I Was a Recipe Tester for a Meal Subscription Company — Here’s What Happened

Yasmein James
Dec 22, 2017

If you’ve ever dreamed about becoming a professional recipe tester before — seriously, who wouldn’t want to be compensated to *gasp* try new recipes — well, I’ve been there and done that. Now, I’m dishing the pros and cons of being a recipe tester for a meal subscription service. Read on for the inside scoop.

Pro 1: No Two Weeks are the Same

It’s so easy to get stuck in a food rut, eating the same meals like clockwork every week. Tacos on Tuesday and pizza every Friday… you get the point. Becoming a recipe tester helped me switch things up. The recipes were simple enough that I could follow along easily but different enough that at times, I felt like I was treating myself. I even discovered a new favorite: a chicken skillet meal that I couldn’t eat enough of.

Pro 2: Dig in to Diverse Flavors

I pride myself on being a decent home cook. I even make an effort to grab a new ingredient each time I go to my local produce shop, but, every once in a while, the recipe I have in mind does NOT translate on the plate. Being a recipe taster gave me an opportunity to try different seasonings and ingredients in a whole new way. Who knew peanut butter, sesame sauce, and spiced olive oil could make such a drool-worthy sauce?! Or that citrus and wasabi form a tasty seasoning for fish?

Pro 3: New Techniques, New Tools

I know there are endless cooking options, but I rarely step out of my comfort zone to try them. Through testing recipes, I learned that when I’m craving a quick chicken pasta dish, all I need is 20 minutes to boil chicken breasts (really!). Boiling the breasts makes it super easy to shred the chicken into bite-sized strips. And that’s not all. For a burger recipe, I melted a pile of cheese on parchment paper for a couple of minutes and it was life-changing. Do yourself a favor and try it.

I know what you’re thinking: What could possibly be a con of trying new recipes and getting compensated? I’m soooo glad you asked. Keep reading for the cons.

Con 1: Raining IN Gift Card Money

I don’t know if this is true for all meal subscription companies, but the one I tried did not compensate with money. Instead, after testing six recipes in two weeks, I received a gift card to Amazon. Granted, it was $200 dollars to spend on anything I wanted on the site, but still.

Con 2: No Home Delivery Service

Even though I was excited about trying a meal subscription service for the first time, as a recipe tester, I didn’t benefit from the business model: fresh and pre-measured recipes sent to my door. That’s right, I made the recipes the old-fashioned way, going to the grocery store to buy each sauce, seasoning, protein, and vegetable I needed. For one recipe, I couldn’t find brioche buns anywhere even after going to multiple stores. I opted for whole-wheat buns that didn’t have the same effect I’m sure. Shh! I won’t tell if you won’t.

Con 3: Master of the Scale

The handy dandy digital scale, that is. To maintain the integrity of the recipe, I had to weigh each and every ingredient. It wasn’t bad, really, but as you can imagine, weighing pasta was tricky, to say the least. The noodles kept rolling off the small plastic surface onto the counter.

Honestly, I liked every meal. The meals I enjoyed the most were the ones I wouldn’t normally make that felt more like an experience. My favorite part of being a recipe tester was spending time in the kitchen. It reignited a love of cooking for new ingredients, flavors, and recipes. Would I test recipes for another subscription kit? Probably not, but it’s only because I’d rather save my coins to become a subscriber.

Do you subscribe to a meal subscription company? Tell us about it on Twitter @BritandCo.

(Photos via Lily Lvnatikk / Unsplash)

15 Best Mother-Daughter Trips To Book Together In 2025

My mom and I live on opposite coasts, but we've made it a tradition to take a mother-daughter trip almost every year — exploring places like Maine, Spain, Paris, Charleston, and soon Mackinac Island, MI. Now that my daughter has turned 10, it feels like the perfect time to carry on this tradition with her. Over the MLK three-day weekend, we took our first trip together without other family to Tucson, AZ — inspired by her love for the Sonoran Desert (thanks Wild Kratts 😉). What I thought would be a fun getaway turned into so much more. When I got home, I told my partner that I felt like I actually got to know Matilda better without the distraction of cooking meals, school drop-offs, sporting events, and playdates. It was such a special bonding experience, and I loved every minute of it.

