This summer’s travels are my little happiness project. As I’ve gotten older I’ve given up the idea that happiness is found because we made the perfect life decisions or did creative work or have a great relationship with our spouse. I know for me, I am much more simple than that.

So biking my way across Europe means I hit almost all my happiness serotonin sweet spots… I’m outside in the sun, doing something physical but fun, traveling, which lightens my mood, makes me laugh more, which makes my kids happier, so they laugh more, which infects my husband with joy and he’s sweeter to me, then I love him more, while drinking wine, eating fresh bakery goods (or sweets) and having some of the best coffee in the world. Win, win, win, and win some more.

What do you make on those nights when you’re tired, starving and just want something yummy before watching Homeland? We’re super basic cooks, so we’ve come up with a rotation of quick meals. We usually turn to Real Simple, since their recipes are legitimately easy with only a few ingredients. Then Alex will cook while I lean against the counter, drink white wine and chat:) Here are the 10 dinners we’ve made a million times at home, and I’d love to hear yours…