Let’s Eat!

Fuss-free, flavorful recipes for every occasion.

Dinners Elise Smith Dinners Elise Smith

Butternut Squash Orzo Skillet with Basil Breadcrumbs

Celebrating this new season + website with my all-time favorite food to experiment with: PASTA. It’s finally feeling like Fall in Texas and there’s no better cozy, weeknight dinner than a skillet orzo in my opinion! This one’s already a favorite in my house. This sweet savory orzo dish with sweet butternut squash, wilted spinach, creamy ricotta and finished with crunchy, fresh basil breadcrumbs. I’m telling you, this one’s a no brainer for Fall.

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Dinners, Lunch Elise Smith Dinners, Lunch Elise Smith

CPK Inspired BBQ Chicken Salad

If you also grew up going to California Pizza Kitchen, then you know how incredible this salad is! This is just one of those nostalgic cravings that hit me hard the other day and I knew I had to make it: chopped romaine, fresh corn and tomatoes, tangy bbq glazed chicken, cilantro ranch and crunchy tortilla chips. Is your mouth watering yet or just me? Even better, this one is dairy-free friendly, gluten-free and lightened up a bit!

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Dinners Elise Smith Dinners Elise Smith

Bahn Mi Inspired Meatballs with Sriracha Drizzle + Sesame Slaw

Vietnamese food is just always a treat in my book, particularly Bahn Mi sandwiches and my absolute favorite place of all time for Bahn Mi is Nammi located in the Dallas Farmer's Market. They make an INCREDIBLE Bahn Mi that inspired me to make my own spin that is meal prep friendly and delicious! I hope you enjoy!

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Dinners Elise Smith Dinners Elise Smith

Greek Inspired Lamb Meatballs + Garlic Yogurt Sauce

I don't know HOW this recipe slipped through the cracks! My Greek Inspired Lamb Meatballs + Garlic Yogurt Sauce is one of my most requested recipes and I am finally adding the recipe to the blog!! I love these meatballs because they are herby, flavorful and delicious with tangy, creamy yogurt sauce. Makes for an awesome app for your next dinner party or with lettuce cups, couscous or basmati for a weeknight dinner. Either way, you can't go wrong!

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Dinners Elise Smith Dinners Elise Smith

Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells

There is no such thing as too much butternut squash in our house and I just discovered another way to incorporate this seasonal super-veggie into your next weekly rotation. I have to say that pasta recipes are my favorite to develop and I am pretty jazzed about how this one turned out! It's savory, sweet and excellent cold weather comfort food! BONUS: you can make it ahead!

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Dinners Elise Smith Dinners Elise Smith

One Pot Butternut Squash + Chicken Farro Pilaf

I am a sucker for a one-pot meal. A sure fire easy dinner and the easy clean up doesn't hurt either! With Fall upon us, there's no better time to have a quick, hearty, flavorful meal on hand for easy weeknight dinners and this is definitely one to add to your rotation! Spiced butternut squash and herby chicken tossed with delicious cheesy farro and jasmine rice. Deliciously filling and makes for great leftovers...or seconds :)

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Dinners Elise Smith Dinners Elise Smith

Lemony Garlic Pasta with Broccolini + Breadcrumbs

When asked what I like to make and eat most, the answer is emphatically PASTA. If you need a zesty, summery pasta dish to add to your repertoire, this one is for you! This pasta paired with a white wine and lemon garlic sauce, broccolini and toasted bread crumbs makes for a perfect meatless meal or can be served alongside chicken or shrimp. It's a win-win either way!

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Dinners Elise Smith Dinners Elise Smith

Cheeseburger Spaghetti Squash Bake

Juicy ground beef, tangy tomato, pickle, mustard and cheddar, this cheeseburger bake has it all (minus the guilt) and is the perfect thing to squash that cheeseburger craving. Did she really just do that? Yes, she did ;) Dare I say, it's even better the next day? If you have leftovers that is.

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About Elise

What Would Ina Do?

Hi there! I’m Elise, the foodie behind Coppedge Kitchen where I share my meal prep and recipes. Raised on the Barefoot Contessa, I fell in love with cooking for others, and in 2020, followed my signature mantra (What would Ina do?).

I took a leap of faith to quit my job in Finance for culinary school and quickly found my niche cooking balanced, nourishing meals for families in Dallas, TX-my hometown. 

I view food, not just as fuel, but something that brings others together. It’s my goal to make and share memorable, flavorful meals that are accessible and fun to make. I hope that by sharing my services and recipes with you, I’m able to bring you one step closer to those special moments around the table. 

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