The Recipe Reality Check

I don’t make desserts very often.

Now, eating desserts? Absolutely. I definitely have a sweet tooth. But when it comes to actually baking them, I usually lean toward simpler recipes or just let someone else make them entirely. 😅

Still, I wanted to try something that really felt like spring, and these double strawberry cupcakes immediately stood out to me. And honestly, anything strawberry related is almost guaranteed to catch Ben’s attention since strawberries are his absolute favorite fruit.

Why I Chose This Recipe

I was looking for something:

• light
• seasonal
• a little different from the dinners I normally review

These felt very “spring dessert” to me, and I liked that they seemed approachable even for someone who doesn’t bake very often.

How It Was to Make

Surprisingly easy. As someone who does not consider herself a baker, I didn’t find this recipe overwhelming at all.

The steps were straightforward, everything came together pretty smoothly, and it felt manageable from start to finish. Which honestly made me more willing to try baking again in the future.

How They Turned Out

I really liked the frosting on these. It had great strawberry flavor and felt light and fresh without being overly sweet. The cupcakes themselves, though, were a little dry for me.

Family Review

Paul: Thought they were slightly dry, but clearly still enjoyed them enough to keep going back for more as he ate about half a dozen.

Ben: Mostly just licked the frosting but said he liked them, which honestly feels like a very kid review of cupcakes.

Charlotte (toddler): Had a few little bites herself.

Final Thoughts

Even though I’m personally more of a chocolate dessert person, I still think these were a fun recipe to try for spring.

They were:

• easy to make
• pretty approachable for non bakers
• had a really good frosting

I don’t know if these would become my go to dessert recipe, but I’d definitely keep them in the back of my mind for a spring gathering or strawberry themed dessert table.

And if nothing else, apparently they passed the “Paul ate six of them” test 😂

Want to try this recipe for yourself? You can find the original here: Double Strawberry Cupcakes

Looking for more recipes? You can find all my reviews here: Recipe Reviews

It’s time for another Paul’s Pick and this month he chose a homemade chicken chow mein recipe from one of his favorite online chefs, Justin Holmes.

And honestly? This ended up being a really solid quick dinner option.

Why Paul Chose This Recipe

Paul loves Asian takeout flavors, so this recipe immediately caught his attention.

The version we used isn’t actually written out on the creator’s website. It’s only available as a video, but it looked simple, quick, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Which, lately, is exactly the kind of recipe we’ve been needing more of.

How It Was to Make

This recipe was very easy to throw together. Prep, cook, and eating all happened within about 15–20 minutes, which automatically makes this feel like a win in my book.

There weren’t any complicated steps, and everything came together quickly without making a huge mess in the kitchen.

How It Turned Out

Overall, we both really liked it. It had that comforting takeout style noodle feel while still being lighter and homemade.

For me, the only thing I’d change next time is adding something spicy. As someone who always orders spicy dishes when we get Asian takeout, I felt like it needed a little heat. But flavor wise, it was still really good.

Family Review

This one definitely had mixed kid reactions.

Paul: Big fan. He had two bowls. His one complaint was that it “didn’t taste unhealthy enough,” which honestly made me laugh. Would probably add extra sauce or something slightly more indulgent next time.

Charlotte (toddler): Mostly focused on the noodles, which honestly felt expected.

Ben: Not a fan. According to him, the noodles were “too squishy,” which both Paul and I were very confused by. Some days I really miss the phase where he would just happily eat whatever I made.

Final Thoughts

This is definitely one I’ll keep in the back of my mind for quick weeknight dinners.

It’s:

• fast
• easy
• filling
• and comes together with very little effort

And while it may not have been a hit with everyone in the house, it still felt like a solid addition to our meal rotation. Especially for nights when I need something quick and maybe when Ben isn’t home.

Looking to try this recipe for yourself? You can find the original video here! Facebook

Looking for more weeknight ideas? You can find more reviews here: Easy Weeknight Meals

This One Pot Hamburger Helper recipe ended up being such a good addition to our dinner rotation and honestly, it checked a lot of boxes for me right now. It is quick, easy and all in one pot. Which, in this season of life, is exactly what I’m looking for.

