With Love, Meghan - Season 2 review
As I have mentioned before, I have been a Meghan Markle fan for over a decade and the Tig inspired my creative ventures in the past. Everything in With Love, Meghan looks great: the dishes, the gifts, the flowers, the garden, the music, the clothes. Meghan is a beautiful woman but she looks more enhanced than before. As a lover of aesthetic everything, this kind of show is literally my jam.
Jess
Let's dive into the much anticipated season 2, episode-by-episode, from first to last, as I will be reviewing one episode per week:
Episode 1 - A Sweet and Savoury Adventure
Just like on Season 1's first episode, Daniel Martin is back in the kitchen with Meghan. They have been friends since 2009 when they first worked together and he was her wedding makeup artist. I felt he was a bit uncomfortable in the first season but he feels more grounded on this one. I just can't stop looking at his amazing skin. He seems to be a really nice guy.
As a duo of friends, they are going to welcome another set of friends in David Chang and Christina Tosi. Both are American chefs I had heard about before thanks to binge watching Top Chef back in the day and they have great chemistry together. Here they will be cooking caramelised onions tarts with fresh eggs from Meghan's chickens.
Funny enough my husband made some feta and red onion puff pastries a few days ago and they were out of this world. We even froze some for a day we need to get things going quicker in the kitchen. It's just a pity he did not picture a step-by-step. I hope he remakes them so that I can share the recipe, they were amazing and I was reminded of those during this episode. It's a great recipe for a winter day, just like when he baked them.
Still, her recipe is a bit different and I also would love to try that. Anything with caramelised onions is deemed for success!
What Meghan Wore: I absolutely adored her Carolina Herrera striped dress. She has several iconic pieces from this brand, like her yellow pregnancy announcement dress. I have never purchased anything from CH, but I love whatever she picks.
As for arts & crafts, Meghan gifts them handmade painted scarves and shows the process in another segment. I had never thought about painting scarves myself but I love how they turned out. I love scarves around my neck or in my hair, they always add a polished touch. Also, her emerald green packaging is absolutely stunning. Christina immediately puts one on which signals she loved the gift. Or she is just a very polite person, which is also nice. They go onto making flower arrangement which Meghan loves and we have seen in a few segments in the past seasons. It's a very fun moment and it's nice to see adults playing together. Meghan's arrangement - with peonies, my favourites! - is stunning. And as much as she says it isn't about making perfect, she is clearly a perfectionist.
Then they head back to the kitchen to make s'mores. I loved the segment but it's not a recipe I am interesting in replicating as I don't love marshmallow.
Afterwards, and against David Chang's inner will to do everything on his own, they do a apple marinated flank steak with flatbread and fresh veggies picked from Meghan's garden. We see all hands on deck and Chef Chang sweating whilst directing it all. Meghan panics at the chaos in the kitchen - she mentions she likes to clean as she goes and I feel her! I also prefer that to leaving the kitchen a mess after cooking, seems harder to take care of it afterwards. To be honest, I also panic at how fast paced everything goes from this moment on. But then it calms down and they grill the steak outside. A whole lot of fuss for a little piece of meat but then the table is gorgeous boasting with different colours and textures. I would love to eat all that, even if I have not eaten much red meat in the past two years.
That flatbread looks amazing do, more like a naan for me. But isn't it just another way to say flatbread anyway?
Then later on they go outside to eat the s'mores around the fire and have a wholesome moment celebrating friendship. Swoon! All in all, a pretty sweet first episode with a lot of pep!
Episode 2 - It's Way Past our Bread Time
I think this was one of my favourite episodes, the vibes were just it for me. In Episode 2, Meghan prepares to meet with Chrissy Teigen. I used to be a big follower of Teigen about a decade ago (I even bought her iconic Becca Eye Shadow palette in Aarhus, Denmark, which I have pristinely untouched to this day!). I always thought Chrissy was so fun and it was nice to see her again.
As Meghan is preparing to receive her guest, she shows us how to make a sourdough starter with 113 grams of rye flour and 113 grams of water. The process takes 5 days as she feeds the starter with more flour and water every day and let's it sit at room temperature. Albeit natural, it's an incredible work of chemistry and patience. I have been taunting my husband to doing sourdough as he loves baking bread, but I have not been successful. Yet.
Meghan and Chrissy had crossed paths 20 years ago during their Deal or no Deal tv game contest show. Chrissy is a model and cookbook author, and also the wife of John Legend, the ultimate musician. He makes a quick appearance as he steps back into the backstage. I love when partners support one another, no matter the level of fame!
Meghan prepared boba tea (had never heard of before) and Chrissy asked for more condensed milk for it and some persimmon & ricotta tartines that Chrissy overlooks at the idea of that fresh bread with some olive oil.
