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You are here: Home / Lifestyle / Real Moms Love Cook Smarts

April 25, 2014

Real Moms Love Cook Smarts

This post is sponsored by Cook Smarts.

KAY-2

You all know my love for Cook Smarts, but did you know I have gotten lots of my friends hooked too? We are all putting delicious meals on our family tables each night and saving time in the kitchen. We even have a Voxer group where we discuss the recipes with comments like:

“I just made the fish – it was amazing! I would recommend parmesan cheese on top!”

or

“Did you guys make the chicken yet? I’m wondering if I can cook it at nap time and reheat or if it will be better fresh?”

One day we were chatting about how much Cook Smarts has changed how we cook, and I had the idea to invite them to share their feedback in a blog post. I asked Sarah G., Alice, and Sarah S. if they would share, and their answers are below.

CSmoms

How has Cook Smarts changed how you meal plan?

Sarah G: Cook Smarts has REVOLUTIONIZED how I meal plan. I used to dread having to decide what to make for the week. I would search the internet for “good” gluten-free recipes and/or make the same 5 dishes over and over. But Cook Smarts takes the work out! Now I have tried and true gluten-free recipes at my fingertips every week.

Alice: For the first time I actually meal plan as opposed to just having a bunch of random things in the house that I threw together day of. I have half a dozen recipes that I would rotate through but this has allowed me to broaden my horizons and make awesome healthy meals that are constantly changing and different each week. I also find that I’m able to reuse ingredients and there is much less waste in my kitchen. I’m not throwing away rotten vegetables!

Sarah S: Cook Smarts has made me a lot more organized, and my life less hectic in regards to meal planning. I used to get overwhelmed with meal planning and grocery shopping. I would then overspend on groceries because I could never properly orchestrate meal plans for my family. I love that I can customize my meals for the week and a grocery list is then emailed to me. This not only saves me time but my husband is very happy with my grocery budget these days :).

What is your favorite part of the service?

Sarah G: I love the feeling that I have a “partner” in the kitchen with me. Jess’ personality shows through her videos and her recipe summaries and the service is absolutely making me a better cook. I ENJOY cooking now! I even wear an apron. And I love love love how I always have fresh herbs, lemons, and limes in my kitchen now. (And know how to use them… what??)

Alice: The Sunday prep day is a lifesaver! I also love the ability to customize each individual meal to my needs. I am 90% vegetarian but I do occasionally eat seafood, so it’s nice to be able to have both of those options.

Sarah S: I love that I can customize our meal plan to best fit our family and then a grocery list is emailed to me.  I feel like I save time and money while further enhancing my culinary skills.

Do you do a Sunday prep day or do you make the recipes on the spot? Do you find the recipes and grocery list to be user friendly?

Sarah G: I don’t do a one day prep but if I were a working mom I would absolutely benefit from this! I usually have my afternoons free so I tend to prep in late afternoon. And it works for me. I don’t use the grocery list because I just find it more convenient to scan the ingredients on the actual recipe and just write down what I don’t already have.

Alice: I do the Sunday prep day and it has changed how I am able to spend my week parenting. I used to spend nap times stressed out trying to get everything done: laundry, dishes, dinner, cleaning etc. Depending how my two children under the age of three nap, there’s never enough time and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Now being able to prep for the weeks meals on Sunday has given me the ability to feel ahead of the game with my parenting and my household chores. Now it’s not the end of the world if my kids are not sleeping at the same time because I have flexibility that I didn’t before. I find the recipes to be user-friendly, and I often prep even more than the make-ahead list recommends so I have nearly everything for the whole week prepped.

Sarah S: I’m a recipe on the spot girl : ).  I usually do my prep for my nightly meals during nap time. I find the recipes and grocery list super easy. I can generally complete a Cook Smarts entree in about 30-40 minutes.

Does your toddler like the meals?

Sarah G: No! But this isn’t saying anything negative about Cook Smarts, trust me.

Alice: For the most part, yes. Although she has been so picky lately, she isn’t the most reliable critic.

Sarah S: My two-year old has become a picky eater but she will nosh down on a lot of the Cook Smarts meals. She loves the Turkish Meatballs, Pulled BBQ Chicken Tacos, and Sweet Potato Soup.

What has been your favorite meal so far?

Sarah G: Oh my… I have to choose ONE? I’d have to say the Mustard Roasted Haddock, but there are lots of close seconds.

Alice: I loved everything that had to do with the Spinach Artichoke Pesto. That was amazing!

Sarah S: We love love healthy Mexican food so I would have to say the Pulled BBQ Chicken Tacos and Fish Tacos.

Would you recommend Cook Smarts to other moms and why?

