It is no secret around here that I try to fit a lot in during a day. One of the biggest things that sometimes falls to the wayside when I’m running from one thing to the next is meal planning. I am really fortunate because Mark does a lot of the cooking in our house. His meals have definitely come a long way…..not going to lie. Sometimes, since we are so strapped for time, we end up making a lot of the same meals over and over. We were definitely getting into a chicken in the crockpot kind of rut. So when I was contacted by Blue Apron, it seriously could not have come at a better time.
Let me tell you something. I am officially hooked. Like, now that the campaign is over, we are still ordering from Blue Apron. The concept is so brilliant. They deliver 3 meals once a week for couples or 2 meals once or twice a week for a family of four. The meals come in a cold packed box that could stay out on your doorstep even if you aren’t home to pick it up right away. Shipping was free, you know that is always a requirement for me. We brought it home and cooked each meal over the next three days. Someone in my household is not easily excitable but he was throughly impressed from start to finish with this experience.
Blue Apron Review
Each meal comes with every single thing you need, even down to the grass fed quarter stick of butter. The only thing you need from your own pantry is salt, pepper and oil. For busy people who don’t have time to shop, this is the plan for you. Or, I keep on thinking about people who live in the city. This is such a healthier option than takeout. Or if you are going on vacation and don’t want to go out every night, get this delivered and have some home cooked meals.
I personally love this because we only buy what we need. I can’t tell you how many times we buy produce and it ends up going bad because we don’t have enough recipes or time to use all of it.
I was also very impressed with the quality of the ingredients. Everything was extremely fresh and locally raised, you know the whole farm to table concept. The recipes were easy to follow and usually required two to three pans and pots.
The best part. The overall product tasted incredibly. We loved every single recipe we made. Also, it got us to explore new flavor combinations that we had never thought to put together. Like the lemongrass and cilantro brown rice which accompanied the spicy baked chicken wings. Plus, all of the recipes were ready in less than 40 minutes tops.
It was a toss up on which recipes was our favorite but it was a tie between the squid ink pasta or the Vietnamese chicken wings. The squid ink pasta was I can’t even begin to tell how delicious. It wasn’t some generic box pasta but from fresh squid ink pasta dough. You could definitely taste the difference.
Mark loved the Vietnamese Chicken Wings with Lemongrass Brown Rice.
I make stuffed peppers all the time but using Poblano Peppers was such a nice spin on it.
I am so excited that I got to experience this Blue Apron concept because we are now officially hooked. Now we don’t have to ask “what’s for dinner, are you going to Publix or am I? Should we take the frozen chicken down?” Now, we have half our meals for the week already planned and we know they are from fresh and high quality ingredients. Plus, they list all the calories and most are between 500-700 calories. Last thing I want to mention. You know whenever you get meals that are supposed to feed two people and then it ends up just feeding you and your significant other is like eating leftover pizza while giving you a side eye about never doing anything like that again? Well, these were actual portions for real hungry human beings. I actually had a small amount to bring for leftovers for lunch the next day. They definitely don’t skimp.
There is absolutely no commitment. You can pause or opt out any weeks. So the times we know we are going to be out of town, I don’t order that week. When we know we are around on the weekends, I make sure to get my order in. The price per person for a family of two is less than what we would spend per person getting quick takeout. It is $9.99 a person per meal or for a family of 4 it is $8.74 per person.
The first 25 readers from Meet at the Barre will get two free meals check it out here. I can’t wait to try out the Cod and Miso soba noodles next! Check out all the recipes that are currently available here.
For the busy and on the go people like we are Blue Apron has been the best new discovery. Have you ever tried them before? We are officially converted and I can’t wait to get my next shipment! Make sure to be one of the first 25 readers to get two free meals check it here!
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Glad to hear you enjoyed Blue Apron! Biana had me curious about it when she posted but I like scouring Pinterest for new recipe ideas way too much! Plus I never stick to a recipe haha!
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
I love Blue Apron!!! It’s our favorite way to do our “grocery shopping” LOL! We have a few weeks coming up where it just makes sense to order from them!! I love the shrimp dish you had! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
I’ve heard really good things about Blue Apron. A couple friend of ours tried it out because they just never cook. I know they were pleased with it, but they thought it was more of an easy, quick meal. Surprise! :)
The stuffed peppers look right up my alley!
I have a few friends that use Blue Apron and they love it! The chicken sounds delicious!
This program sounds so good! I usually love grocery shopping and meal planning, but lately my schedule has been insane. It would be so nice to have everything delivered to my house. I’m notorious for forgetting crucial ingredients and having to make a second trip to the store, so having all the ingredients (even butter!) delivered to me would be such a time-saver. I definitely need to try this!
All of those meals sound delicious and I love the concept of this! If there is one thing I hate to do in this life it is grocery shop!!
ALRIGHT you hooked me. Haha. I seriously have been debating this for forever and it’s kinda two for one since I’m single haha. Even better deal :) Brb signing up hoping i’m in the first 25…..
cheshirekatblog.com
I really like the variety of meals they send – seafood, chicken, beef, American, Asian, curries, etc. Definitely a great service for busy people and to help “uninspired chefs” expand what they make!