In this episode, although they are not close friends, I feel more chemistry between the two than on the Meghan & Mindy episode in the past season. I think that them being in coordinating pink and purple hues (was that on purpose? I loved Chrissy's shirt!), them having met in past lives and Meghan incorporating both their kids into the activities made the episode feel more wholesome. Also, how fun was it that Chrissy forgot her kids' birthday whose birthdates she has tattooed on her arm? John Legend, in the background, came to the rescue! That was super genuine.
With the sourdough discards, they prepare Cheez-it crackers (which I had never heard about, my American childhood food knowledge is close to none) and some cool jewelry with pressed flowers and leaves. That seemed like a lot of work, but Chrissy looked like she was just LOVING IT!
Meghan also prepares some rosewater face mist for Chrissy and I have been loving face mists, they are so refreshing. What a thoughtful gift!
All in all, a great episode, with good vibes and a fun banter going on. Yeay!
Episode 3 - Easy as Pie
In this episode, the Duchess of Sussex hosts Tan France, a British designer and TV host. I have never watched any of his shows but this episode just made me want to. Tan is super energetic and positive, I loved his aura.
Just like the episode prior, Meghan('s team?) also did the proper research and it is very oriented towards their kids, which are without a doubt Tan's favourite subject in the world. He just lights up - if it is even possible as he is so bubbly - when he mentions his two little boys.
Meghan starts the episode in a bookshop, purchasing books for Tan's kids and showing her wrapping skills. I have said it in Season 1 and have to mention again, her wrapping is absolutely gorgeous. Not to mention the special touch her superb calligraphy brings to anything and the clever idea of embossing your tags for a more customised gift. Also, it's a lovely idea to purchase books for kids, that gesture is too underrated.
The episode evolves around the importance of breakfast and the togetherness it promotes within their families. Meghan prepares a smaller fruit platter and a Earl Grey latte for Tan. And then he arrives with a bang! I love his energy from the get go!
The dish that Tan prepares is French Toast with an amazing loaf of Japanese Milk Bread his husband baked. I would have done the same as Meghan and snatched a piece to try it before toasting it, it looked delicious. Tan does things in a simple way in the kitchen, which makes it relatable. Aside from a classic french toast, we also does a coconut version that seems to die for. Meghan adds her signature touch with fruits and flowers.
They do cute little aprons for their kids and talk about being creative as kids themselves. Also, something very interesting I noticed: when Tan asked Meghan if she always wanted kids, she replies she always wanted to be a mom. Isn't that a very curious way to respond? Maybe she is being honest and doesn't love kids in general, just her own... is it just me?
Back to Tan & Meghan, they make apple pies with apples from Meghan's garden. Her garden is so bountiful, she has a bit of everything! Tan's touch to the pies is adding a bit of cayenne pepper to the apples. Nice idea!
On another segment, she shows another way of wrapping gifts as taught by her friend Vicky - whom we met in season 1. I love that it allows to use and reuse beautiful silk scarves, called Furoshiki. I love wearing one in my head on my days off, that would be an amazing double gift for me. And then, the most heartwarming moment of the episode - or the whole show? - is when Meghan gifts him a beautiful vintage masala dabba (a South Asian spice container). He just adores that gift, it was such a feel good moment! Well done to Meghan!
They take the apple pies and warm tea and head to the cold beach of California for a very cosy sundowner. That seemed like the perfect touch to an amazing episode!
Episode 4 - How 'Bout them Apples?
As Meghan already spoke about her apples in the previous episode before making the apple pies with Tan France, she knows shows us her garden and her plethora of apples. She is about to do some Apple Butter - which I had never heard about! - for Samin Nosrat. I loveeeee Samin Nosrat, I have tried to purchase her book Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat ever since I saw her amazing show on Netflix many years ago. I love her style of cooking as well as her energy. Speaking of good energy, she brings it to the show with her megawatt smile!
To prepare for Samin, she makes her grandmother's Apple Butter. And to honour Samin's Persian culture, Meghan tries to make lavashak for the first time. I had never heard about these before but they are sweet pomegranate fruit strips. I don't love fruit strips in general and seeing the work it took to make, this is something I am not even going to try again at home.
As a welcoming snack, she makes tartines with her Apple Butter, Ricotta, Lemon Zest, Apple Slides and shaved almonds. With a dash of "good" Olive Oil, it all looks delicious, even if they barely touch it. I also love Meghan's white and green floral dress, I love dresses with florals in general. I thought it was an Oscar de la Renta dress, but I stand corrected, it's Carolina Herrera as a matter of fact. CH is one of Meghan's go-to designers.