Sarah G: I recommend Cook Smarts all the time! To the point of harassment. It’s just really changed my life, and it kills me to see moms in the same old “I hate cooking/don’t know what to make” rut. Cooking dinner is a hard thing to do day after day if you don’t ENJOY it and Cook Smarts makes it enjoyable. And I love tasting every single creation. It’s fun!

Alice: I already have and will continue to do so. The meals are healthy, fresh, creative, fun, and easy. My husband loves them and the ability to have cooking be enjoyable coupled with the ability to spend more time with my kids and not taking forever to prep every meal every day is wonderful.

Sarah S: I DO recommend Cook Smarts to moms because its an easy way to make healthy meals for your family while staying on a budget.

KAY-1

Nutrition Facts News!

In other news, Jess has added a much-requested feature to the site: NUTRITION FACTS! I know many of you will be so happy.

The design is awesome – it has drop-down menus so you can see a breakdown of what ingredients are contributing to different nutrients. So helpful for recipe customization. And speaking of nutrition, yours truly wrote up a Nutrition FAQ for the Cook Smarts site recently that explains a bit more about how to use a nutrition facts label.

Screen-Shot-2014-04-11-at-5

Nutrition facts will be available for all meals in 2014 and future meals in all upcoming plans. The default view is hidden, so if you could care less how many grams of protein are in your dinner, you don’t have to know : )

Giveaway + Coupon

Cook Smarts designed this awesome tote bag featuring their guide to cooking 100 different vegetables. This would be perfect for taking to the farmer’s market all summer long!

You can enter one of three ways (or all three for more entries!): Tweet (1 entry), by email (1 entry) or by signing up for a free Cook Smarts account and leaving a comment on this post with the meal you’d most like to make (worth 5 entries!). Giveaway will run through the weekend and end at midnight on Sunday.

THREE WINNERS!

Tote

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And finally, Jess loves to have me share the love in coupon form. If you’ve put off giving Cook Smarts a try, KERFSPRING14 is good for $13 off annual subscription (= $59). Coupon expires Tuesday, May 6.

Happy Cooking!

This post is sponsored by Cook Smarts.
Links are referral links so only click if you so choose. Many thanks!

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Comments

  1. Ashley says

    April 25, 2014 at 7:16 am

    Fish tacos, yumm.

    Reply
  2. Jane says

    April 25, 2014 at 7:17 am

    I would love to make the mustard roasted fish! I studied abroad in France and absolutely fell in love with anything coated in mustard

    Reply
  3. dipali says

    April 25, 2014 at 7:24 am

    I’d love to try the pesto portabella pizza from Cooksmart’s Instagram!! It looks soo good!

    Reply
  4. Caroline says

    April 25, 2014 at 7:43 am

    I want to make the Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Carrots

    Reply
  5. Kelsey @aslolife says

    April 25, 2014 at 7:50 am

    I’ve been checking Cook Smarts out ever since you first mentioned it and think I might try one of the sample weeks starting on Monday and see how it goes. I don’t have any kids, but having easy, healthy meals ready to go, especially when my brain is fried sounds pretty amazing to me. The panko crusted fish tacos have me drooling already!

    Reply
  6. Jessie Popelka says

    April 25, 2014 at 7:59 am

    I love all fish so any of the fish dishes would be great!

    Reply
  7. MaryK. says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:03 am

    Just signed up for the test run. Im most curious to see how my little ones love it cause I already know I will!

    Reply
  8. Sonal says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:05 am

    I am always scared of making fish at home. Your pics and reviews of the fish recipes make me want to try again.

    Reply
  9. Kerry says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:08 am

    This service look so good. I want to try fish tacos!

    Reply
  10. Alexandra W says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:18 am

    I would love to make the Panko Crusted Fish Tacos!

    Reply
  11. Jane says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:18 am

    This is a great post! I have a 13 year old daughter and 10 year old twins boys. I was home for 5 years and went back to work when my twins entered kindergarten. I had no choice but to plan meals for the week so I sort of taught myself the planning and Sunday meal prep. What I do love about the idea of Cooksmarts is the new recipes! I think I might sign up just to have new recipe ideas at my fingertips. Such a great idea!

    Reply
  12. Katie says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:21 am

    Okay, you’ve basically sold me on Cook Smarts. About how much would you say is a reasonable amount to budget per week for the Cook Smarts meal plans? Something I love about meal plans is how they help save money, but I’m concerned that there are a lot of ingredients for all the different meal plans that will really add up.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 25, 2014 at 1:20 pm

      Once you get a good pantry going there aren’t many weird ingredients at all. I had to buy a few things like fish sauce and red wine vinegar but now that we have them the most I need is a little bit of something from the spice bulk bins. I’d say about $100 a week is what I spend on groceries (excluding household items and bread). $150 might be more realistic for people with multiple kids or older teens.

