No, no…this isn’t a blog about the infamous SNL film short. Had to capture your attention because, after a long absence, Katherine’s back on the blog to talk about her latest culinary adventures:
With the start of school (where I work), kids’ sports, and helping with homework, the ease of summer grocery store trips and menu planning vanished. While I love cooking, the school-day afternoons just get away from me, and the family never seems to be able to eat at the same time. I needed help, and I think I found it!
You’ve probably heard of the new trend: dinner in a box. Multiple companies now deliver ready-to-cook meals to your doorstep. Inside the box are all the ingredients you need for the meals you select, which typically take less than 60 minutes to prepare. No deciding what to make for dinner. No trip to the grocery store. Everything you need is right at your fingertips.
I’d been debating whether or not to try one of these services for about six months while I wallowed in a rut of making the same meals over and again. I finally decided, why not try!
Last week I received my first box from Hello Fresh.
Here’s my verdict:
The box came with a large recipe booklet that included a list of all ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Each of the recipes was easy to follow (even while shouting at my kids to turn down their music and do their homework). The meal came together very quickly, which was key! It was also extremely convenient to grab it from the fridge knowing everything I needed to make dinner was in that cute little white box. 
I have to be honest, my only worry was whether the meals would provide a solid dinner for four people (which includes two hungry teenagers). Happily, we actually had leftovers two out of the three nights. Better yet, all three meals were absolutely delicious!
I was most surprised by the Zucchini Noodle Lasagna. At first I wasn’t sure that my teen son would buy in, but, he didn’t just like it, he loved it, and my entire family is still talking about it.
I really loved my first week of dinners from Hello Fresh. It’s on the pricey side (about $110 for 3 meals), but I’d probably spend close to that at the grocery store for similar ingredients. This way, I saved myself the shopping trip and I didn’t have to “think” about what to make. Back to school is such a busy time, so buying these healthy, balanced, tasty meals was a win-win.
I am a little excited because box #2 arrives this week! All I need to have on hand is a glass of wine to sip on while preparing my family dinners.
Cheers!
XO-Katherine
