Jessica Merchant's Blog

We love these pumpkin coffee cake muffins! A family favorite, the pumpkin muffin is tender, moist and flavorful. The cinnamon streusel is so crumbly and crunchy, giving it the perfect coffee cake texture. Perfect for fall!

I’m here with your weekend treat!

These pumpkin coffee cake muffins are super delicious – basically like pumpkin cake – and swirled with a cinnamon streusel that is crumbly and crunchy and wonderful. You won’t only want these on the weekend… trust me.

I’m hoping they become a fall staple in your kitchen. They are SO good.

And can I just tell you:

They use a whole can of pumpkin!

This is KEY because you don’t have to find a half-open can in your fridge in a month that’s filled with mold. I love when recipes call for the whole can and I can just use it up. No need to save it when you’re just going to toss it. 

I also love coffee cake because it’s a great excuse to turn cake into a breakfast food. I mean, in my family, it’s always been one. My mom and my aunt are the queens of eating cake for breakfast. 

Now, I consider myself someone of a pumpkin muffin connoisseur. My kids and Eddie LOVE my pumpkin muffins, so much that I even make them in the summer. Year round! And just last night, I made a big batch for Max who is leaving for a hockey tournament. 

They are always a hit, so tender and moist and very satisfying. Which is how I knew they’d be PERFECT in a coffee cake muffin. 

I mean, take this muffin and add a bunch of cinnamon streusel deliciousness? I’m game. 

They are also incredibly easy to make. I mix everything in one giant bowl, then I use a cookie scoop to transfer the batter into the liners. 

When it comes to coffee cake muffins, I like to use the tulip muffin liners. You can easily find these on amazon! I love to use them because some of that crumbly topping will inevitably fall or spill off and this is a great way to contain it all. It gives you a little more space to have a coffee cake muffin with that crunch on top.

The best part of the coffee cake muffin is that there is streusel inside of it! So you scoop a little batter into a liner, sprinkle on some of the streusel and then add more batter on top.  (more…)

The post Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

These are 16 of my favorite meals to prep ahead for the week – dishes that hold up well day after day! Soups, pastas, grain bowls and salads, these are my favorite things to eat for lunch or make ahead for busy weeknights!

Let’s make dinner super easy during the crazy fall season!

With a bunch of meals that I adore – ones that still taste fantastic a few days after making them.

I am allll about the easy meals I can prep ahead of time to make sure we have something to delicious to eat on busy nights – or at least eat for lunches. While we can easily fall back on our go-to of something like a grain, grilled chicken or salmon and roasted vegetables, these ones below are more complete dishes that add variety and some excitement to our prepped meals.

That is KEY! I don’t want to eat something boring or something that doesn’t sound good – and I hate any sort of meal prep to go to waste.

Below you’ll find a few of my favorite bowls, soups, pastas and even two kale salads that hold up well for about three days! What are your favorite fall meals to make ahead for the week?

(more…)

The post 16 Fall Meals You Can Prep Ahead For Lunches or Dinners. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Over the last few months I have found so many new skincare products that I adore! I was introduced to skin flooding/the 7 layer toner method on tiktok and it has become such a huge part of my routine. It’s a great way to start the day and unwind at night too. Through this, I have found so many great new-to-me products for my skin. I have mostly dry, slightly sensitive skin and am all about the moisture. These are just a few of the products I am loving right now, some of which happen to be in the amazon prime sale.

Prequel Half and Half Moisturizer. You will see a TON of milky toners/ceramide moisturizers in this post. They have changed my skin. And this is my favorite. It’s called a moisturizer and definitely works as one – I use it as the final layer of skincare before a heavier moisturizer or before sunscreen. I adore it! It feels like silk. 

Prequel Oil Cleanser. I’ve double cleansed my skin for years now and this tops all oil cleansers for me. It’s affordable, so gentle, moisturizing and doesn’t have a scent. I love it and use it twice a day. 

Prequel Vitamin C. I swear this is not a prequel ad (hello, I wish!) but the products are just SO good. Easy to get at target or on amazon and great prices for the quality. This is VERY similar to the skinceuticals vitamin c – which I have used for close to 10 or 15 years and is super pricey. I have now replaced it with this and the Educated Mess Vitamin C which I also love. 

Medicube Zero Pore Pads. I like the mild version since my skin is dry. I will use these twice or three times a week and they are great. Don’t hurt my skin barrier, strip the skin or break me out. 