      Reply
  13. Rebecca says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:27 am

    I most want to try the sesame teriyaki salmon. I love starting the week with fish and veggies in case we get off track over the weekend! I have signed up and looked at the free recipes but I have yet to try it out. I really need to give a go and see if it will work for me!

    Reply
  14. April says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:33 am

    I am thinking about trying CookSmarts, but I prefer to prep most of our food on Sunday and cook only once or twice a week (we both get home late most nights). I’m going to check it out to see if it still might work! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Maria says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:36 am

    I’ve signed up for a free account and the turkey tacos this week look yummy. Sooner or later i’m going to break down and buy a membership.

    Reply
  16. Christine says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:45 am

    I just signed up for three months! I’m tired of trying to figure out what to cook each week and throwing out food we don’t eat. Thought a trial run of 3 months would let me see if it works for our family! So excited!

    Reply
  17. Kari K says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:46 am

    Mmmmm I love me some soup!

    Reply
  18. Lindsay says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:54 am

    I’m excited to try the sesame teriyaki salmon!

    Reply
  19. Sandie says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:55 am

    Apple fennel turkey burgers!

    Reply
  20. Heather says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:00 am

    The apple fennel burgers look delicious!

    Reply
  21. Sabrina says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:03 am

    I didn’t realize there was a vegetarian option; so excited to try it out!

    Reply
  22. Katie M says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:07 am

    Panko crusted fish tacos look delish!

    Reply
  23. Amy Friel says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:08 am

    I want to make any of the fish recipes. I need new ideas of how to prepare different kinds.

    Reply
  24. Ashley says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:11 am

    I had signed up for Cook Smarts and loved how everything was laid out. The Spinach Artichoke Pesto was delicious!

    Reply
  25. Carolyn says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:11 am

    All the Cook Smarts recipes you’ve shown look soooo amazing!

    I have what might be a dumb question though. Is Cook Smarts only for women/moms? I mean, obviously anyone can use it, but is it geared toward women?

    My husband does all the meal planning/cooking in our house and I think he might like this but he would definitely be turned off if he felt like it was a ‘mom’ thing.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 25, 2014 at 10:06 am

      Not at all! Very gender neutral

      Reply
    • Jess @ Cook Smarts says

      April 25, 2014 at 10:58 am

      Hi Carolyn, Jess from Cook Smarts here! We tend to have more moms use it but we also have quite a few dads and even twenty-something male bachelors (maybe they’re trying to pick up some skills to find a wife?). Here is a dad story you can pass onto your husband: http://www.cooksmarts.com/cs-blog/2014/04/merrill-hero-in-the-kitchen/

      Reply
  26. Becki @ Bites 'n Brews says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:15 am

    Moroccan spiced chicken for me!

    Reply
  27. Cassie F. says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:17 am

    I think the Apple Fennel Turkey burgers look great! I am going to make this next week. I always assumed cook smarts would be out of my budget, but it is very reasonable! I think I’m going to have to give it a try! I am horrible at meal planning, and all of these dishes look amazing!

    Reply
  28. Abby says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:23 am

    I was going to say the sesame teriyaki salmon – but with all this talk about fish tacos, now I’m craving those 🙂

    Reply
  29. jillian says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:34 am

    the panko crusted fish tacos look delicious!

    Reply
  30. jillian says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:35 am

    Kath, You might have answered this in your grocery posts — but I was curious about how you much spend on groceries with Cook Smarts per week? I just signed up for Blue Apron, a food delivery service / meal plan, and I’m looking to compare! Thanks!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 25, 2014 at 1:18 pm

      Blue Apron is really really cool but it’s super expensive per serving. I’d say you can easily get away with $100 a week with Cook Smarts if you get minimal stuff for other meals and rely on the leftovers for lunch. Maybe $150 at a higher end

      Reply
  31. Danielle says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Roasted veggies and chicken!

    Reply
  32. Kim says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:42 am

    I think it would be nice if the service offered specialty menus…specifically vegan.

    Thanks.
    ka

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 25, 2014 at 10:05 am

      They do offer several specialty menus. .. vegetarian, paleo and gluten free

      Reply
  33. Tonya says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:44 am

    I signed up! I want the panko crusted fish tacos and that indian spiced veggie dish! Veg version of that apple fennel turkey burger looks good too.

    Reply
  34. Elizabeth says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:56 am

    the sesame-teriyaki salmon looks great!

    Reply
  35. Rebecca says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:01 am

    I signed up. This service looks great!

    Reply
  36. Natalie says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:08 am

    Even though it’s 8:00 am, fish tacos sound amazing right now!

    Reply
  37. Ashleigh M. says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:10 am

    Fish tacos for sure!