Looking to plan a mother-daughter trip of your own? Here are all the destinations you should definitely hit with your built-in bestie!

Scroll for 15 mother-daughter trips to book in 2025!

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain

1. Tucson, AZ

You want to find a trip that suits you both and allows for time to connect. I was seeking a spa experience while Matilda wanted to get her desert fix. Tucson is surrounded by stunning desert scenery, including the iconic Saguaro cacti that are native to the area. I landed on the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain for two reasons: it has an incredible spa with fireplace jacuzzi, adults-only pool, and sauna/steam room, and it's right in the heart of the Sonoran Desert with a kids' camp! We literally hiked into the desert outside our hotel room. Prices were affordable too for a Sunday to Tuesday stay in winter (when the weather is perfect!). Matilda loved her ranger camp with Brian and Breanna who showed her the live desert animals like scorpions and tarantulas in their station and took her geocaching into the desert while I got a facial. The 235-foot water slide was a big win for both of us. I would totally take my mom here too — there's an infinity pool, jacuzzi, a delicious Latin grill, and cabanas in the adults area too. We watched the sunset at the amazing Cayton's Restaurant, where we saw a pack of javalinas just outside. (The lobster risotto was A+). The buffet at Core Kitchen was also so fresh and delicious. The churro donuts had us swooning. A Native American flutist performed in the mountain while we dined at Ignite to top off the trip. Highly recommend this escape for moms and daughters of all ages! You can also explore the Saguaro National Park, visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and take a tour of the stunning Mission San Xavier del Bac!

Tyrone Sanders

2. Charleston, S.C.

Charleston is one of the most charming cities and it was the perfect trip for my sisters and I to take our mom for her June birthday. I booked a home exchange about 20 minutes from downtown in a lovely quiet neighborhood. On the first day, we took a horse carriage tour to get a lay of the land. I admired all the pretty verandas, colorful houses, and lush flower boxes. You can find delicious dining options like French-inspired Felix (loved), Husk (known for its Southern fare), or great-for-brunch Poogan's Porch. Indulge in downtown shopping (there's a whole day's worth here) and relax with a spa treatment at The Charleston Place, also a great place to stay right in the heart of town. Stroll along the charming streets filled with everything from Colonial to Georgian to Classic and Gothic Revival homes, all photo-worthy and jaw-dropping. My mom and I took early morning walks along the waterfront. You can take a sunset cruise with a wine toast too. Don't miss the chance to visit nearby beaches too, like Sullivan's Island, where celebs likeReese Witherspoon and Bill Murray reportedly own homes. I walked into the warm waters and it was glorious.

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3. Sonoma, CA

My mom loves to visit me in my adult hometown (it's definitely her demographic!). Sonoma is a stunning small town with a more laid back vibe than Napa. The Lodge at Sonoma is one of my favorite spa experiences with private warm pool and sauna area, plus cozy private reading areas before you get your treatment. MacArthur Hotel is another favorite with their outdoor restaurant Layla, that is stunning in design and perfect for a leisurely lunch. The Fairmont Mission Inn & Spa is another must on my visitor list — cozy outdoor firepits are perfect for grabbing a bite to eat and a glass of wine (Friday nights they have live music and food trucks in the summer). Take a bike ride along the Sonoma bike path, which cuts straight to the town square for shopping and eating. Sunflower Caffe has a darling garden in the back and Valley Bar and Bottle offers inventive California cuisine that's sourced locally and so delicious in an outdoor setting. My mom loves to bike to Bartholomew Estate Winery, where you can do a short mom-friendly hike into the oak grove of the winery or grab a bottle and a picnic table in the park and next door at California's first winery, Buena Vista Winery, built in 1857.

Eugene Dorosh

4. Paris, France

I spent two summers in Paris before I booked a trip with my mom for an international mom-daughter getaway. I booked the cute and affordable Hotel des Escrivains and we spent our days museum hopping, shopping in Le Marais, strolling the Montmartre hills, and taking the quintessential mom-daughter photo at the Eiffel Tower. We dined at Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées and picnicked at the Jardin des Tuileries. La Verrière inside the 19th-century InterContinental Paris le Grand Hotel is also worth a culinary visit (and photo opp). Here are B+C editor Chloe's recent Paris recommendations! You can also hop, skip, and jump to the French Riviera AKA Côte d'Azur, a glamorous stretch of Mediterranean coastline in southeastern France for sun-soaked beaches and charming villages, like Èze and Antibes. There's also Nice and Cannes!