Eadem Cashmere Peel. I LOVE this peel because it is so gentle and good for sensitive skin. It doesn’t dry out my skin at all. I use it once a week.

Haruharu Barrier Essence. This is my #1 milky toner!! I adore this. It feels incredible on the skin and it is my last layer before moisturizer. 

Laneige Cream Skin. This is another one of my favorite milky moisturizing toners. I bought the mister with it and it’s perfect! Mists so gently on the skin and is incredibly moisturizing. I use this before the Haruharu barrier essence above.

I’m From Rice Toner. Another milky toner! This one is lighter than the two above. I use it before both. It’s very calming, soothing and great for sensitive skin. 

I’m From Mugwort Essence. This goes on before the rice toner above. This feels INCREDIBLE on the skin. It’s soothing, makes you feel glowy and very hydrated. I love it. 

Inkey List Hydro Barrier Serum. This serum is SO hydrating, it feels like putting butter on your face, in the best way possible. I use this after toners, before moisturizer. 

Innisfree Glowy Finish Sunscreen. One of the sunscreens I am loving right now. I will use this on its own or under sunscreen. Does not break me out at all. 

Haruharu Wonder Airyfit Sunscreen. Another SPF that I love. Same as above – great under sunscreen and alone. Also doesn’t migrate into my eyes which is huge. 

Hanni Splash Salve. This is a body product and has changed my skin. You put it on in the shower and just quickly rinse it off as your last step. It does leave a moisturizing oil/cream on your skin and then you pat dry. I add more body cream and oil after. It really seals in the moisture! I never want to be without this in my shower.

Cyklar Vanilla Verve Body Wash. I don’t know what it is about this scent but it is incredible. It’s a warm, more mature vanilla scent that isn’t too sweet. I want to smell like this all the time. Also, the body wash is so moisturizing. This bottle is also big and it lasts forever!  

Kosas Wet Stick. This is the best lipstick/balm hybrid ever! It is very moisturizing and glossy – also one of those that you can put on without a mirror. And it looks like your lips but better! 

Oribe Dry Heat Protectant. I got my hair done in May and learned something: I should be using heat protection with every step of heat. This has been a huge game changer for me. So has finding dry heat protectants! I prefer a dry version if I’m heat styling my hair. This one smells incredible, sprays nicely and locks in the style without it weighing down my hair or leaving it sticky or crunchy. I think I’ll use it forever. 

The post 16 Beauty Products I’m Loving Right Now. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

This sticky apple cider chicken is such a lovely fall meal! Chicken thighs are browned and served with a sticky cider sauce alongside a crunchy, refreshing autumn slaw. It’s the best combo and very light, satisfying and flavorful. 

Fall dinners are my favorite! 

This sticky apple cider chicken is tender and flavorful. It complements the cold, refreshing crunchy slaw in the best way – the combo is wonderful! It’s light and easy but very filling. I love when a satisfying meal is simple and fantastic!

I also need to come up with any and every excuse to use apple cider this time of year. It’s one of my favorite things ever. 

For well over a decade, I’ve been making a chicken thigh recipe with apple cider and honey that we LOVE. They get broiled and have a ridiculous amount of flavor for being made with very simple ingredients. Because of that, it’s also a combo I lean towards when coming up with new recipes.

Or just when I’m thinking of what to make Eddie for dinner!

While I always have that on the brain, I also LOVE the method that I use for my salmon. Honey or maple syrup and water (or another liquid!) are mixed together and then you pour it in the skillet. It simmers and bubbles and gets so sticky and delicious!

All of that to say, this recipe is a hybrid of both of those. In addition to my absolute adoration of apple cider (it’s so much better than pumpkin) and the desperate need for the crunchiest texture in the world, a quick slaw as a side is a must. 

First, the chicken. I season it with my favorite spices, then sear it in a cast iron pan. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but skin-on would also be delish here. 

When the chicken is deeply golden on both sides, I pour in a mixture of apple cider, water and honey. Just like I mentioned above, it bubbles and simmers and gets deliciously sticky. 

Just then, I stick the pan in the oven to finish the chicken so it’s super tender and not over cooked. It usually doesn’t take very long. The bit of sauce will reduce too but you can still spoon it over the chicken to serve. 