    Reply
  38. LO says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:14 am

    I am thinking about signing up for this. The fish tacos look good!

    Reply
  39. Danielle says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:21 am

    Signed up – butternut squash curry

    Reply
  40. Allison Galassie says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:27 am

    BBQ pulled chicken tacos!

    Reply
  41. Jenn says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:30 am

    I’ve been using cook smarts for a few months and really love it. Thanks for the coupon code. I passed it along to family since I’ve been raving about the service so much.

    I’m curious whether you participate in Cook Smarts’ facebook group or give feedback on the recipes on the site. I’ve found it to be really helpful and fun.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 29, 2014 at 1:35 pm

      I have a little bit!

      Reply
  42. Dana says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:33 am

    the mustard haddock sounds delish

    Reply
  43. Elizabeth says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:35 am

    Panko crusted fish tacos look delicious and are so pretty with the purple cabbage!

    Reply
  44. Grace says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:37 am

    This week I look forward to trying the Mediterranean Chicken Packets with couscous and cucumber yogurt. A household with dual working parents and a busy 2 year old. Cook Smarts has made my life so much easier!

    Reply
  45. Steph says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:37 am

    The haddock sounds so good.

    Reply
  46. Sara says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:39 am

    Fish tacos…..my kids love fish lately and would go for these!

    Reply
  47. Bridget Black says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:43 am

    the mushroom spinach feta frittata looks great for a weekend morning!

    Reply
  48. Jessica says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:01 am

    I have wanted to try cook smarts but not sure if I will follow through with it for a whole year subscription….will keep thinking, but the discount definitely helps!

    Reply
  49. Bridget says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:01 am

    Pulled Pork Tacos!

    Reply
  50. Anne says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:02 am

    Eggplant and zucchini sauté!

    Reply
  51. Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:02 am

    I already have a Cook Smarts account – I’m looking forward to the taco salad this week!

    Reply
  52. Jennifer T says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:02 am

    I love Cook Smarts! I signed up after I heard about it on your blog and I am obsessed! I am a working mom of a 10 month old and it has totally changed my outlook on getting dinner on the table. I used to love to spend hours flipping through magazines & cookbooks for new recipes, but now I don’t have time. So I had really fallen into the trap of frozen convenience foods. Now with Cook Smarts I am enjoying cooking again and it’s all laid out for me right there! I’m a big fan as you can probably tell. I love the Butternut Squash Chili and the Fish Sandwiches, but every meal is so good. Hubby and baby approved as well.

    Reply
  53. Jayme says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:05 am

    So excited to see the nutrition facts – very important for my family! We are nuts about fish tacos so I’d love to try a healthy homemade version.

    Reply
  54. Emily S says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:15 am

    fish tacos!

    Reply
  55. Renae says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:30 am

    I must try this to recapture some hours back in my life!

    Reply
  56. Tracy Turner says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:33 am

    I signed up for Cook Smarts and am so excited to get started. Both my children have left the nest and my husband and I are always on the go but are also committed to healthy, adventurous eating and this will undoubtedly keep us on track!

    Reply
  57. Tracy Turner says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:34 am

    oh duh! I forgot to read the directions. Can’t wait to try the fish tacos. They’re a fave

    Reply
  58. Kate says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:45 am

    I signed up! I am looking forward to the Moroccan Chicken and carrots!

    Reply
  59. Anu says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:49 am

    I would love to make the green pepper and mushroom pizza….looks delish!!

    Reply
  60. melissa says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:52 am

    the fish tacos or the panko chicken!

    Reply
  61. Rachel says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:52 am

    I have a free account – I’d love to try the miso butter salmon!

    Reply
  62. Helen F says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:53 am

    I signed up for a free account- I’ve been flipping through my cookbooks so fast lately, nothing seems convenient and easy. I really want to try those fish tacos!

    Reply
  63. Anna Lise says

    April 25, 2014 at 12:09 pm

    I love Cooksmarts too, as a couple with no kids! Especially when the Mr. eats so much! We do the 4 people servings so he can have seconds and I have lung for the next day.

    Reply
  64. Samantha says

    April 25, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    The pulled pork tacos sound amazing!

    Reply
  65. Megan says

    April 25, 2014 at 12:15 pm

    I’m going to try the Indian Spiced Roasted Vegetables first!

    Reply
  66. Claire Moloney says

    April 25, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    I already have an account, but I would love that tote! Is that ok? I am most excited about the Mediterranean chicken packets this week 🙂 Yay cooksmarts! I really has made life so much easier with baby #2 at home now! whew! And I have gotten my mom hooked too, which is great since she is not usually into cooking!