Raul De Los Santos

5. Newport, Rhode Island

My mom lived in Providence for a few years and this seaside town is perfect for trips with mom. It has Gilded Age mansions and some of the best beaches along the east coast. Only one hour from Boston and three hours from New York City (without traffic), Newport is accessible via train or bus from either east coast city. Go island hopping to the coves of Jamestown and the mini Goat Island, and enjoy the view from the fields of Hammersmith Farm, AKA Jackie Kennedy’s summer home. Another must-do for any first-time traveler to Newport is the Cliff Walk, a walking trail that winds along the coast from First Beach (and the mansions on Bellevue) to the sandy shores of Ocean Drive. For food: Flo’s Clam Shack, next to First Beach, is iconic for its quahogs and fried seafood and Newport Creamery is a local go-to for ice cream. Also, a sunset sail is sure to appeal to moms and daughters who love the sea.

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6. Mackinac Island, MI

This historic island with a "no car" and no hotel chains policy is a darling spot to take mom. Just hop the ferry across Lake Huron from Mackinac City, MI and plan to stay at the coastal-grandma style Hotel Iroquois on Lakeshore. Enjoy one of Chef Greg Murphy’s award-winning dishes, such as the fresh seafood salad, and a waterfront view at The Carriage House. Rent a bike or horse carriage ride to admire the island's charming Victorian architecture along the East Bluff with grand views of Lake Huron. Don’t miss out on the Butterfly House (a butterfly museum), world-famous fudge, and a sunrise kayak tour for two.

Trevor Hayes

7. New York City

My mom loves exploring big cities with me because I seem to make them less scary for her. I grew up just outside of New York City and lived there for 5 years and we both enjoyed so many weekends exploring Central Park, standing in line for half priced tickets to Broadway plays, shopping in Soho, and strolling the High Line. It was especially fun when I lived in the West Village with charming brownstones and delicious eateries like Boucherie. Enjoy Italian fare at Eataly, a rooftop drink at Panorarama Room from Roosevelt Island's Graduate hotel, high tea at the Plaza Hotel, and a spa treatment at Great Jones Spa. There's so much to pack in. Explore museums like the MoMA and Met too!

Ivaya Valcheva

8. Bermuda

I found a Caribbean cruise to be such a great way to travel with my mom because she and I walk at very different paces. We took a cruise from NYC to Bermuda for a dreamy island getaway. Bermuda is known for, well Bermuda shorts (they actually wear them!), and pink sand beaches, turquoise waters, and British-Caribbean charm. If cruises are really not your thing, stay at the luxe Rosewood Bermuda (every third night is free) for stunning ocean views or the classic boutique-style and more affordable Oxford House. Savor fresh seafood at The Lobster Pot or try the local specialty, fish chowder, at Wahoo’s Bistro. Explore the Crystal Caves, take a stroll through the historic St. George’s town, or snorkel among vibrant coral reefs at Tobacco Bay. Don’t miss Horseshoe Bay Beach for IG-worthy scenery.

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9. Cotswolds, England

The Cotswolds, located in south-central England, is a picturesque region known for its charming villages, rolling hills, and quintessential English countryside. Consider this the Venice of England with canals and quaint stone bridges. The Lygon Spa Wim Hof at The Lygon Arms is surrounded by three acres of picturesque Cotswold scenery, where guests can experience a day of breath work, mindset exercises, and ice baths for the brave. You can also just lounge by the pool all day, enjoy afternoon tea, castle hop, and/or take a hot air balloon ride! Jane Austen fans? England will celebrate her 250th birthday in 2025. Head to nearby Bath for a Regency Ball as part of the Jane Austen Festival in September 2025. Bath is so charming and reminded me of a bit of Paris with its sandstone buildings. Pubs like the George Inn have amazing farm-to-table food too!

