This week was all about birthday treats! I made chocolate cupcakes for Lucia’s birthday celebration at school—they were a hit! 🧁🥳 Plus, I made some homemade gummies for the kids, which turned out perfectly. I can’t believe she’s two now! ❤️

Aside from that, I kept it simple, trying a few new meals for H and me at home. It was a slower week in the kitchen, but still filled with good food.

Recipes Made So Far This Year:

Goal: To try seven new recipes each week 🗓️, aiming for 365 this year!

Number of Recipes Made This Week: 8 ✅ 

Number of New Recipes Tested as of 3/2: 99

Weeks Achieving Seven or More New Recipes: 9 out of 9

This Week’s Recipe Test Summary

Impress Someone🌟

The Best Chocolate Cupcakes from Cupcake Project 🍫

This was the kitchn’s winner for "The Best Chocolate Cupcakes," so I had to try it! It was Lucia’s birthday party, and since she loves chocolate, I decided to switch things up from my classic red velvet cake. My brother-in-law and my sister both loved them—and so did I! I had some leftovers when my cousin Chupi came by, and even though he said he doesn’t like chocolate cake, he said this was the perfect cupcake. 🧁✨ I made them with cream cheese frosting instead of chocolate frosting, and it was a great match! 

Would Make Again 👍

Maple and Miso Sheet-Pan Salmon With Green Beans from NY Times Cooking by Colu Henry 🍁🐟

Super easy to make and minimal cleanup! The only thing is I thought the green beans needed more time—next time, I’ll just roast them separately and follow the recipe for the salmon.

Ian Boswell’s Ginger Spice Cookies from Running on Veggies: Plant-Powered Recipes for Fueling and Feeling Your Best [Cookbook]🍪

I made these for my sporty cousin, who’s always looking for sweet but healthier treats. They were a great alternative to classic ginger cookies—really good and full of spice!

Homemade Orange Gummy Bears from Beets and Bones 🧸🍊

Another fun treat for Nico and Lucia! These turned out perfectly—just the right amount of gelatin and sweetness. 🧃🍊 I’ll definitely be making these again and again for the kids.

Would Not Make Again 👎

These recipes didn’t live up to expectations or weren’t to my taste

Miso Mushroom and Leek Pasta from NY Times Cooking by Yasmin Fahr 🍄

I love leeks and mushrooms, but this one was missing something—just not enough flavor for me.

One-Pot Hainanese Chicken Rice from Red House Spice

It was good, but not something I’d go out of my way to make again.

Chia Almond Coconut Bars from Running on Veggies: Plant-Powered Recipes for Fueling and Feeling Your Best [Cookbook]🥥

These were just okay—not crunchy enough for my taste.

Homemade Ginger Gummies from Fresh Recipes 🍬(picture missing)

I found these a bit too sweet.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or any recipe requests you might have. Just respond directly to this email.

See you next week. Keep cooking! 👋 

Vale from ValeCooks