    Reply
  67. Karli Tedeschi says

    April 25, 2014 at 12:18 pm

    i can’t wait to try the indian spiced roasted veggies. curry & indian food is big on my craving list right now! as a busy single-mom, i’m excited to try cooks smart and experience feeling like i have more time and like i’m less overwhelmed. thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  68. Allison says

    April 25, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    Spinach and artichoke pesto?? That sounds life-changing!

    Reply
  69. Tiphani says

    April 25, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    Panko Crusted Fish Tacos!

    Reply
  70. Liz says

    April 25, 2014 at 12:57 pm

    Cook Smarts looks like a great option for meal planning, and I would love to try the chicken tacos! Just curious…what is a “Real Mom?”

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 25, 2014 at 1:17 pm

      Real mom as opposed to an actor paid to say they like it! As in “real life moms”

      Reply
  71. shannon says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    I would love to try Spinach Artichoke Pesto!!

    Reply
  72. Kate says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    I love fish tacos! I had been thinking about whether or not to join, but the inclusion of nutritional information really makes a difference.

    Reply
  73. Sage says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:26 pm

    The portabello pizza looks great! I am more intrigued now that I know there is nutritional information included, and that I can customize for a vegan and a seafood eater!

    Reply
  74. Christina C says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:27 pm

    Bbq chicken tacos!

    Reply
  75. Hannah N. says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:30 pm

    The chicken soba noodle dish that Kath made recently looks really good!

    Reply
  76. Shannon says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    Was nice to see other point of views of cooksmarts! I’ve been thinking of trying it and this has definitely increased my chances!

    Reply
  77. Cinemarie says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:42 pm

    I want to try this so bad! But I’m concerned about budget – I see you mentioned that 100$-150$ a week covers most of the plans, but I was wondering how much ‘leftovers’ do you really get, how many servings do you get per prepped meal? Basically how many meals (servings) do you end up having to cover without Cook Smarts’ help? (if that makes any sense…) 🙂

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      When I quoted $100ish a week, I mean for an average shopper who buys things like yogurt too – not just the Cook Smarts groceries alone. That’s a good question – how much are the groceries themselves. I really couldn’t say.

      Reply
    • Carly says

      April 28, 2014 at 6:56 pm

      Hi Cinemarie,

      Carly from Cook Smarts here. Thanks for your comment! There are a couple dependencies (i.e. how many meals you’re making, what grocery store, additional items, etc.) but I spend about $60-$80 which covers two people for the week. We usually always have leftovers for lunch the next day. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  78. Angela B says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    Fish Tacos!!

    Reply
  79. Nicole says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    I hate to be negative…I love the idea of Cook Smarts (have a subscription for the rest of the year), but we haven’t been thrilled with the dishes we’ve made. My husband is picky, but I enjoy a variety of things (will try anything once!), so I was surprised that I haven’t found very much to my liking. I’m not sure if it’s my execution of the dishes on my part (doubtful since I cook plenty of other things well), or just the flavors don’t please my palate. I’m super bummed because I was really excited for it to work for me.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      Really!? I have loved almost everything! That’s a bummer.

      Reply
    • Heidi says

      April 28, 2014 at 8:17 am

      Same here. We’ve found many of the dishes to be blah. I had really hoped it would work for us, too! We have a year subscription, so maybe things will improve.

      Reply
  80. Laura says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    I will definitely have to give Cook Smarts a try!!

    Reply
  81. Lisa says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie, and I know the hubs would love it too!

    Reply
  82. Kim says

    April 25, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    Love the idea of Cook Smarts- my family is all grown BUT I still get in a rut with meals- my husband and I are not picky eaters at all – checked out the Cook Smarts site – it is just so hard to pick just ONE meal I would like to try – all look so very good!

    Reply
  83. [email protected] says

    April 25, 2014 at 2:32 pm

    With the food you’ve been having I’d love to try cooksmarts! Especially as meat and fish are all so new..my problem is there are too many things I want to try! Cooksmarts would reign me in! That is one mighty nutrition label for that meal…41g of protein and only 211 calories from the steak, is it right or just a dummy one out of interest?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 25, 2014 at 6:06 pm

      That’s just the calories from the steak – it’s a drop down menu that shows you what contributed to the recipe. The total calories for the recipe were 559 which you can see in the red header. It’s clearer if you’re doing it yourself : )

      Reply
  84. Kristen says

    April 25, 2014 at 2:41 pm

    Fish Tacos, yum!

    Reply
  85. Lexi says

    April 25, 2014 at 2:44 pm

    I would absolutely make pulled BBQ chicken tacos! Perfect for eating outside on a warm summer evening.

    Reply
  86. Devon says

    April 25, 2014 at 2:53 pm

    I signed up for cook smart emails and plan to perphaps try it out for a few months in the near future! I am interested in a few different recipes, and even think this would be a great wedding present! I think I may gift a six month subscription to my cousin in the near future!