Why I Chose This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for meals that are:

• simple to make
• don’t require a lot of cleanup
• and can work for the whole family

This one immediately stood out because it’s a one pot meal and it had a little twist with the addition of shredded zucchini. And if you’re in a house like mine with young kids and a husband who likes maybe three vegetables (love you, Paul 😅), you start getting creative with how you add them in.

How It Was to Make

This was super straightforward. Everything comes together in one pot, which automatically makes it feel easier.

There weren’t a lot of complicated steps, and it came together pretty quickly. Perfect for a busy night when I don’t want to spend a ton of time in the kitchen.

How It Turned Out

I really liked what I was able to taste of it. And I say it like that because this is now the second recipe since starting this blog where Ben didn’t want to eat dinner, I convinced him to try it,

and then he stole my bowl. 😂

So from what I did get, it was flavorful, comforting, and exactly the kind of easy dinner I’m looking for right now.

Family Review

This one had some pretty solid reactions overall:

Paul: Very skeptical about the zucchini at first but he admitted he couldn’t taste it at all and ended up having two bowls.

Charlotte (toddler): Happily ate her noodles, which is always a win.

Ben: Initially said he didn’t want it then proceeded to eat mine. So I think that says everything.

Final Thoughts

This is definitely a keep.

It’s quick, easy, made in one pot and a great way to sneak in a vegetable without anyone noticing. Which honestly feels like a win on multiple levels. I’ll absolutely be making this again especially on those nights when I need something simple that I know will work for most of the family.

And maybe next time I’ll make a little extra for myself.

Want to try this recipe for yourself? You can find the original here: One Pot Hamburger Helper

Looking for more toddler approved recipes? You can find my reviews here: Kid-Friendly

This week’s recipe review is a little different than usual because if I’m being honest, this meal happened on a night I was not feeling my best.

And sometimes, those are the nights that matter most when it comes to finding good recipes.

Why I Chose This Recipe

I needed something that was quick, easy, and required very little thought. This beef sheet pan nachos recipe checked all of those boxes.

It’s one of those meals that you can throw together without overthinking anything, which was exactly what I needed.

How It Was to Make

This was so easy. I’m talking 20 minutes, if that.

Everything comes together quickly, and there’s nothing complicated about it. It’s one of those recipes where you don’t have to juggle a bunch of steps or timing.

Another thing I loved is how customizable it is.

You can:

• Add whatever toppings you like
• Leave off anything you don’t
• Adjust it based on what you already have at home

It’s a really flexible meal, which makes it even more practical.

How It Turned Out

I didn’t end up eating much of it since I wasn’t feeling great, but from what I could tell, and from Paul’s review, it was definitely a solid, easy dinner.

Paul: Really liked it overall. His only note? It needed more cheese which honestly feels like a fair critique for nachos.

Charlotte (toddler): Not quite ready for nachos yet.

Ben: Ate some of the cheese off the chips which feels very on brand.

Final Thoughts

This is exactly the kind of recipe you want to have in your back pocket for low energy days.

It’s:

• Quick
• Easy
• Customizable
• And requires almost no mental effort

Even on a night when I wasn’t feeling well, I was still able to get dinner on the table without stress and that alone makes this one worth keeping.

I’d definitely make this again, especially for those “I don’t feel like cooking” kind of nights. And next time We’re adding a lot more cheese.

Want to try this recipe for yourself? You can find it here: Sheet Pan Beef Nachos

Want some more quick and easy meal ideas? You can find more reviews here! Easy Weeknight Meals

Sometimes you just want something warm, filling, and easy to say yes to. That’s exactly why I chose this pizza casserole recipe this week. It’s pizza and pasta, and honestly, what’s not to love about that?

Why I Chose This Recipe

This felt like one of those “can’t go wrong” meals.