Then, while the chicken finishes in the oven, I make a quick slaw! Chop some apples, celery and red onion! Then finely grate some carrots. I like that this is a lettuce-less and cabbage-less slaw because it is SO packed with intense flavor and crunch. 

The dressing for the slaw is, let’s say, a creamy vinaigrette. There is still a touch of creaminess because it balances the sticky chicken so well. I whisk together some mayo, apple cider vinegar, garlic and honey. The result is a perfectly tangy yet creamy and light dressing. 

The slaw stays super crunchy but has a lovely coating of flavor. It pairs so well with the chicken! 

There’s warm chicken with a sticky sauce and a crunchy, cooling and refreshing slaw! Best combo ever. (more…)

The post Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

The best of the best amazon prime day deals! Everything I have and love and recommend.

I love prime day! I always find so many great things – last year I did the majority of the kids’ christmas shopping (my 2025 kids picks are here) on this day! Since we moved over a year ago, I have been able to find SO many home deals during this sale. Today I’m sharing my top 25 favorites – the things I think are really worth it in the sale and have made a difference in my everyday life!

Most of these probably sound familiar because they are in my monthly favorites over and over again. Everything is something I have and love!

You can find more of my picks here, as well as my amazon store front.

Easy Everyday! You can grab my newest cookbook as well as all my others on sale today!

Parchment Paper Sheets. I buy these over and over again. Can’t live in my kitchen without them!

Kindle Paperwhite. I can’t live without my kindle these days. Max also has one and uses it constantly when we’re on the go. I take mine everywhere. I actually get anxious if I forget it at home! I also have the tiny kindle which I love to take in small bags or leave in my car so I always have it!

Magnatiles. Possibly the most versatile toy ever – my kids (ages 10 to 3) all still adore magnatiles. They keep them busy and are easy transportable. They have built some really cool things with them!

Toniebox. Jordan absolutely loved his Toniebox. It is incredible and I wish these existed when Max was his age!

Yoto Mini. This is what Emilia and Max have – it’s like the toniebox but for older kids. Emilia has used hers every single day for YEARS. She listens to it at night, we take it in the car, on vacation, everything.

Osea Body Balm. I love all Osea products, but this balm feels incredible on the skin. Almost like a serum. I use it right after the shower, before the oil.

Pro Belgian Waffle Maker. I love this waffle maker. Last year I started doing waffle bar parties and I have two of these going during the parties. They are super simple to use! And make delish waffles too.

Rotary Cheese Grater. It’s definitely mac and cheese, casserole and cheesy potato season! This makes grating cheese to perfection SO much easier. I don’t know why I haven’t always used one. I love it. And use it multiple times a week! It’s very easy to clean and I put the parts in the dishwasher too.

Rubbermaid Glass food storage. These are what we’ve used for years for food storage – Eddie uses them every day to take lunches to work. I use every size for leftovers! I put them in the dishwasher and they hold up great.

Digital Meat Thermometer. Can’t live without this. Great gift, great to have on hand. I use it all the time.

Wall Charger, Surge Protector. I have a few of these and I like to travel with them. They are also great in the kitchen. We all have so many different devices these days that having this is necessary.

Samsonite luggage. We bought this exact luggage for my mom two Christmases ago and it’s excellent. She loves it, it’s very easy to spin (she is tiny and in her 70s) and walk with.

Cordless Dust Buster. We have three of these! They live in all corners of the house and garage and are so easy to prop up on the charger. We also use them for our cars.

Kasa Outdoor Smart Plugs. The indoor kasa plugs are what I’ve used for christmas decor for many years. They hook up to alex and you can use voice commands. Having an outdoor one is brilliant!

Wool Dryer Balls. I stopped using dryer sheets years ago. I love the wool balls and aside from my kids using them as “snowballs,” they work great.

The post Top 25 Amazon Prime Day Favorites! appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

1. These pumpkin pie cookies look incredible.

2. Mentally I’m already in the holiday season! Mostly Thanksgiving. I can’t help it. Emilia does voice and they are rehearsing for their christmas recital… we’re already listening to the music.

3. That thing you’ve always wanted to do. This is so good!

4. TV things! I watched all of Monster on netflix, which is horrifying but I like Charlie Hunnam and he is so good in it. Like next level acting.

5. It’s prime day! I have all my favorites in my storefront. I also started a kids list because it’s birthday season at our house! I need a place to organize my ideas.