    Reply
  87. Tasha says

    April 25, 2014 at 2:58 pm

    Everything looks so good but the Panko Crusted Fish Tacos are calling out to me… I have to give them a try! Excited to try out Cook Smarts!

    Reply
  88. Angela says

    April 25, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    Panko crusted fish tacos! But the Mac n cheese looks pretty tantalizing as well!

    Reply
  89. [email protected] says

    April 25, 2014 at 3:32 pm

    My husband just got a job in town (he previously worked away for 2 weeks and was home for one week), this service will be perfect for us so that we can meal plan and prep together! I am looking forward to trying the Panko-Breaded Chicken “Nuggets”

    Reply
  90. Kelly says

    April 25, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    Fish tacos!!!!

    Reply
  91. Kristen says

    April 25, 2014 at 3:49 pm

    Sesame teriyaki salmon?! Yes, please!!

    Reply
  92. Dani says

    April 25, 2014 at 3:54 pm

    I would love to try the Indian spiced roasted veggies!! Yum!

    Reply
  93. JennieM says

    April 25, 2014 at 4:07 pm

    signed up for the free account and WILL be making the fish tacos or the apple fennel turkey burgers this weekend….thanks!

    Reply
  94. Jack O'Brien says

    April 25, 2014 at 4:15 pm

    This all looks amazing for someone in med school who has no free time! holla at cha boy

    Reply
  95. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    April 25, 2014 at 4:33 pm

    Seared Sesame Chicken Thighs!

    Reply
  96. Amanda says

    April 25, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    Beef and broccoli stir-fry!!

    Reply
  97. Erin m. says

    April 25, 2014 at 5:31 pm

    The Indian roasted veggies look good!

    Reply
  98. Kel says

    April 25, 2014 at 5:43 pm

    Cute bag! I would love to try any of her pestos – very creative. Also the beef and broccoli stir fry.

    Reply
  99. Ilene says

    April 25, 2014 at 5:56 pm

    BBQ pulled pork tacos!

    Reply
  100. Jenn says

    April 25, 2014 at 6:23 pm

    I signed up for the free trial! Looking forward to all the meals listed – salmon, beef and broccoli chicken nuggets, and Mac and cheese. I was impressed with the amount of veggies mixed in all week.

    Reply
  101. nicole says

    April 25, 2014 at 6:36 pm

    I would love to try the Avgolemono soup! Sounds interesting. So many of the recipes look awesome though, and I would love to try Cook Smarts!!

    Reply
  102. Maggie says

    April 25, 2014 at 7:35 pm

    Ok…I think this pushed me over the ledge. I’m gonna have to jump on the Cook Smarts train after this semester is over (thank GOD the last two years of law school are nothing like the first so I will have time to cook from here on out)!

    I love cooking/grocery shopping/meal prepping/planning but the part I absolutely despise is staring at my Pinterest/bookmarks for an hour and still having no idea what to put on the menu….. and this will solve that 😀

    Reply
    • Maggie says

      April 25, 2014 at 7:39 pm

      Just thought of something else! Have you tried any of the meal services like Blue Apron/Plated/etc?

      I tried one of them (don’t even remember which one) once and I didn’t really like it. Way overpriced, plus I love the act of going to the grocery store and it weirded me out that this food was sitting in a cooler all day (despite it being on dry ice). I am also entirely too type A to let anyone pick out my produce. It takes me a solid 5 minutes just to choose my bunch of bananas…haha

      Reply
      • KathEats says

        April 26, 2014 at 6:04 am

        I haven’t because of those reasons! I think they would be fun to do once in a while but not long term

        Reply
  103. Cyn says

    April 25, 2014 at 7:54 pm

    Loving the fish tacos! 🙂

    Reply
  104. Megan D says

    April 25, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    The Moroccan spiced chicken

    Reply
  105. Brandy says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:11 pm

    This is great! I would love to have good meal all week without thinking them all up myself! I can’t pick a single recipe to make!

    Reply
  106. Spice Chicken says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:11 pm

    Kath, just wanted to mention this week’s New York Times Dining section featured bread: cool bakers, artisanal flours, interesting loaves. I thought of you.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 26, 2014 at 6:03 am

      Cool thanks!

      Reply
  107. Debbie (accidently delish) says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:23 pm

    i subscribed when you first starting talking about Cook Smarts! I think the Eggplant and Zucchini Saute looks amazing! I am also very interested in making the Spinach Artichoke Pesto!

    I would really love to try this, I think I am in denial that meal planning would help me as I never know what I have a taste for, but I think that is just me being stubborn. With as busy as I am half the time I am having PB&Js and cereal for dinner! I really think this could help me get more nutritious meals made for dinner.

