NaTaya Hastings

NaTaya Hastings is a food and recipe writer for Beauty Eval. She’s an educator, boy mom, dog mom, and whatever-stray-enters-the-yard mom. As a result, she's constantly cooking for both humans and animals.

Luckily, she enjoys it!

Though born, raised, and still living in Alabama, her specialty is NOT down-home Southern cooking. Instead, she loves to experiment with Asian, Mexican, Italian, and other ethnic cuisines. She has two mottos when it comes to cooking. “The more spice, the better!” and “There’s no such thing as too much garlic!”

She’s also pretty good with desserts. Especially the easy, no-bake ones.

Her favorite things are cuddling with her four giant dogs, traveling, reading, writing, and hanging out in nature. She’s also pretty excellent at Dominoes.

A close-up of the crunchy breadcrumb topping on a dish of scalloped corn, ready to be served.

Scalloped Corn Casserole

Scalloped corn casserole is a must-make for comfort food enthusiasts. From the creamy corn to the buttery crushed crackers, it’s pretty darn delish.

Sliced lemon brownies in a white plate.

Lemon Brownies

What’s better than a batch of fudgy lemon brownies? How about soft, fudgy, luscious lemon brownies covered in zippy lemon glaze? Yeah, that’ll do it!

A stack of fluffy gingerbread pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and topped with butter.

Gingerbread Pancakes

Gingerbread pancakes are the ultimate winter breakfast indulgence! These fluffy stacks of warmth are soft, spiced, and so cozy, you won’t want to share.

Classic peach hand pies with a rich, fruity filling.

Peach Hand Pies Recipe

Peach hand pies are a quick and easy way to bring a taste of summer to your plate. And thanks to the canned pie filling, you can make them all year.

Cheesy and crispy chicken tacos with guacamole, salsa and lime on parchment paper.

Crispy Chicken Tacos

Crunchy, juicy, and loaded with melty cheese, these crispy chicken tacos are so good your whole family will be coming back for seconds (and thirds)!

A detailed shot of coconut cream pie bars with a buttery crust and creamy coconut filling.

Coconut Cream Pie Bars

The next time you’re craving something buttery, creamy, and wonderfully tropical, make these dreamy coconut cream pie bars!

Slice of chocolatey fudge pie served in a white plate.

Chocolate Fudge Pie

This rich and gooey chocolate fudge pie is irresistibly decadent. Made with chocolate chips and a flaky pie crust, you don’t want to miss it.

Creamy pumpkin pasta with spinach served in a white plate, fork on the side.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This rich and creamy pumpkin pasta is a quick and easy one-pan dinner with real pumpkin puree. It’s cozy and comforting and comes together in a snap.

Bunch of crispy toasted ravioli in a white plate.

Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli

Olive Garden toasted ravioli are like golden pockets of joy. And from the crunchy exterior to the savory filling, they’re the perfect blend of textures.

Serving of chicken puttanesca in a white plate.

Chicken Puttanesca

One-pot chicken puttanesca is a flavor powerhouse loaded with garlic, anchovies, and capers. One bite will transport you to a cozy trattoria on the Amalfi Coast.