Let’s Eat!

Recipes you’ll wish you doubled.

Dinner, Lunch, Entertaining, Appetizers Elise Smith Dinner, Lunch, Entertaining, Appetizers Elise Smith

Dr. Pepper Gochujang Pork Sliders with Cucumber Slaw

Y'ALL. My southern food addiction is going strong and I had a real flavor epiphany with these Dr. Pepper Gochujang Pork Sliders just in time for the holiday weekend! Let me tell you that this sweet, spicy soda pop umami sauce tossed with shredded braised pork is pure bliss and the perfect thing to kick off your summer festivities!

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Dinner, Lunch, Salad Elise Smith Dinner, Lunch, Salad Elise Smith

Shrimp Boil Inspired Salad

I've been on a real southern cuisine kick recently and with Shrimp Boil season in full force, I just couldn't resist a sheet pan version featuring all the classics: spiced shrimp, andouille sausage, potatoes and corn all tossed with a chopped salad and creamy Old Bay dressing that is finger-licking good!

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Spring Chicken + Veggies with Tarragon Cream Sauce

We've finally defrosted over here and excited to take advantage of the gorgeous spring produce! This springy take on a classic sheet pan chicken + veggie dinner makes for the most vibrant and comforting meal. And my go-to velvety tarragon cream sauce is here to seal the deal on all things spring! 

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Sheet Pan Halibut with Pistachio Gremolata

This easy halibut sheet pan dinner is here to squash any cooking scaries you might have when it comes to cooking fish perfectly! Whether you're looking to amp up your date night in or cook for family and friends, this flaky, light halibut paired with fresh asparagus and an herby pistachio gremolata makes for the perfect healthy quick showstopper dinner.

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Salad, Dinner, Lunch Elise Smith Salad, Dinner, Lunch Elise Smith

Beet + Citrus Salad with Fennel + Pomegranate

Happy citrus season to all who celebrate! This little stunner salad was inspired for my love of all the gorgeous oranges in season right now. This super easy showstopper is the perfect thing to make for a fancy night in and packed with citrusy, sweet zesty flavor! Trust me, you’re going to want to show this one off!

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Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Taking comfort food to the next level with this dairy-free creamy mushroom chicken skillet! This easy, one-skillet dish is so cozy and flavorful and just what you need to add to your weeknight rotation.

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Lunch, Salad, Dinner Elise Smith Lunch, Salad, Dinner Elise Smith

Winter Farro Salad

This is my most requested fall/winter catering recipes and a total crowd-pleaser! Inspired by one of my favorite salads of all time, the famous Charlie Bird farro salad, this is my winter-take with juicy pomegranate, fresh mint, toasted hazelnut, creamy feta and apple cider vinaigrette.

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Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Tarragon Chive Sauce

Today we are crushing any "overcooking scaries" by making this perfectly cooked pork tenderloin with creamy tarragon chive sauce! I promise this recipe is a game changer for any pork skeptics: so super simple and absolutely freaking delicious.

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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, Dinner, Salad Elise Smith Lunch, Dinner, Salad 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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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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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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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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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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About Elise

What Would Ina Do?

Hi! I’m Elise, the personal chef and recipe developer behind Coppedge Kitchen.

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 left my job in finance, went to culinary school, and began cooking for private clients in my hometown of Dallas, which taught me the real key ingredients— understanding what’s worth cooking on repeat, and how to simplify without sacrificing flavor or health.

My philosophy is simple: do your best to cook with what’s in season, don’t overcomplicate it, and lean into flavor. People crave the kind of recipes that feel effortless but impressive. Like that one dress in your closet that’s guaranteed to make you feel amazing and get compliments on. That, but for dinner!

That’s the heart of Coppedge Kitchen: approachable, show-stopping dinners that build confidence in the kitchen, and bring ease to even your busiest nights. Whether I’m cooking for you or you’re cooking with me, you’ll walk away with something worth sharing, and even passing down.