so that they adhere. Keep cheese balls refrigerated until ready to serve

Cheese Plate

Cheeses

  • Cranberry Chevre
  • Gruyere Cheese
  • Double Cream Brie
  • Wisconsin Extra Sharp Cheddar

Crackers

  • Pita Bite Crackers
  • Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps

Additions

  • Sweet and Spicy Pecans
  • Dried Apricots
  • Greek Olive Medley
  • Grapes Red and Green

  

Gourmet Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients 

  • 5 sweet potatoes-cooked, peeled, and mashed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Set aside
  2. In a large bowl, mix together mashed sweet potatoes, salt, 1/4 cup butter, eggs, vanilla, ground cinnamon, sugar, and cream. Pour into prepared baking dish
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/4 cup butter, flour, and brown sugar. Mix together with a pastry blender or fingers until it resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle over potatoes
  4. Bake for 30 minutes

 

I made the roasted butternut squash side dish. I doubled the recipe listed above, minus the feta cheese. My husband by mistake added the crushed pecans to this dish, instead of the pie! Oh well, it had a little extra crunch!

  

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries

 Ingredients

  • 2 large butternut squash, peeled, and chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
  • 4 cups fresh cranberries
  • 3 tablespoon honey
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Fresh parsley

Steps

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees, lightly spray a baking sheet, set aside. I used two, since I doubled the recipe
  2. Add cubed squash to the sheet along with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle with a light layer of salt, pepper, and garlic powder
  3. Roast for 25 minutes. At 25 minute mark pull out the oven rack and add your fresh cranberries. Return to oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries have started to soften and burst
  4. Remove from oven and add a sprinkle of cinnamon and honey. Garnish with fresh parsley

Cranberries seemed to be a theme throughout almost all the dishes. They are a great way to sweeten up a dish and give a nice pop of  color!

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries

Ingredients

  • 1/4 lb bacon, diced
  • 2 medium shallots
  • 2 lbs Brussel sprouts, halved
  • 2 Tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Steps

  1. Cook bacon until crispy, remove from pan, but leave fat
  2. Add shallots and cook until brown, add Brussel sprouts
  3. Sprinkle in brown sugar, saute until tender
  4. Add cranberries and remove from heat after 1 minute
  5. Transfer to baking dish and drizzle honey, toss to coat. Bake in oven for 10 minutes prior to serving

See above for the link for the cornbread recipe. There’s just something about homemade cornbread, that’s much, much better than the boxed kind. Plus this cranberry honey butter is amazing!

  

Dried Cranberry Honey Butter

Ingredients

  • 1 stick of butter, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup cranberries, chopped

Steps

  1. Add butter, honey and cranberries to a mixing bowl
  2. With a speed mixer, whip items together until smooth
  3. Serve along side cornbread

  
  

 

Father’s Day Lunch

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What a beautiful day it ended up being for Father’s Day! Just like Mother’s Day Brunch, my husband and I hosted our families to celebrate our dads! This time we had 9 guests: my parents, two brothers, grandparents, uncle, and my mother and father in-law! Unfortunately, the early afternoon was super humid, so we all stayed inside, but it ended up working out nicely. We fit some extra chairs around our kitchen table and set the food up like a buffet.  Everyone served themselves! Here’s the menu.

Appetizers

  • Greek dip – This was a big hit!
  • Pineapple salsa
  • Pepperoni and broccoli bread- My Nannie makes the best stuffed bread! I’ve never attempted to make broccoli bread before, but I can make pepperoni bread. Of course, it never comes out as good as hers!

Pepperoni Bread

Ingredients 

  • Store-prepared pizza dough
  • 1 package of thinly sliced pepperoni
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
  2. Roll out dough on a sprayed cookie sheet
  3. When preparing, deal with the dough in thirds. Lay sliced pepperoni and cheese down on the top 1/3 of the dough, leaving enough dough to fold over the pepperoni and cheese
  4. Roll dough over the pepperoni and cheese and top with another layer. Now fold over the remaining dough on top of the second layer. Tuck excess dough in to seal pepperoni and cheese inside
  5. Bake for 30 minutes

 

 

Main dish

  • Pulled pork – My amazing hubby got up at 5:30 a.m. to put this in the crock pot! What a keeper!
  • Cornbread
  • Baked beans
  • Coleslaw – I was going to make the McCarrick Family Coleslaw (It’s amazing, my family loves it!), but my mom offered to buy coleslaw from a local restaurant-Shady Glen. When someone offers to bring you coleslaw from there, you don’t say no!
  • Baked squash and zucchini – We originally planned to grill them, but since it was supposed to rain, we decided to cook them in the oven.
    • For the veggies, we sliced them about an inch thick, layed them on a baking dish, drizzeled them with olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper and baked at 350 degrees for 40 minutes

 

Dessert

 

  
I love when our families get together. We had a great day and some delicious food!