As Samin is a book writer, Meghan decides to do book biding with her. Again, I think she is nailing the crafts moments with the guests this season, Samin seemed to absolutely love this one. I love that Samin asks for a drink and Meghan serves bubbles. My favourite as well!
As they walk through the garden, which Samin loves, they go for the salad and passion fruit, which Samin eats on the spot. Love how genuine she is!
And in another segment, Meghan makes a roast chicken. That crispy skin looks absolutely amazing! Meghan was famously roasting a chicken the night Prince Harry proposed to her, so we know this is a recipe filled with good memories for her. She mentions she does it once a week and that is the kind of wholesome I love on this show, how we can feel we are entering her family's routine and traditions. As I mentioned in the past season, it always bug me when someone cooks with their rings one. I know you can wash them, but still. That hand buttering the inside of the chicken's skin will make it delicious, but I have to turn my face at that ring getting inside the bird too.
The day after, they use the shredded chicken (white) meat to make a salad, which is Samin's preference and I'd go for one too. There is nothing like a chicken salad... it's so nutritious and versatile!
Jess
They roast some pine nuts, toast some bread croutons and make a salad with bits of cheese and a passion fruit vinaigrette. And then they use their hands for prolonged time directly on the salad, which I prefer not to talk about. If I can overcome that ghastly sight, that salad looks amazing. I will try to do something similar at home!
Then they have a beautiful candle lit dinner - I think it's the first time the meal takes place at night during the show? - and share about togetherness food brings into their lives. And the episode ends with them listening to Bill Withers' A Lovely Day which is one of my favourite songs in the world. All is good in the world with another great good vibes episode!
Episode 5 - Spice Up Your Life
We start this episode in an Olive plantation, where we can see how "Good" Olive Oil is made. Meghan has her close friend Jamie Kern Lima with her during that visit. They recorded a podcast together a few months ago. Will Jamie feature in a Season 3 episode? She seems to be a really sweet woman!
Meghan announces she will host Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia in this episode. Jay Shetty is very famous for being a former monk - I didn't know that - and for having a self-improvement podcast - I knew of it but I don't think I have ever heard an episode, I have to change that. His wife Radhi is a Ayurvedic chef. They are both vegan and don't drink alcohol so this episode steers towards that. I have been loving non-alcoholic drinks for some time - alcohol doesn't bode well with me even if I love my bubbles from time to time -, and as a lover of cocktails, I am happy I have so many available options nowadays. I love making a non-alcoholic mojito when I am hosting and Meghan does a raspberry cocktail (with soda water, agave, basil and flavoured ice cubes) for them, that I would also love to replicate.
Jay and Radhi share their love for cooking and hosting (for up to 40 people at a time!) for their weekly game night party. They play games like Mafia, that inspired my favourite show, The Traitors! Meghan looks like she wants to be invited soon and so do I, I love game nights!
As for crafts, they go for making soap with essential oils and flowers, of course. The process is lengthy but it is easier than I thought! It's the first time making soap for all of them, so it's a fun experience to watch, even if Jay is extremely cautious of doing any faux pas in front of his wife Radhi. Cute?!
Radhi will be sharing her cooking skills making a sweet potato and green bean curry and naan. I would adore to be cooking and eating that, so I looked at the recipe with my full focus. I also do a vegan curry yet with very different ingredients, eating it with white rice instead of naan because... I never did a naan in my life so this was the moment to learn with Radhi!
@thesignaturejess Food is my love language to myself. When I cook, I always make sure I have the best ingredients to have a nutrient packed meal. It’s an exercise I have been doing for a year and it has been lifechanging. Here, a simple vegan curry filled with veggies for flavour, texture and satiety. Let me know if you want the recipe. #creatorsearchinsights #lovelanguage #cookingformyself #veganrecipes #cookingismylovelanguage #meatfree ♬ original sound - The Signature Jess
Episodes 6 and 8 reviews - Coming soon
Episode 7 - A Weekend Away
This episode starts with my favourite Meghan outfit from the whole series. It looks like a dress but as a major Sézane fan and customer, I know it's a sweater and skirt combo that exists in several shades. She looks superb with the gold details over that rich burgundy. I want that outfit immediately.
Also, her hair and make up look amazing through the whole episode!
She is packing for a weekend getaway with a longtime friend in Los Angeles and she shares with us her beaten leather travel bag - which she took to Botswana on her third date with her husband Prince Harry! oh the memories! -, her travelling cubes - I also love those - and a trick of using scented dryer sheets to keep your clothes smelling good in your bag. I love that she packs her own pillow case and then she uses it as a laundry bag on the return trip. That is just so clever!
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