I’ve been wanting to try Blue Apron! You know we’re super busy as well, and plus sometimes at the last minute when I’m making my grocery run I’m so uninspired to come up with a new dinner idea, so this is a good idea! And OMG yes, we waste so much produce
I was just talking to someone about this, and of course I remember Biana’s post about it. It is a great idea for people who just don’t have time during the week to cook. I would consider trying this during the winter when I’m like nope not walking to Trader Joe’s today.. haha. Thanks for sharing and your meals all look delicious!!! :-)
My sister in law does blue apron and LOVES it! It’s such a cool concept! I’ll have to give it a try!
I have been dying to try blue apron! It sounds so awesome!!!
That’s a great concept for couples on the go!
Yummm! Everything looks so good – glad you had a good experience with it! Definitely going to try this one day!
I’m all about easy meals that don’t require 14 trips to the grocery store!
I am so intrigued by this! I’ve heard so much about this company and similar concepts – with Ryan’s crazy work schedule, it would be so nice not to have to worry about meal planning and getting to the grocery store some weeks. I think we may just have to try this out – all the recipes look amazing!
This sounds awesome! I would love to try this, my least favorite question of the day is “What’s for dinner?” because I am not very inventive when it comes to cooking and I run out of ideas pretty quick!
I have been wanting to try Blue Apron!
Whoo-hoooo, I signed up! Anybody that knows me will attest that the DH does all the cooking and I am the baker. When he isn’t around my meals are a ragtag affair. I am a recipe cook, I’ve always said, “If I can read it, I can cook it” so this Blue Apron concept appeals to me.
Delicious! I love Blue Apron!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
I’ve tried the Hello Fresh boxes and those are pretty cool too. It takes some time tho to get everything prepared. I would definitely give this a try, we are also victim of buying too much. It’s hard with just two people to judge how much you need!
i love the idea of blue apron, but KC and I are both so picky (about different things!) that I haven’t wanted to try them yet. Also, it’s a bit expensive for us.. I mean, not compared to a dinner out, but compared to like chinese takeout haha. But it’s obviously better food. I’m glad you mentioned the portion sizes because in the photos they look super small – KC would be so pissed lol! i might have to give it a go one day because i SUCK at meal planning.
Such a fun program! I want them to show up in KC soon ahah! Last time I checked they were not available yet.
http://www.amemoryofus.com
The concept of this sounds fun to me, maybe one day I will have to give it a try. I loved your idea of having it delivered to you on vacation! One thing I hate about cooking when we are at the beach is that I have to buy a $5 bottle of seasoning to use a teaspoon and it just irks me. You know??
Wow the squid ink pasta sounds so delish. I’ve never tried anything like it…the wings and peppers look pretty tasty! Great to try new recipes especially with some guidance which they provide.
My old roommate just started using a service like this while she was in practices constantly for the Pan Am games, but she said it was like $20 per person and that just seemed a bit much for me. This sounds like it’s so much more reasonable, but the meals still sound so delicious! I’m always in such a rush when I get home to make dinner since I’m usually not home until at least 7:30/8 and I’m starving. This would be SO ideal for those late work days!
I’ve been interested in trying them, but last time I checked, they didn’t deliver to our area. Sad! Maybe by the time the renovation is done… they’ll be here! I like the calorie ratings on these – that’s a big draw.
Totally wish I had Blue Apron available to me. I see it on so many Youtube channels!
YUMMMM looks amazing! Definitely want to try this!
Free shipping is always a necessity for me too :)
This all looks delish! What an amazing program for all of us constantly on the go!
This is such an excellent way to learn how to prepare new dishes without starting and realizing you forgot one measly ingredient. Has that ever happened to you? The dishes you were sent look like they came right out of a restaurant!
We enjoyed our Blue Apron experience, but it was NOT enough protein for the two of us. If we do it again we will always be adding extra protein. It is a great concept!
This sounds so cool- since it’s just me, this would be a great way to get in a solid home-cooked meal or two during the week!
-Ashey
Le Stylo Rouge
sooo good to hear that you like this service! i’ve been thinking about trying it and now i think i will. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I love the idea of this in theory. As much as I love to cook and am very efficient in the kitchen, I hate grocery shopping. But my husband and I eat completely different so it probably would not be the best option for us. Now that we are empty nesters, I tend to be at a lot more networking events in the evening so he is just as happy picking up a roasted chicken dinner or greek salad and not having to come home and do anything. Thanks for sharing via #TBB #FridayShareFest :)
My sister was telling me about this. She honestly hates to cook and wasn’t a fan, because she still had to prepare all the food. Although, she did say that she enjoyed her husband stepping to help prepare the meal. The two of the cook together in the kitchen like a team, whereas before, it’s all on her and she’d rather not cook.
When she mentioned it to me, I was very intrigued because I do love to cook, but sometimes weeks are crazy busy and I don’t have time to get to the store or I’m too tired to cook, especially when hubby is traveling. I like the healthy meals and the ingredients of the meals. I will need to investigate this some more. ;-)
whao! I’ve never heard of this, but how amazing!!!? Especially for a gal with your schedule (still have no idea how the hell you do it). I love the unique ingredients in each little packet…squid ink pasta. fabulous. This seems like such a great way to break a food rut, even just once in a while to get some new ideas. The recipe cards look super easy to use and both meals pictured look amazing.
Great post!
XO,Gina
http://www.classyeverafterblog.com
Hey Love! So, I tried Blue Apron a while ago and while I liked the food I felt like it was a lot of chopping and prep. The meals took me a long time. The end result was worth it but it was hard for me on weeknights.