How to cook the Meghan Markle way, if you really must

Worried 2025 was going to be a washout? Fear not, Meghan Markle is here.

Yes, Meghan Markle; not gone yet. Having already caused a thrill with her return to Instagram — a grey beach, her running past a smudge in the sand reading 2025, only for her to then write it again — now the Duchess has just released the trailer for her newest Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

I will start with the obvious: it is the Live, Laugh, Love of TV shows. In it, Markle invites viewers into a world of rustic tablescapes, aggressively twee flower arrangements, and the kind of soft-focus lighting normally reserved for moisturiser ads. It is a symphony of meaningful stares into the distance, slow-motion herb chopping, and Meghan murmuring lines like “It’s not about perfection”. Which is just as well; perfect it is not. Did you catch the under-cooked focaccia?

So what is Brand Markle in 2025? Well, the former actress — avowed feminist, not someone too keen on institutions — appears to be role-playing as a Trad Wife. It is very much as Goop and Cath Kidston had a kid, and that kid’s favourite hobby turned out to be explaining mindfulness over brunch.

There’s the mandatory shot of Meghan leaning laughingly into Harry — the staged, we’re-definitely-not-getting-a-divorce-I-promise kind — though whatever joke caused the crack-up is omitted. In its place are more long, wistful looks. It must be so wearing being this relatable.

There are also rather a few frozen smiles, fruit slices that may or may not be spiritually fulfilled, and the odd celebrity cameo. One is from Mindy Kaling, who says, with a straight face: “This is probably one of the most glamorous moments of my life.” You worry for her.

Be sure to catch the various quotes which may or may not be inspirational, depending on your present state of mental decline. “We’re in the pursuit of joy,” is one. “Love is in the details.” Music swells. “Everyone’s invited… to create wonder… in every moment” is another. There are rather too many bashful, face-hiding moments, as if Markle weren’t quite literally inviting audiences to sip herbal tea and reflect deeply on… well, her.

It’s all very light and fluffy; Markle’s gone light on the usual lectures. There are not, for instance, shots of her looking meaningfully at the camera and explaining how soup soothes generational trauma. You can’t win ‘em all.

Instead, her mantra is simple. “I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it,” she says, in a line you wonder if the script-writers actually meant for Harry.

While the show’s purpose is unclear — and who is it for? — one thing to be sure of is that food features. Her elevations include all sorts; here are some recipes, so you too can live the Meghan Markle way, if you must. And if these are beyond you, just remember: everyone can make a word salad.

Hummus… topped with olive oil

By ‘eck, she brings out the big guns early on. The trailer opens with her elevation mantra, and proof is shown by way of her drizzling olive oil on hummus. A trip to M&S might fix this one, but otherwise, try the below.

Ingredients

• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for Markle drizzling)

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 2–4 tbsp water

• Salt, to taste

Method

1. Use a blender to combine the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and cumin all with a pinch of salt.

2. In a food processor, blitz this until it’s smooth, adding water gradually to your desired texture.

3. Add more lemon, salt, or olive oil as required.

4. Spoon into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and remember to blush at your own brilliance.

Caprese-style canapes

“Look at what we made!” shrieks Markle in delight. The camera pans: five rather sad rounds of bread with tomatoes on top, designed to look like ladybirds. It seems the Duchess has rather a low threshold for astonishment. Here’s how you might wow similarly-minded guests (it would likely be a hit at a children’s party).

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1cm rounds

• 200g fresh mozzarella, cut into small circles

• 200g cherry tomatoes, halved

• A handful of fresh basil leaves

• 50g black olives, sliced in half

• Olive oil, for drizzling (Meghan’s big on this)

• Balsamic glaze

• Salt, pepper

Method

1. To prep the baguette, heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking tray and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

2. Assemble the canapés, aiming for the ladybird look. Tuck a fresh basil leaf on each toasted baguette slice, then lay a mozzarella slice over this.

3. Next add a cherry tomato half, cut side up down. Add the balsamic glaze on the tomato halves, as spots. Then put the black olive in front, to make the face.

4. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and a crack of black pepper.

5. Don’t forget to cheer your efforts. This is living, people.

Layered Victoria sponge with raspberries

Well, it wouldn’t be a Markle cash-in without something royal, would it? This famous sponge is named for Harry’s great-great-grandmother. In fairness to Markle, hers looks a valiant effort. Here’s how to make one similar.

Ingredients

For the sponge

• 200g unsalted butter, softened

• 200g caster sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 200g self-raising flour, sifted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp milk

For the filling

Method:

1. Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line three 15cm round cake tins with baking parchment.

2. Start by making the sponge. In a large bowl, cream the butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, and gently fold in the flour with a spatula, adding the milk to loosen the batter if needed.

3. Now divide the mixture evenly between the three tins. Smooth the tops and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Let the sponges cool in their tins for five minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

4. To prep the filling, whip the double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract together until it holds soft peaks.

5. Now comes assembly. Place one sponge on a serving plate, spread it with the cream and raspberry jam, then add layers and repeat. Finally, spoon over the whipped cream and scatter with fresh raspberries.

With Love, Meghan, premieres on Netflix on January 15