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10. Prince Edward Island, Canada

Want to take an international trip with mom that doesn't take a whole day to travel? Located in Ontario, Canada, this island community is known for its charming small towns, stunning natural beauty, and thriving arts and culinary scenes. Find vineyards and wineries that produce award-winning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Taste at Norman Hardie and Sandbanks Estate with scenic vineyard views. Sandbanks Provincial Park is home to some of Ontario’s most beautiful beaches. Visit quaint towns like Charlottetown (shown) and Wellington for an impressive art and farm-to-table food scene.

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11. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

This hidden gem near Sayulita, a bohemian surfer town, is a coastal dream with a diverse mix of pristine beaches, lush jungles, and charming towns. There's Punta Mita, known for its upscale resorts and world-class golf courses (my mom loves to play golf), and San Pancho, a sleepy village known for its eco-conscious community and stunning sunsets. Explore the Marietas Islands, a UNESCO-protected area perfect for snorkeling, diving, and spotting marine life. Whale-watching season from December to March, when humpbacks travel the seas, is a magical experience you and mom/daughter won't want to miss.

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12. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

The Apostle Islands, located in Lake Superior off the coast of northern Wisconsin, are 22 islands known for their stunning natural beauty. The islands’ dramatic sea caves are carved into the sandstone cliffs by centuries of wind and waves. During summer, you and mom (or daughter) can explore them by kayak or boat. In winter, when conditions are right, the caves transform into a magical landscape of ice formations, that you can access by foot. The islands are also home to pristine beaches, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, making them ideal for hiking and birdwatching. Madeline Island, the largest and only inhabited island, offers charming shops, art galleries, and local eateries too.

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13. Santa Barbara, CA

With year-round sunny skies and spring-like temps, Santa Barbara beaches like Butterfly Beach and Arroyo Burro are perfect for strolls, picnics, and capturing coastal views. Visit the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, shop your favorite shops plus local vendors on State Street; and explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Take a scenic drive to the Santa Ynez Valley to enjoy wine tasting or visit Solvang, known for its Danish-style architecture and culture. Look out for whale-watching season as gray whales migrate along the California coast so take a tour to catch an amazing sight of them!

Tom Byrom

14. Lisbon, Portugal

My mom and I visited Lisbon on separate trips, but we both loved it. Lisbon’s charming cobblestoned streets, tiled hilltop homes, and relaxed pace make it a perfect year-round getaway. Explore the city’s landmarks, like theBelém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and hop the iconic canary-yellow Tram 28 through historic neighborhoods like Alfama and St. George's Castle. Enjoy Lisbon’s lively cafes and sample traditional pastries like pastel de nata or cream pastry, yum!

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15. Sanibel Island, Florida

This island off the Gulf Coast of Florida is a nature lover's paradise with pristine beaches and tons of wildlife (including dolphins!). Known as "Shelling Capital of the World," you can spend hours combing the white sandy beaches for treasures like conch, scallop, and sand dollar shells. Nature lovers will appreciate the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for migratory birds, manatees, and alligators. Take mom/daughter hiking, biking, and kayaking there too. Biking is a popular way to get around, with over 25 miles of trails winding through lush landscapes and coastal views. Sanibel’s charming village vibe includes boutique shops, art galleries, and locally owned restaurants like Gramma Dot's Seaside Saloon and the Island Cow.

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Here's When You Can Finally Watch 'Ginny & Georgia' Season 3

Thanks to the eternal popularity of Gilmore Girls, we all know mother-daughter shows are some of the best around. And if you ask me, Ginny and Georgia are totally the next Rory and Lorelai. If you're looking for a new series to binge while getting cozy this winter, then look no further than Ginny & Georgia. It's got intrigue, it's got romance, it's got drama — which is exactly why it's one of the Netflix shows you should binge on a break!

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Ginny & Georgia season 3.

When does season 3 of Ginny & Georgia come out?

Brooke Palmer/Netflix

You can stream Ginny & Georgia on Netflix starting June 5, 2025.

What is Ginny & Georgia season 3 about?

Netflix

Ginny & Georgia follows the titular mother-daughter duo (plus Ginny's little brother Austin) who move from Texas to Wellsbury, Massachusetts after the death of Georgia's husband. But while a new town, a new school, and new friends can be complicated on their own, things get even messier in season 2 when Ginny discovers her step-dad's death wasn't an accident.

