Mary Jennings is one of few artists in the industry who can consistently release powerful and relevant music. Her original songs feature her signature strong vocals, songwriting and piano chords. Jennings’s latest releases, “Patient” and “Shakin’ Down”, struck an instant chord with me on the current state of the world. “Patient” (my personal favorite) reflects on the pandemic and the need for people to practice patience. Social distancing and masking-up can be very challenging for everyone; and especially over a long period of time.  Mary reflected on the pandemic, how it affected her and it’s impact on others to write a song that really hits home right now. Love this single!

 

“Shakin’ Down” was written in perfect timing for this election. Jennings is spot on with this original and saying now is not the time for complacency. If we don’t like the way “it’s shakin’ down”, time to do something about it. This song spoke to me about getting out there, being actionable and voting to improve the state of the world today. Another well-written and relevant original by Jennings with her signature big voice fans love.

Check out more on Mary Jennings below! 

Mary Jennings Website

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Check out Mary Jennings Music on Spotify 

Mary Jennings Music on Apple

I recently chatted with Mary Jennings to talk new singles and favorite foods. When reflecting on her favorite foods, Jennings stated she’s not really a big cook. However, the pandemic and quarantining had her going from zero to one hundred when it came to cooking. She found herself preparing every meal that previously may have been sprinkled with some take-out and dining out. And with having to prepare every meal, Mary worked smarter not harder to prepare delicious and healthy foods for her family. Her favorite meals include a bison meatloaf and hearty sheet pan bake. She goes for meals that can be transformed into other meals as well. I like the way you think, Jennings!

I always love a good sheet pan bake meal. It’s one stop shop of just roasted goodness and love in a pan. For my Mary Jennings inspired dish, I wanted to the bake to be packed with flavors and also encompass a little bit of fall since it’s that time of year. Check it out below!

Fall Sheet Pan Bake 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of roughly chopped butternut squash ( you can also use pumpkin or sweet potatoes here)
  • 3 tablespoons Tunisian olive oil (or whatever you got in EVOO 🙂  )
  • Pink Himalayan salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Herbs de Provence
  • Juice of one lemon and zest
  • 1 package of Chicken Sausage (I used the Trader Joe’s Chardonnay and Apple Smoked Chicken Sausage), sliced
  • 2 cups of broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped in 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 zucchini halved lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch-thick half moons
  • 1 yellow squash halved lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch-thick half moons
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Cheddar & Gruyere Melange Cheese (so good for this!)

Directions

1) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
2) Place all the vegetables and chicken sausage in a large bowl. Add olive oil , lemon juice and zest, Herbs de Provence, garlic powder and onion powder, salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat and then spread into a single layer on the baking sheet.
3) Bake for 25 minutes. Make sure to stir halfway through baking.
4) Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley. Grate cheese on top and eat!