We love pasta. We love pizza. And anything that combines the two usually ends up being a win. Especially on a busy weeknight when I don’t want to overthink dinner.

It also looked simple enough to throw together without needing anything too complicated.

Overall, this recipe was really straightforward. The only thing I’ll say is that it does take a little time on the front end since you have to brown the meat and cook the pasta. It’s not difficult at all. It’s just a couple extra steps before everything comes together.

Once that part is done, though, it’s super easy to assemble and bake.

I also made a small adjustment and left out the mushrooms and olives since we don’t typically like those in our house. It didn’t feel like it was missing anything without them.

How It Turned Out

Me: I really liked this recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels super comforting without being complicated, and I’m always a fan of a good mash-up when I can’t decide what I’m in the mood for.

Paul: Big fan. He thought it was really filling and had great flavor.

Charlotte (toddler review): Approved, especially the noodles. She ate a good amount, which is always a win.

Ben: The surprise of the night. I really thought this would be right up his alley, but he took one bite and said he didn’t like it.

He didn’t really explain why, and honestly, I don’t think he was very hungry at the time, so I wouldn’t completely count this one out for him yet.

Final Thoughts

I would definitely make this again.

It’s a great option when you want something comforting and family friendly, but don’t feel like choosing between pizza or pasta. It’s simple, filling, and easy to adjust based on what your family likes (or doesn’t like). And even with mixed kid reviews, it still felt like a solid win overall.

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, low stress dinner, this one is worth trying.

Want to try it for yourself? You can find the original recipe here! Pizza Casserole

Looking for more kid friendly meals to try? You can find my list here! Kid-Friendly

There are some meals you plan ahead for and then there are the ones you make because your toddler suddenly decides they are starving and need food immediately.

This recipe for 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese falls firmly into that second category.

I wanted something quick, easy, and kid friendly without reaching for a microwave cup. And this one promised to be ready in about 10–15 minutes. Honestly? That alone made it worth trying.

The Process: Fast and Simple

This recipe is about as straightforward as it gets. Everything goes into the Instant Pot, cooks quickly, and comes together with minimal effort. No complicated steps, no extra dishes, and no long wait times.

From start to finish, it really did take about 10–15 minutes, which is a huge win on a busy day.

This is exactly the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for those “I need dinner right now” moments.

The Taste Test: Kids Approved, Adults Have Notes

This was one of those meals where the kids and adults had very different opinions.

Family Taste Test

✔️ My Verdict: Not my favorite. I noticed an aftertaste I didn’t love, and the texture was a little too runny for me. If I make it again, I would definitely add extra cheese to help thicken it up.

✔️ Paul’s Verdict: He liked it, but it wasn’t a favorite. Solid, but not something he’d specifically request.

✔️ Ben’s Verdict: Started off saying he wasn’t hungry, then took one bite and proceeded to steal my bowl. I think that says everything.

✔️ Charlotte’s Verdict: Ate her share happily which is always a win.

✔️ Overall Verdict: A big win for the kids, but more of a “just okay” for the adults.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that serves a very specific purpose and does it well.

It’s:

• fast
• easy
• and very kid friendly

While it may not be my personal favorite, I can absolutely see myself making it again when I need something quick that I know the kids will eat without a fight. And sometimes, especially on busy days, that’s exactly what you need.

Want to try this recipe for yourself? You can find it here! Mac and Cheese

Looking for more kid friendly recipes? You can find my list here! Kid-Friendly

Every month, Paul tries to pick something that will challenge me in the kitchen, but this time, he went a little easier on me.

He chose Wonton Soup, which is one of his go-to orders from our local Chinese takeout. His goal? Find a version we could make at home that still hits those same comforting, takeout style flavors.

And honestly, this one delivered in a way I didn’t fully expect.

Wonton soup sounds like one of those recipes that would be complicated, but this was actually very simple to put together. Once everything was prepped, it came together quickly and easily, making it a great option for a weeknight when you want something warm and comforting without a lot of effort.

I did make one adjustment: I left out the mushrooms. We are just not a mushroom household, and this recipe worked perfectly fine without them.