And at the end of season 2, Georgia's arrested for murder in the middle of her wedding reception. This was "always the plan," according to creator Sarah Lampert. "How we pitched season 1 and then how we ended our pitch of season 2 was, 'Then Georgia's married to Paul, they're having their first dance, and she's arrested for murder,'" she told People in January 2023.

"I'm blown away that the writers are still able to show us completely new sides of each character, and that's what you're going to see in season 3," actress Brianne Howey says. "You will see a lot of grit and hustle, but in an entirely new way. Georgia has to dig deeper into a part of herself we haven't seen yet. So, she has to use that grit in all new ways."

Who's in the cast?

Netflix

Ginny & Georgia stars Brianne Howey as Georgia Miller, Antonia Gentry as Ginny Miller, Diesel La Torraca as Austin Miller, Jennifer Robertson as Ellen Baker, Felix Mallard as Marcus Baker, Sara Waisglass as Max Baker, Scott Porter as Paul Randolph, and Raymond Ablack as Joe.

How old was Georgia when she had Ginny?

Amanda Matlovich/Netflix

Georgia was 15 years old when she gave birth to Ginny. This is another detail that reminds us of Gilmore Girls since Lorelai was 16 when she had Rory!

Where can I watch Ginny & Georgia?

Netflix

Ginny & Georgia season 3 is premiering June 5, 2025 on Netflix, which is where you can stream all 20 episodes of the show (10 in season one and 10 in season two). It's safe to assume that Ginny & Georgia season 3 will also have 10 episodes.

What do you hope to see in Ginny & Georgia season 3? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Facebook for the latest news on all your favorite, binge-worthy shows.

This post has been updated.

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Watch Jenna Ortega In The First Glimpse At 'Wednesday' Season 2.

Netflix has some amazing new TV shows coming in 2025, including Stranger Things 5, Squid Game season 3, and Wednesday season 2. Finally! We've already seen a first look at Jenna Ortega's return as the gothic, moody teen, but in Netflix's new 2025 preview, we get a brief clip from a new episode that features an unexpected standoff.

Keep reading to see Jenna Ortega in the first glimpse at Wednesday season 2.

Here's everything coming to Netflix in 2025.

Netflix's "Next On Netflix 2025" preview is one of my favorite commercials they've ever released. It features a young woman who tunes out of her meeting to watch Stranger Things instead (relatable) and ends up getting sucked into all her favorite shows, starting with The Upside Down totally taking over the conference room.

After evading the guards from Squid Game and ditching a potential match from Love is Blind, our leading lady finds herself at Nevermore Academy. When Thing knocks a book into her hands, she receives a vision of Willowhill Psychiatric Hospital, where we see Jenna Ortega's Wednesday, who stands opposite Hunter Doohan's Tyler Galpin, who's chained to the wall.

We also get a reimagining of Emily in Paris season 5 and Cobra Kai season 6, just to name a few. Talk about a crazy lineup!

And what Jenna Ortega say to expect from 'Wednesday' season 2.

We don't have a Wednesday season 2 release date yet, aside from knowing it's coming in 2025, but Jenna Ortega has teased what to expect — leading with more horror.

“We’re definitely leaning into a little bit more horror,” she told E! Newslast January. "There’s really, really good one-liners and I think everything’s bigger. It’s a lot more action-packed. Each episode will probably feel a little bit more like a movie, which is nice.”

"A show like this, you know, with vampires and werewolves and superpowers, [you don't] want to take yourself too seriously," she said in her Actors on Actors interview with Elle Fanning. "So I think that we're ditching any romantic love interest for Wednesday which is really great, and then also we have such incredible female leads in the show."

We know that the Wednesday season 2 cast will include Jenna Ortega, Georgie Farmer, Victor Dorobantu, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nayo, Joy Sunday, Owen Painter, Emma Myers, Billie Piper, Evie Templeton, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Noah Taylor, Miles Millar, Tim Burton, Steve Buscemi, Moosa Mostafa, and Hunter Doohan.

What are you most excited to see in Wednesday season 2? Let us know what you think is happening in this first glimpse on Facebook! Check out The Best New TV Shows Coming To Netflix In February for more.

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