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Eating Through the Seasons
Your go-to blog for celebrating the bounty of each season, right in your own kitchen. We believe that the freshest ingredients make the most delicious meals. Join us as we explore vibrant, easy-to-follow recipes that highlight seasonal produce, offering creative ideas for everything from crisp spring salads and summery grilled delights to comforting autumn stews and cozy winter bakes. Discover new flavors, master essential techniques, and bring the best of every season to your table.
The "Closing Day" Chicken & Dumplings
Total Time: About as long as a standard escrow (okay, more like 1 hour) Yields: Enough to feed a hungry family or one very stressed-out Realtor Let’s be honest: the real estate market can be a bit... chewy . Between the inspections that uncover "creative" DIY plumbing and the appraisal gaps that make us want to hide under our desks, we all need a little comfort. Enter the Southern Style Chicken & Dumplings . This isn't just a meal; it's a warm hug for your soul and a "congr
David Merkel
2 days ago2 min read
Curb Appeal in a Bowl: The Ultimate French Onion Soup
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. As a real estate agent, I see a lot of kitchens—from sleek, modern marble islands to retro-tiled charmers. But the truth is, it doesn't matter if you have a Viking range or a hot plate; what makes a house feel like a home is the smell of something amazing bubbling on the stove. Since the weather is still a bit chilly, I wanted to share a recipe that is the culinary equivalent of a cozy fireplace: French Onion Soup with Cheesy Cr
David Merkel
Feb 152 min read
Hearty "Home-Sweet-Home" Chili Mac
There is nothing quite like the smell of a home-cooked meal to make a house feel like a home. Whether you are fueling up for a weekend of open houses or settling into a new space, this One-Pot Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Ingredients Category Item Quantity Protein Lean Ground Beef 1 lb Base Elbow Macaroni (dry) 2 cups Liquids Beef Broth 2 ½ cups Canned Tomato Sauce (8 oz) 1 can Canned Diced Toma
David Merkel
Feb 51 min read
Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy Chicken & Corn Chowder
There is an old saying in real estate: The kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether you are settling into a new place or have been in your home for years, nothing makes a space feel warmer and more inviting than the smell of a hearty soup simmering on the stove. With the cooler weather settling in, we are all looking for excuses to stay indoors and get cozy. This month, I wanted to share one of my favorite "welcome home" recipes. This Creamy Chicken & Corn Chowder is rich,
David Merkel
Dec 31, 20252 min read
From the Kitchen to the Community: Homemade Black Bean Burgers
As a real estate professional, I spend a lot of time talking about "good bones"—that solid foundation that makes a house a home. Surprisingly, cooking has a similar principle. You need a solid base to build a great meal. Today, I'm trading open houses for oven mitts to share a recipe that has become a staple in my own home: Homemade Black Bean Burgers . Whether you're looking for a meatless Monday option, hosting a backyard barbecue in your new patio space, or just want a hea
David Merkel
Dec 20, 20253 min read
The Ultimate Caprese Pasta Salad
When the weather warms up and schedules get busier, nobody wants to spend hours over a hot stove. We start craving meals that are vibrant, fresh, and easy to pull together for an impromptu backyard barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner on the patio. This week, we’re sharing a recipe that is practically synonymous with sunshine: Caprese Pasta Salad . It is the perfect intersection of elegance and ease. It looks beautiful on a serving platter, bursts with garden-fresh flavor, an
David Merkel
Dec 1, 20253 min read
Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
Easy Shrimp Scampi with Linguine: A Weeknight Delight Looking for a dish that's elegant enough for a special occasion but simple enough...
David Merkel
Jul 17, 20253 min read
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