    Reply
  108. Amy says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    This is great feedback! I’ve been hesitant to try CookSmarts because I’m not sure if my kids will like the meals – but I’m thinking about giving it a try!

    Reply
  109. Deb says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    Moroccan spiced chicken looks great!

    Reply
  110. talar says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:01 pm

    fish tacos look delish!

    Reply
  111. rachel says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:06 pm

    Rotisserie Chicken, Carrot, and Kale Curry + Brown Rice!

    Reply
  112. Sarah says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:09 pm

    4 mamas can’t be wrong 🙂 looks amazing!!!!

    Reply
  113. Whitney says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:12 pm

    The fish tacos look awesome

    Reply
  114. Laura says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:39 pm

    All of the recipes look so good I don’t know how I could choose just one! Right now the mac n cheese looks delicious!

    Reply
  115. Katy Robinson says

    April 25, 2014 at 10:50 pm

    Fish tacos sound delicious. Would love to make them at home!

    Reply
  116. Anna says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:00 pm

    I am definitely going to make the Mustard Roasted Fish ASAP. I have been looking for lentil recipies to incorporate into my meals, and I love every ingredient in it!

    Reply
  117. Tanya says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:08 pm

    I would love to try the Sesame Teryaki Salmon!

    This site looks amazing!!!

    Reply
  118. Pua says

    April 26, 2014 at 1:57 am

    I’m all about the sesame teriyaki salmon, but the fish tacos also look good!

    Reply
  119. Rebecca says

    April 26, 2014 at 2:16 am

    I’ve really wanted to try this ever since you posted about it, but dont have a lot of kitchen equipment (not even a blender) . What percentage of the recipes call for food processors etc? Thanks Kath!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 26, 2014 at 6:01 am

      Mostly just the pestos. Could you get a mini chopper?

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 26, 2014 at 2:29 pm

        Good to know i will check it out! Thanks!

        Reply
  120. B.J.A. says

    April 26, 2014 at 6:13 am

    Can’t wait to make the Mustard Roasted Fish with Lentils, Peas, and Spinach.

    Reply
  121. [email protected] says

    April 26, 2014 at 6:23 am

    Ah very good I was thinking!

    Reply
  122. Alyssa says

    April 26, 2014 at 7:26 am

    Fish tacos of course! I live in TEXAS, we’re crazy about tacos of all sorts

    Reply
  123. Trisha says

    April 26, 2014 at 8:04 am

    Signed up! The apple fennel turkey burgers look delish! I love a good turkey burger

    Reply
  124. Megan says

    April 26, 2014 at 8:50 am

    I just used the coupon code and signed up for a year!!! Thanks Kath!

    Reply
  125. Taryn says

    April 26, 2014 at 9:38 am

    Panko crusted fish tacos look amazing!

    Reply
  126. [email protected] says

    April 26, 2014 at 9:50 am

    Stovetop mac ‘n cheese!

    Reply
  127. Emily says

    April 26, 2014 at 10:09 am

    I’d like to try the Panko Crusted Fish Tacos! They look yummy!

    Reply
  128. Maggie Miller says

    April 26, 2014 at 10:50 am

    The meal I most want to make is cauliflower crust pizza!

    Reply
  129. Ann Paquette-Lukens says

    April 26, 2014 at 11:02 am

    I want to make the INDIAN-SPICED ROASTED VEGETABLES first, but they all look delicious!

    Reply
  130. Amelia says

    April 26, 2014 at 11:40 am

    I think the panko crusted fish tacos sound delicious, but I’d also love to make the apple fennel turkey burgers because I think my fiance would love them!

    Reply
  131. Olivia says

    April 26, 2014 at 11:43 am

    I’m dying to try the chicken thai basil stir fry!

    Reply
  132. jill says

    April 26, 2014 at 11:49 am

    The fish recipes look like a win to me. 🙂

    Reply
  133. Jessica Mumford says

    April 26, 2014 at 12:07 pm

    I need help w/utilizing a bigger variety of vegetables!

    Reply
  134. Marcia says

    April 26, 2014 at 12:08 pm

    Fish tacos sound great!

    Reply
  135. Maryz says

    April 26, 2014 at 12:24 pm

    Fish tacos…I think that would be awesome for my family. I am 90% vegetarian with some fish and seafood thrown in and the rest of the family are meat eaters. Going to give it a try for a few weeks and see how it goes!

    Reply
  136. Anna says

    April 26, 2014 at 5:02 pm

    meatballs and marinara sauce or some kind of italian meal with tomato sauce and cheese

    Reply
  137. Ilana says

    April 26, 2014 at 5:02 pm

    MMM Fish tacos sound delicious and healthy!

