So, you’ve probably seen the headlines or the blurry Instagram stories. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been teasing a lifestyle takeover for a while now. It started with those cryptic jars of strawberry jam numbered like limited-edition lithographs and grew into a full-blown Netflix series.
Honestly, people were skeptical. Can she actually cook? Is this just another "influencer grift" as some critics claim?
I’ve spent a lot of time digging through the actual content of the show, With Love, Meghan, and the brand documents behind American Riviera Orchard. What I found isn't just a royal hobby. It’s a very specific, very California-centric approach to food that relies heavily on a "pursuit of joy" rather than technical perfection. Basically, if you’re looking for Gordon Ramsay-level precision, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want to know how to make a decent sourdough or a dog biscuit that won't kill your pet, keep reading.
The Meghan Markle Netflix Recipes Everyone Is Talking About
When the show finally dropped, the internet went into a bit of a meltdown over the specifics. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the vibe. The production was filmed at a gorgeous farmhouse in Montecito—not her actual home, which was a smart move for privacy but a weird one for "authenticity" fans—and the lighting was perpetually golden.
The recipes themselves are surprisingly accessible. They lean into what Meghan has always called "farm-to-table" or "slow living."
The Famous Lemon Olive Oil Cake
This is probably the breakout star. If you saw the trailer, you saw her drizzling honey and arranging berries. The actual recipe is a riff on a classic Mediterranean staple. It uses roughly 3/4 cup of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of honey, topped with a lemon honey syrup. It’s dense, moist, and intentionally imperfect. During one episode, she accidentally squirted lemon juice everywhere. The editors kept it in. That’s the brand: "polished but human."
Single-Skillet Spaghetti
Meghan has been a fan of "mushy" zucchini pasta for years (she once called it a "filthy, sexy mush" in an old interview). In the Netflix series, she updates this for a single-skillet version. It’s all about reduction. You cook the zucchini down for hours until it basically becomes the sauce. No cream, no heavy fats, just vegetable breakdown. It’s a clever trick for anyone who wants a "creamy" pasta without the dairy coma.
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The "Dog Biscuits" Controversy
You can't talk about these recipes without mentioning the dog treats. In Episode 4, titled "Love Is in the Details," Meghan whips up a batch for her friend Delfina Blaquier’s dog, Nina.
The internet had a field day with this because, well, it’s very Montecito to bake for your dog on a multi-million dollar Netflix budget. But the recipe is actually solid. It uses:
- Whole wheat, all-purpose, and oat flour.
- Xylitol-free peanut butter (this is crucial—xylitol is toxic to dogs).
- A touch of honey.
She bakes them at 300°F for about 30 minutes. It’s simple. It’s cute. It’s exactly the kind of thing that makes people either love her or roll their eyes.
Why the "Pursuit of Joy" Matters
One thing that gets lost in the royal drama is the actual culinary influence. The show features heavy hitters like Alice Waters and Roy Choi. You don’t get Alice Waters—the mother of California cuisine—to show up unless you’re taking the food seriously.
Choi, known for the Kogi taco truck and the LA food scene, bonds with Meghan over their shared Los Angeles roots. In their episode, they tackle spicy Korean flavors. It’s a sharp contrast to the "refined duchess" image. They get messy. They talk about "macerating" garlic and salt in a mortar and pestle for a vinaigrette.
There’s a real focus on the process here. Like, she spends a weirdly long time showing how to dry lettuce by rolling it in a kitchen towel. Is it revolutionary? No. But it’s a specific "life hack" that resonates with people who want their salads to actually hold dressing.
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The Strategy Behind American Riviera Orchard
Let’s be real for a second: the recipes are a giant commercial for her brand. The jam, the forthcoming cookbook (slated for a spring 2026 release), and the linens are all interconnected.
Critics like Lee Cohen have called this an "exhausting doom loop" of rebranding, but from a business perspective, it’s a classic lifestyle play. She’s trying to occupy the space between Martha Stewart and Gwyneth Paltrow. Less "preachy" than Goop, but more "celebrity" than Martha.
The trademark filings for American Riviera Orchard tell the real story. We’re looking at:
- Nut butters and fruit preserves.
- Cookbooks and digital recipe content.
- Decanters, linens, and even "table place card holders."
She’s selling a lifestyle where you harvest your own honey (Episode 1 features a literal beehive) and then use that honey to make DIY beeswax candles. It’s aspirational. It’s also very expensive-looking, even if she claims it's about "simple beauty."
The Truth About the "Amateur" Vibe
Some reviews of the show were pretty brutal. One YouTuber pointed out that it felt like she was "impersonating someone who knew what they were doing."
There’s a tension there. On one hand, you have a woman who has been a "foodie" for a decade, running her old blog The Tig. On the other, you have the high-pressure environment of a Netflix production where every hair is in place. Sometimes, the "I'm just a normal mom in the kitchen" vibe feels a bit strained when you know there’s a professional crew of 30 people behind the camera.
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But honestly? The recipes work. The Thumbprint Cookies—a recipe that uses both granulated and confectioners' sugar for a specific texture—are actually quite good. They aren't revolutionary, but they’re reliable. And in the world of SEO-driven food content, reliability is often better than innovation.
Actionable Tips for Recreating the Look
If you want to try the "Meghan Markle Netflix recipes" vibe at home without spending a fortune on Montecito real estate, here’s how to do it:
- Embrace the Skillet: Don't be afraid to let vegetables cook down until they lose their shape. That's where the flavor is.
- The Mortar and Pestle is Your Friend: Instead of whisking a dressing, grind your garlic and salt into a paste first. It changes the entire profile of a simple vinaigrette.
- Don't Over-Process the Dough: For the dog treats and the thumbprint cookies, Meghan emphasizes not getting the dough too thin. It’s okay if they look rustic.
- Use Good Oil: Since olive oil is a recurring character in her cooking (drizzled on hummus, put in cakes, used for roasting), buy the best bottle you can afford. It’s the one ingredient you can actually taste.
Whether you're a fan of the Duchess or just someone looking for a new cake recipe, the Netflix series offers a very specific slice of California living. It's about intention, slow movements, and a lot of lemons. It might not be "royal" in the traditional sense, but it’s definitely a brand that knows exactly who it’s talking to.
If you’re planning to host a garden party or just want to treat your dog to something better than store-bought kibble, these recipes are a solid starting point. Just remember: it doesn't have to be perfect; it just has to look good in the golden hour light.
Next Step: You might want to start by trying the Lemon Olive Oil Cake, as it’s the most forgiving recipe in the collection and uses basic pantry staples. All you need is a good whisk and some fresh lemons.