Overall, this felt like a great way to get those takeout style flavors at home without the price tag, which is always a win.

The Taste Test: A Clear Winner for Paul

This was definitely one of those meals where the reactions around the table varied a bit.

Family Taste Test

✔️ My Verdict: I liked it. It’s not my all time favorite soup, but it was still enjoyable and I can absolutely see the appeal.

✔️ Paul’s Verdict: Loved it. This is one of his usual takeout orders, and he was so happy to have a homemade version. His only complaint? That I didn’t also make sweet and sour chicken and rice to go with it 🙄😂

✔️ Ben’s Verdict: Tried a bite, but wasn’t a fan. I think the wontons themselves were a little too “different” for him, which is very on brand for a 3 year old.

✔️ Charlotte’s Verdict: Didn’t try this one.

✔️ Overall Verdict: A big win for Paul, a solid “like” from me, and a pass from the kids this time.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that really shines if you’re looking to recreate takeout favorites at home.

It’s simple, comforting, and comes together quickly, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner when you want something a little different.

While it may not be a full family favorite in our house, it’s definitely earned a spot as a “Paul’s Pick” repeat, especially for nights when I want to make something I know he’ll really enjoy.

Want to try the recipe for yourself? You can find it here! Wonton Soup

Looking for more weeknight meal ideas? You can find more reviews here! Easy Weeknight Meals

Internet favorite mashups are always tempting. You see them scrolling by and think, That’s either going to be amazing or a total disaster. This Family-Style Taco Lasagna from Tasty landed somewhere comfortably in the middle which, honestly, is sometimes exactly where a recipe needs to be.

I picked this recipe because it combines two very familiar comfort foods: tacos and lasagna. The process itself was super easy. You just cook the filling, then build the layers. Nothing complicated, nothing intimidating. It’s the kind of recipe you can follow along with without having to reread the instructions five times.

One thing I really appreciated was that this recipe used ground turkey, a protein I don’t cook with very often. It worked really well here, soaking up the seasoning and keeping the dish lighter than it might have been with beef, while still feeling hearty.

Now for the part where things got a little risky for me.

The Bean Situation

I’ve mentioned before that I don’t like beans. This recipe didn’t just include beans, it called for black beans and spreading refried beans onto the tortilla layers. I was genuinely concerned that I’d make this whole dish and immediately regret it. But I kept going, mostly because I was confident Paul would like it.

Surprisingly, I didn’t hate it.

Would I say this is a new favorite of mine? No. This isn’t something I’d crave or choose first. But it’s a recipe I could see myself making when I’m tired of everything else in my rotation. The refried beans were noticeable, but I didn’t have the same negative reaction to the texture that usually puts me off beans which feels like a small personal victory.

Family Taste Test ✔️

• Me: Not my favorite, but better than expected, especially considering the beans. A solid “rotation when bored” meal.
• Paul: Loved it. While still finishing his first plate, he had already asked me to make it again. He really liked both the texture and the flavor.
• Ben: Despite my begging, he wouldn’t try it. He loves tacos and lasagna separately, but I think the idea of them together felt a little too weird for him this time.

Paul liked this one so much that I think it’s officially joining my unofficial category of “mine and his” recipes. Those are meals that one of us really enjoys and that I’ll make when I’m cooking just for myself or specifically for him. Honestly, that could probably be its own post someday.

As for Ben, I’m not giving up yet. Maybe this will eventually become part of a “recipes Ben turned his nose up at and tried again later” series. Stranger things have happened.

Would I Make It Again?

Yes but selectively. This isn’t an every week meal for me, but it’s easy, filling, and clearly a winner for Paul. It’s also a good reminder that sometimes a recipe doesn’t have to be your personal favorite to still earn a place in the rotation.

Final Verdict: An easy internet mashup that surprised me, won Paul over completely, and may need a second chance with Ben down the road.

