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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Lunch, Pasta Elise Smith Lunch, Pasta Elise Smith

Lox Bagel Pasta Salad

My love of an everything lox bagel knows no bounds. To me, it has the perfect flavor combo: salty, garlicky, seedy, creamy, umami and pickle-y, which led my brain down a flavor rabbit hole, eventually culminating into the perfect summer pasta salad. I seriously haven't been this obsessed with a pasta salad in a long time. It's one that will have you coming back to the fridge for another bite over and over again.

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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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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.