6. What are you reading? I’m excited that the new Frieda McFadden book comes out today!

7. I tried the starbucks protein coffee and I didn’t hate it. And that’s saying something because I’m scarred for life from protein powder in my early 20s. It was pure chalk.

8. What are you favorite color combos for family photos? I need some ideas!

9. Reading about panera’s downfall is so interesting. Someone said that now it tastes like overpriced nursing home food and I can’t get past that. My kids like it but I can’t do it anymore.

The post Tuesday Things. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

The best of the best amazon prime day deals! Everything I have and love and recommend.

I love prime day! I always find so many great things – last year I did the majority of the kids’ christmas shopping (my 2025 kids picks are here) on this day! Since we moved over a year ago, I have been able to find SO many home deals during this sale. Today I’m sharing my top 25 favorites – the things I think are really worth it in the sale and have made a difference in my everyday life!

Most of these probably sound familiar because they are in my monthly favorites over and over again. Everything is something I have and love!

You can find more of my picks here, as well as my amazon store front.

Parchment Paper Sheets. I buy these over and over again. Can’t live in my kitchen without them!

Kindle Paperwhite. I can’t live without my kindle these days. Max also has one and uses it constantly when we’re on the go. I take mine everywhere. I actually get anxious if I forget it at home! I also have the tiny kindle which I love to take in small bags or leave in my car so I always have it!

Tineco iFloor 3. I’ve mentioned this MANY times but it changed my life. I mean, not to be dramatic. It changed my cleaning life! This cleans my floors like NOTHING else. It is incredibly satisfying and cleans so well. There are some weeks when I use it daily! I also have another version for the larger floors in my house. It is equally as incredible and the battery and tank last a little longer.

Breville Barista Touch. During prime day last summer, I made an impulse purchase and oh my, was it wonderful. I love this and so does everyone who steps foot in my house! It’s like having a little coffee shop in your home. The coffee is incredible.

Moccamaster Coffee Maker. If you’re more of a pot-of-coffee person, this is for you. We have one of these and I use it for all holidays, when I’m entertaining /have guests. Eddie doesn’t drink coffee and that’s the only reason I don’t use it daily. It makes excellent coffee!

Oura ring. I can’t live without my oura ring! It tracks sleep, fitness, and I love having it as a reminder. It’s so much smaller than an apple watch too. I don’t love to wear rings and it doesn’t bother me at all either.

Elemis Resurfacing Pads. I adore these and use them every other day. They have been so wonderful for my skin, texture and brightening! I love them so much.

Breville the Smart Oven® Air Fryer Pro. This is one of my favorite kitchen appliances. I love having it in my kitchen to easily reheat items or make things like quick chicken fingers for the kids. Definitely my favorite air fryer too!

Samsung Frame TV. If you’ve been considering a frame TV, this is the time to get one. Prime day is when we got ours before moving and we have two in our house – our kitchen and bedroom. I love it even more than I thought. Especially in the kitchen! It’s such a fun way to add a variety of art or holiday color to the room. Everyone always thinks it’s actual art too. This is the frame I have around it.

wernies No Show Socks. Best socks ever! They do not slip at all. I have repurchased these many many times.

Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones. I have tried every version of headphones imaginable. These are my current favorite and what I’ve been using the most. I love how they are not heavy on the head. They are very comfortable.

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows. A few years ago I was googling the best pillows. I’ve done this many times and we’ve never been satisfied. But 3 or 4 years ago we got these (and have since replaced once or twice!) and they are INCREDIBLE. We both love them. We have the king version.

Clean skin club facial towels. I’ve been using these for years every morning and night and I swear they’ve changed my skin. I was going through so many towels to ensure I always had a clean one for my face, and with little kids and hand washing, it was hard to determine that. I LOVE these – they are so convenient and easy to use.

Magnatiles. Possibly the most versatile toy ever – my kids (ages 10 to 3) all still adore magnatiles. They keep them busy and are easy transportable. They have built some really cool things with them!

Toniebox. Jordan absolutely loved his Toniebox. It is incredible and I wish these existed when Max was his age!

Yoto Mini. This is what Emilia and Max have – it’s like the toniebox but for older kids. Emilia has used hers every single day for YEARS. She listens to it at night, we take it in the car, on vacation, everything.

Osea Body Balm. I love all Osea products, but this balm feels incredible on the skin. Almost like a serum. I use it right after the shower, before the oil.