You can find the original recipe here: https://tasty.co/recipe/family-style-taco-lasagna

Looking for recipes that are tried and true toddler approved? Try here: Kid-Friendly

Every month, Paul gets one official say in what we’re making and this time, he chose a recipe that definitely leaned into his current mission of “let’s challenge Erin in the kitchen.” This month’s Paul’s Pick was a Homemade Doner Kebab from Meals with Max, and I’ll admit, I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into when I first watched the video.

As it turns out, this recipe was surprisingly simple in the best way.

The process starts with grating an onion, then adding it to the blender with ground meat and spices. The recipe calls for lamb or beef, and I went with beef simply because it’s much easier to get where we live. Everything gets blended until combined, rolled thin onto parchment paper, rolled up, and baked in the oven.

That’s it. No complicated steps. No intimidating techniques. And somehow, it all comes together into something really flavorful.

In full transparency, I did end up having to use flour tortillas because the pita bread I bought started getting moldy before I was ready to use it. Oops…

Recipe Reality Check

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how approachable it felt. Once everything was blended, the rest was very straightforward. I’d comfortably call this a 30-minute meal, making it a great option for nights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.

It is definitely on the spicy side. I personally enjoyed that, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to heat. The spice level is bold, but not overwhelming and very easy to adjust if needed.

Paul’s Pick Verdict ✔️

• Paul: Loved it. He was genuinely excited that this was his pick for the month and was surprised by just how flavorful the meat turned out. His biggest recommendation? Add a sauce. He paired his with sweet chili sauce and fully stands by that choice.
• Me: I really enjoyed how easy this was while still feeling a little adventurous. It checked the boxes of fast, flavorful, and flexible which is always a win.
• Ben: Not home for this one. If I were making it for him, I’d definitely adjust the spice level or even change up the seasoning depending on my mood.

Would I Make It Again?

Absolutely. This is officially going on our repeat list. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly customizable with different sauces, toppings, spice levels, or even protein choices.

It’s also the kind of recipe that feels like a small win: something new, a little challenging, but very doable. Even better? Paul got his challenge recipe and I passed with flying colors 😉

Final Verdict: A successful Paul’s Pick that was simple, bold, and worth repeating.

You can find the original recipe here: Homemade Doner Kebabs

Looking for more easy weeknight wins? Try looking here: Easy Weeknight Meals

Be sure to follow me on Facebook! Instagram is coming soon!

Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that just fit the moment. This week, I decided to focus on breakfast and try Ina Garten’s Banana Crunch Muffins and it turned out to be the perfect New Year’s Day treat for our little family.

Why I Chose This Recipe

This one was made with Ben in mind. He’s obsessed with muffins (banana muffins are a favorite), and he actually loves watching Barefoot Contessa. He will actually ask to watch Ian by name. Paul gifted me her cookbook for Christmas, and it felt like a small but special way to start the year: muffins, family, and a little Ina magic.

How It Went

I made them on Thursday morning, and honestly, for someone who doesn’t bake regularly, the steps were super easy. They came out moist with a gentle banana flavor, enough to taste, but not overwhelming.

The Family Verdict

• Ben: Excited that they were Ina’s muffins! He liked the banana flavor but wasn’t crazy about the texture inside. Still, he ate a few bites happily.
• Paul: Only had a couple bites (he’s not a banana fan), but he liked the texture and was willing, if begrudgingly, to try them. Bonus points for effort.
• Guest Tasters: We had breakfast with my parents today, and both were fans. My stepdad had at least three muffins, and my mom, who isn’t usually a banana fan either, was pleasantly surprised. They even kept some for later!

Final Thoughts

These muffins are simple, delicious, and kid approved, even if everyone likes them for different reasons. They make for a cozy breakfast or a quick snack and are perfect for a family morning when you want something homemade without fuss. If you have little ones who love muffins or banana treats, I’d definitely recommend giving these a try!

If you want to make them for yourself, you can find the original recipe here: Banana Crunch Muffins

Looking for more kid friendly recipes? Try here! Kid-Friendly

Be sure to follow me on Facebook to never miss a post!