This post is sponsored by Blue Apron
Thomas is a great cook, and we have loved cooking together as a “get to know you” activity. One of the first meals he made for me was barbecue chicken on the grill. Friends, I got lucky with a man who knows his way around a kitchen! We have been getting Blue Apron meals to make together for a while now (see this post for a recap of some of those!), and they’ve been a really fun activity to do together during these cold, dark winter nights, especially when a sleeping boy keeps us home-bound.
Blue Apron isn’t new to KERF – you guys have read about it many times! (I have an offer for you newbies at the end of this post 🙂 ) What I love about the recipe delivery service is that everything you need for the recipe comes in a box to your doorstep – fresh real food ingredients and recipes – and you make the meal from scratch in 40 minutes or less (when two of you are working together!) We actually tried a few other boxes this summer, but Blue Apron remains my favorite because I honestly feel that their recipes always have an extra ingredient, step, or layer of flavor that elevates them above something I’d just whip up on my own.
Like this fresh cavatelli!
And lemon zest. I must remember to always zest my lemons!
I also loved that the recipe instructed me to roast the carrots for the salad, something I wouldn’t have bothered to do myself but was so delicious.
We’ve tried both the 2-Person Plan and the Family Plan, but I find that if I’m going to make a recipe, I want to have enough for leftovers for lunches and Mazen the next day (if we’re cooking after bedtime), so the Family Plan best fits our needs.
I love this new way of writing the recipes – the check boxes were SO HELPFUL for a type A girl like me, especially when there were two of us working together. It was clear who had finished each step.
This recipe came together quickly, and was great for dinner and lunch the next day.
The formal recipe was Fresh Cavetelli & Broccoli with Roasted Carrot and Arugula Salad. Each week you can choose your recipes between a handful of options, and I love that flexibility.
This dish was awesome, and I loved this pasta shape! Plus the creamy lemon sauce. And the salad! Arugula, goat cheese, walnuts and roasted carrots in a homemade dressing.
If you’re new to Blue Apron, the first 25 readers will get three free meals on their first Blue Apron order! Click here for all the details.
Thanks to Blue Apron for sponsoring this post.
Tara Laxson says
This looks delicious! I’ve been wanting to try Blue Apron for awhile now!
Karlie says
That meal looks AMAZING! So much winter comfort food (+ lots of veggies! :)) have a great day Kath!
Kelly says
Oo Yum! I’d love to try!
alan says
I’m just curious about the long term effect of this service (and others in the same category). Are you content to just continue the step by step and delivery or has this service inspired you to go to market yourself, buy similar or same ingredients, and either create or re-create dishes? From a delivery standpoint, such a service is effort free (though I have no idea of cost differential). From a creativity standpoint, the recipes have seemed interesting but confining.
Thoughts? Has such a thing moved you on at all? From a business perspective, I would guess that Blue Apron, Graze, etc would not want you to do that.
KathEats says
I think it’s more about the experience than it is teaching you new recipes, but I have learned several techniques that I have continued to use – like the panko salmon recipe here I use over and over with mustard and panko.
Kelli says
I love blue apron meals but I have SUCH a hard time following recipe directions. I’m so used to do my own thing it takes every ounce of effort to follow the recipe!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Blue Apron is my jam! So much good food!
Erica @ fitnfabulous says
I loved Blue Apron but my husband just wasn’t that in to it. Maybe if I show him this post he will reconsider? lol #wishfulthinking
Pat says
I think these services are great for working families, especially those who are not as interested in cooking in and of itself, but who want a fresh, healthy, delicious dinner that comes together quickly – and has all the ingredients in the box. I haven’t tried them (they don’t deliver to my state) but l have family members in other states that use Blue Apron, not every day, but 2-3 nights a week. They live busy lives and it helps them avoid eating out and better eating fast food.
Emily says
I loved Blue Apron when I was living in Chicago- even as someone who loves to cook, it was nice to come home some days and just have to follow some directions to a delicious dinner!
Sam @ Hygge Wellness says
I love Blue Apron and use it all the time! I totally agree with you — I think they do the best at giving you approachable, delicious recipes, but ones that push you to try at least 1 technique or food that you probably don’t make on your own.
Faith says
I clicked the Blue Apron link for the special offer, but it’s just taking me to their main page. Does that mean 25 have already claimed the offer? 🙂
KathEats says
Did you get all the way to the cart? It might be waiting for you there. Or it might mean they have already been taken 🙁 Are you a first time customer?
Faith says
I didn’t, but I am a first time customer. I’ll try going through the whole process. 🙂