Pro Belgian Waffle Maker. I love this waffle maker. Last year I started doing waffle bar parties and I have two of these going during the parties. They are super simple to use! And make delish waffles too.

Rotary Cheese Grater. It’s definitely mac and cheese, casserole and cheesy potato season! This makes grating cheese to perfection SO much easier. I don’t know why I haven’t always used one. I love it. And use it multiple times a week! It’s very easy to clean and I put the parts in the dishwasher too.

Rubbermaid Glass food storage. These are what we’ve used for years for food storage – Eddie uses them every day to take lunches to work. I use every size for leftovers! I put them in the dishwasher and they hold up great.

Digital Meat Thermometer. Can’t live without this. Great gift, great to have on hand. I use it all the time.

Wall Charger, Surge Protector. I have a few of these and I like to travel with them. They are also great in the kitchen. We all have so many different devices these days that having this is necessary.

Samsonite luggage. We bought this exact luggage for my mom two Christmases ago and it’s excellent. She loves it, it’s very easy to spin (she is tiny and in her 70s) and walk with.

Cordless Dust Buster. We have three of these! They live in all corners of the house and garage and are so easy to prop up on the charger. We also use them for our cars.

Kasa Outdoor Smart Plugs. The indoor kasa plugs are what I’ve used for christmas decor for many years. They hook up to alex and you can use voice commands. Having an outdoor one is brilliant!

Wool Dryer Balls. I stopped using dryer sheets years ago. I love the wool balls and aside from my kids using them as “snowballs,” they work great.

The post Top 25 Amazon Prime Day Favorites. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

This broccoli cheddar orzo soup is a fun twist on the classic! Broccoli cheese soup is cooked with tender orzo making it ridiculously satisfying and so delicious. It’s like a giant hug in a bowl!

I may have your new favorite soup right here.

This broccoli cheddar orzo soup is just like the classic, filling with tender orzo and tons of flavor. It is ridiculously satisfying, easy to make and tastes incredible. 

Plus, cheese! How could it not be good? 

There is something about broccoli cheese soup that just screams COMFORT. It is such a cozy, warming dish that it almost can only happen in the fall and winter. 

And I’m pretty sure that broccoli cheddar soup was the gateway to broccoli for me. It’s now my favorite vegetables and my kids’ favorite too. I didn’t like it when I was younger but that’s just because I’m convinced that it wasn’t smothered in cheese enough for me to get on board.

As soon as I started eating broccoli cheese soup, I was sold. 

Sidebar: actually a broccoli cheddar baked potato may have been first, but same thing. Lots of broccoli and cheese! 

Since broccoli cheddar soup is already on the cozier side, it might sound crazy to add some orzo to it. But it is so perfect. I liken it to adding rice to the soup. It adds even just a little more satiety and an incredible texture too.

In fact, it’s as if you combined melty cheddar soup with risotto. That is EXACTLY what it’s like. In the best way possible.  (more…)

The post Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Soup. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Another week down!

And it was a packed one.

One of the last cross country practices.

Sibling race!

My little dream girl reading in church.

Hockey practice.

Another stop for mums.

These are called pink pineapple flamingo.

How we entertain ourselves in multiple pick up lines.

Then the final XC practice of the season.

Very pumped about some lollipops.

We live here!

Opening day of hockey season.

Officially!

My faves.

Make a wish!

Her jewelry, haha.

The many faces of Jordan.

So mischievous.

The baby.

Baby BFFs time.

We’re into flag football season.

He loves this and is so into it.

Went to see the Taylor release party!

And then it was the last XC meet of the season!

It’s very bittersweet because I LOVE this but wow it takes up so much time.

They both had such great seasons!

Resorting to desperate measures after four hours in 85 degrees. How is this OCTOBER!!!! I’m annoyed. Give me cold.

Baby racing.

Second place for my sweetest girl!!

She and her best friend coming in at the top of every race all season!

Love her.

And then straight from the race to the rink for Max! Yay October!

The post A Week In The Life, Vol 40. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

I love ALL of the meals this week!

What’s on your menu this week?!

15 minute sesame ramen noodles

Chicken parm meatballs in vodka sauce

Autumn chopped salad

Crispy lemon cauliflower gnocchi

Bang bang salmon bowls

Crispy chicken caesar sandwiches

Pickle lovers egg salad

Baked pumpkin cheesecake oatmeal

The post What To Eat This Week: 10/5/25. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.