“Easy Everyday” Is the Perfect Cookbook for Busy People Like Me

There was a time when my weekends began without alarm clocks or children’s voices but with the ability to rise when I was ready, some undisturbed time to read Jessica Merchant’s “Currently Crushing On” blog post series, and the quiet company of coffee.

Those unhurried morning readings have become more precious (and much less frequent) with little ones around, yet they remain a favorite escape. So when Merchant’s newest book, Easy Everyday, showed up, it was like running into a friend who really gets the daily meal hustle.

How Motherhood Changed Jessica Merchant’s Cooking

Merchant, a mother of three, says that becoming a mom “has had such a huge impact” on her approach to cooking. “Even though I still love being in the kitchen … I have much less time these days because of my family,” she says. It’s also not how she wants to spend her time when her family is home, so she prioritizes “making quick and easy meals that are still delicious.”

This is Merchant’s third cookbook, and you can feel how her experience as both a recipe developer and a mom has shaped these 100 recipes. The book is gorgeous, and Merchant’s signature bountiful photos make even the simplest dishes look mouthwateringly delicious.

Cooking From “Easy Everyday”

Merchant’s Iced Blueberry Lattes were on the top of my list to try because… obviously! I was instantly intrigued by this creative morning pick-me-up. I even emailed my editor to say I was “dying” to try it. Iced blueberry lattes are so out of the box that, even as a recipe developer, I never would have thought of it myself.

The combination of fruity sweetness mingling with the coffee’s potent richness was unexpected and delightful. I’ve started using the blueberry mixture in iced matcha lattes for an afternoon treat I can’t get enough of.

To tackle the never-ending weeknight dinner conundrum, I tried Merchant’s Chicken Zucchini Meatballs with Lemon Rice next. I love how they cleverly sneak extra vegetables into a family-friendly format that everybody likes. This recipe came out of the real-life practicality of feeding her family.

“My kids love meatballs,” Merchant says, adding that they “will eat just about anything in meatball form.” This tracks with my kids, too! Meatballs are child-friendly vehicles of flavor and nutrition, and they’re so easy to riff on. In this case, the herby, savory, green-flecked meatballs cozy up with flavorfully bright lemon rice, and (bonus!) the leftovers also made an excellent lunch the next day. This also tells me that Merchant understands that feeding a family often means thinking about how recipes can do double duty.

The Hot Honey Apricot Chicken with Pan-Toasted Broccoli has also quickly become a household favorite. I love this riff on the sweet-spicy glaze, and it comes together in minutes. The pan-toasted broccoli (genius) caramelizes slightly while the chicken finishes cooking. It’s a pretty hands-off meal, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Why I Love “Easy Everyday”

What separates Easy Everyday from the crowded shelf of other weeknight cookbooks is Merchant’s unwavering belief that “easy” shouldn’t mean boring. Each recipe has at least one thoughtful element that makes it stand out. Whether it’s a simple sauce, an unexpected ingredient pairing, or a clever technique, one of Merchant’s calling card twists makes it feel slightly more elevated.

This cookbook is perfect for busy parents like me, novice cooks, and anyone looking to add a bit of excitement to their everyday cooking without complicating their lives. As I bookmark even more recipes to try (like the Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl, the Crispy Potato Tacos, the Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Piccata Vinaigrette, and the Cherry Aperol Spritz), I know that Easy Everyday will be the one I reach for when I’m feeling uninspired.

It’s a book that gets at how real people cook—quickly, sometimes distractedly, but always with the hope of making something nourishing and delicious.