    Reply
  138. Theresa says

    April 26, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    What is your favorite?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 26, 2014 at 7:06 pm

      The coconut panko shrimp!

      Reply
  139. kathleen says

    April 26, 2014 at 5:38 pm

    Any of the tacos sound awesome! I’m a sucker for Mexican food!

    Reply
  140. Maria says

    April 26, 2014 at 7:37 pm

    I signed up for a free trial! Fish tacos would be the first recipe I tried!

    Reply
  141. Suzette says

    April 26, 2014 at 8:58 pm

    Signed up for the free trial and can’t wait to make the Moroccan Spiced Chicken.

    Reply
  142. Melissa says

    April 26, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    I think I’d like to try the Butternut Squash Curry.

    Reply
  143. Janine M. says

    April 27, 2014 at 1:12 am

    I signed up for the free trial and would love to make the fish tacos!

    Reply
  144. Shaun says

    April 27, 2014 at 5:52 am

    Love, love, love the fish tacos!!!

    Reply
  145. laura says

    April 27, 2014 at 6:41 am

    I really want to make fish tacos at home. Not that it’s necessarily hard, but we eat them out so often, and are often unimpressed. I mean, fried? I don’t think so. Cute tote! Fun and informative post.

    Reply
  146. marie says

    April 27, 2014 at 8:32 am

    Definitely the butternut squash curry!

    Reply
  147. Cassandra says

    April 27, 2014 at 9:25 am

    I would totally give this a try if the recipes weren’t for devout carnivores. We like to have vegetarian options that are a little more elaborate than replacing meat-based recipes with ”meat-alternatives” such as tofu, tempeh and seitan.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 27, 2014 at 2:32 pm

      There is a vegetarian option and most of the vegetarian recipes are based on beans, lentils and vegetables!

      Reply
  148. Michele says

    April 27, 2014 at 9:34 am

    I signed up and the sesame teriyaki salmon looks delish!

    Reply
  149. Carol B says

    April 27, 2014 at 9:46 am

    Those steak fajitas look amazing!

    Reply
  150. Jen W. says

    April 27, 2014 at 10:30 am

    The fish tacos look amazing!

    Reply
  151. Meagan Boyd says

    April 27, 2014 at 10:31 am

    Just signed up for a free trial. I am excited to try apple fennel turkey burgers.

    Reply
  152. Jen E says

    April 27, 2014 at 10:31 am

    BBQ pulled chicken tacos sound great!!!!

    Reply
  153. Leah says

    April 27, 2014 at 4:28 pm

    I can’t wait to try fish tacos

    Reply
  154. lori t says

    April 27, 2014 at 5:42 pm

    Hi. I saw that there is a vegetarian option. I follow Eat To Live and so mostly eat oil free vegan food with limited starchy grains /vegetables. Do you think cook smart could easily be adapted by me?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      April 27, 2014 at 7:43 pm

      I’m not sure how easily, but it could be. I think you’d be better off with your own meal plans for that specific diet since Cook Smarts does use cooking oil and the vegetarian recipes are not vegan.

      Reply
  155. theresa says

    April 27, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    can’t wait to try mustard roasted fish!

    Reply
  156. Sarah says

    April 28, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    Shrimp and “grits” that is actually polenta!

    Reply
  157. Sydney says

    April 29, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    I think the Moroccan spiced chicken and carrots looks great! I don’t really have a time issue with meal prep, but I’m tempted to try Cook Smarts just because they have so many awesome recipes!

    Reply
  158. Ally says

    April 29, 2014 at 5:39 pm

    I would love to try cook smarts and I agree with the above commenters in that it would be amazing if cook smarts would branch out to more specialty diets. I would love to see a kosher option – in fact, I would join immediately!! Maybe you could make some of these suggestions on behalf of your readers who have diets that are not represented yet? I know I would appreciate it!

    Reply
  159. Cassandra says

    April 30, 2014 at 8:30 pm

    I gave them a shot, using some of the vegetarian recipes that don’t use tofu, tempeh, etc. I tried the indian-spiced roasted vegetables, and the potatoes weren’t even close to cooked in the 20 minutes of roasting that the recipe calls for. It was also terribly dry and my partner and I unanimously disliked it. I also tried the teryaki salmon, which was much better, but overall I find the recipes are cryptic and really hard to follow. I can’t believe all of the good reviews. I’m so confused.

    Reply

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    hi! Im Kath.

    I'm a Registered Dietitian, healthy eater, and mom of two from Charlottesville, Virginia. Here you’ll find a healthy mix of real-life meals made from whole ingredients balanced with the pleasures of life, including buttercream frosting and good wine. Plus a sprinkle of nutrition, home life, beauty, parenting, and travel.
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