Relatable Royalty: Why "With Love, Meghan" Resonated with Black Women Like Me

Photo credit: Netflix

So, can we talk about "With Love, Meghan" on Netflix? I know, I know, there's been a lot of chatter about it. Some folks thought it was "out of touch," maybe a little too glam. But for me, and for so many Black women I know, it was like a breath of fresh air. It felt real.

Let's be honest, seeing Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, just being herself – cooking, baking, decorating, hosting – it was like looking into a mirror in a way. It's that whole "acts of service" thing. We show love through what we do. We cook up a storm for our loved ones, we make those little handmade gifts that mean the world, we create cozy spaces. It's a language we speak fluently.

Watching Meghan in her element, it sparked something in me. It reminded me of all the little things I love doing at home, the things that make me feel grounded and connected. Life gets busy, right? Sometimes, we forget to nurture that side of ourselves. But this show? It was a gentle nudge, a reminder to get back to it.

And let's be real, representation matters. For far too long, shows like this – shows about home, hosting, and everyday elegance – were never hosted by Black folks. We were relegated to side characters or completely absent from these narratives. So, finally being able to see ourselves in these spaces, to see a Black woman effortlessly embodying the warmth and grace of a hostess, is such a breath of fresh air. It's a reminder that we belong in these spaces, we deserve nice things (Le Creuset, is that you?) and that we deserve to see our stories reflected back to us. It's not just about cooking or decorating; it's about claiming our rightful place in the narrative.

And let me tell you, one thing that really caught my eye (among all the delicious recipes) was her use of dehydrated citrus as a garnish. It was so simple, yet so chic! I was like, "Okay, I'm doing that."

Inspired by Meghan; My DIY Dehydrated Citrus Adventure

Turns out, it's ridiculously easy! I grabbed some oranges and lemons, sliced them up, and popped them into my Ninja Flip Air Fryer. Did you know most air fryers have a dehydrate function? Game changer! I set it to 150°F (about 66°C) for 6 hours, and boom – perfect dehydrated citrus slices.

Beyond Garnish: Ways to Use Dehydrated Citrus

Okay, so they look gorgeous in drinks, but what else can you do with them? Here are a few ideas:

• Infused Water: Add a slice or two to your water for a refreshing citrus boost.

• Homemade Tea: Drop a slice into your tea for a subtle citrus flavour.

• Potpourri: Mix them with dried herbs and spices for a natural home fragrance.

• Gift Toppers: Tie them to gifts for a pretty, personal touch.

• Baking Decorations: Use them to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.

• Cocktail Infusions: Add them to your favourite spirits to enhance the flavour.

• Healthy Snacks: Dehydrated citrus can be a healthy snack on its own.

• Home Decor: String them together for a rustic, natural garland.

More Dehydrating Fun!

And while we're on the topic of dehydrating, don't stop at citrus! Think about:

• Dehydrated apples for a sweet and crunchy snack.

• Dehydrated pineapples and mangos for tropical treats.

It's such an easy way to make healthy snacks and reduce food waste.

"With Love, Meghan" was more than just a show. It was a reminder that the little things matter, that our homes are our sanctuaries, and that sharing our love through acts of service is a beautiful thing. And it was a much needed reminder for me to get back to my kitchen and my creative side.

Have you tried dehydrating citrus? What are your favourite ways to use it? Let me know in the comments!