This is a sponsored post for Blue Apron. I have been compensated through the SheSavvy Influence Network. All opinions remain my own.
It never fails! I’m on the way home from a peaceful beach trip when my mind abruptly changes gears. Rest and relaxation are the names of the game when I’m taking a few vacation days. Suddenly, I’m back in work mode.
The real world comes sharply into focus as I think about how busy the next few days will be. Photoshoots, making a video, meetings, and baseball games galore are on the horizon. My mind hones in on what I’m going to cook for dinner tonight. A trip to the grocery store is not in my game plan. Thankfully, I remember that my first Blue Apron box will be arriving this afternoon. All is well!
Unboxing
I’m like a kid at Christmas when it comes to unboxing and my Blue Apron box does not disappoint.
Since this is my first order, I’m curious as to what’s inside.
Inside the Blue Apron box are farm fresh seasonal produce, meat with no added hormones, sustainably sourced seafood and everything else I need to create three meals. Recipe cards, step-by-step instructions (with photos) and the story behind the ingredients are also included.
My first Blue Apron order consists of three meals for two people. I love how I can customize the meals for my family. Since it’s just my husband and me this weekend, these meals work perfectly. Here’s a sneak peek into my box.
I’m impressed with the Blue Apron packaging. The meats and seafood are sandwiched between ice packs to ensure they are at the proper temperature. The produce is fresh and they’ve thought of everything. Even the spices and knick knacks like red wine vinegar are provided.
I’m a foodie and I’m not big on fast food. Cooking from scratch is how I roll, but sometimes I just don’t have time to shop for groceries. I’m excited that Blue Apron chefs work directly with over 150 farms. It helps to know that I get high-quality food at a better value. Plus, there’s no middle man and the ingredients are at their freshest.
Let’s take a look at the three meals I prepared.
Meal #1 – Shrimp & Squid Ink Spaghetti
I’m an adventurous eater and trying new foods is something I enjoy. I remember the first time I ate escargot and fell instantly in love. For some strange reason, I’ve never had squid ink-infused spaghetti until now. What do I think? Oh, my, yum! Where have you been all my life?
Meal #1 – Shrimp & Squid Ink Spaghetti
I’m an adventurous eater and trying new foods is something I enjoy. I remember the first time I ate Escargot and fell instantly in love. For some strange reason, I’ve never had squid ink-infused spaghetti until now. What do I think? Oh, my, yum! Where have you been all my life?
Guess what? The pasta is fresh. It’s not dry pasta like you buy in the grocery store. Talking about feeling like a gourmet cook without all the extra work – that’s how I’m feeling today.
Everything I need to make Shrimp & Squid Ink Spaghetti is included except the olive oil. That’s not a problem because I always have olive oil on hand. Even the butter, lemon, crushed red pepper flakes and Fromage Blanc (a soft, french cheese) are included.
The six steps are easy to follow and wine pairing is also included for your convenience.
Meal #2 – Mozzarella & Arugula Paninis
You don’t need a panini maker to make delicious paninis! A heavy pot or pan works perfectly. Thanks for the tip, Blue Apron. Marinated thin sliced squash with garlic, olives and red wine vinegar are mixed with arugula for a light, refreshing salad.
The little bottle of red wine vinegar is too cute! I love how Blue Apron includes everything I need – even the red wine vinegar and fresh garlic.
The panini includes fresh mozzarella, peppery arugula, and garlicky tomato sauce that melds together and creates the perfect sandwich.
Meal #3 – Chicken & Sweet Pepper Tostadas
The step-by-step instructions are included to help me save time. As a seasoned cook, I enjoy not having to overthink the process. If you’re just learning to cook, these steps are perfect and will have you cooking like a pro in no time at all.
The fresh, colorful mini sweet pepper sauce and Mexican spices are mixed in with the chicken and piled on top of cheesy tostadas. The side dish is roasted summer squash with a dusting of Cotija.
Since Mexican food is a big favorite at my house, these tostadas are a huge hit. I can see this meal reappearing on my weekly menu.
Final Thoughts
My favorite meal is the Shrimp & Squid Ink Spaghetti. My husband’s favorite is the Chicken & Sweet Pepper Tostadas. The tostadas are my second favorite. All of the meals are good and Blue Apron does not skimp on the portions.
Will I order Blue Apron again? In a heartbeat! Check out how you can get $30 off your first delivery and enjoy dinner, the Blue Apron Way.
23 comments
I’ve heard a lot of great things about Blue Apron. The service sounds like just what I need. I’m always on the go and I really struggle with meal planning. My family isn’t really good with “Adventurous Eating” so I’m a bit worried. I want to be sure they will eat what we get.
Never heard of Blue Apron before (as I am based in the UK) but it sounds like the service they provide is excellent. Wish we had this sort of service here.
This all looks delicious! I’ve been meaning to try one of the meal subscription boxes, because I do reviews of those on my blog, too. I’ll have to try Blue Apron next!
What a great idea! I find doing groceries to be such a chore! These meals look so healthy and delicious too
My sister uses Blue Apron all the time. She loves all the tiny containers the condiments come in. She loves it. My kids are too picky for something like this right now, maybe when they’re older (or on vacation).
I would love to give this a try. These meals look so delicious and easy to make. It would be a time saver for sure.
This looks like it would be a great way for me and my husband to make some new meals. Now that the kids have moved out, we get in a meal rut. Blue Apron would challenge us!
Yes, you can make paninis with a heavy pan! This sounds like it would be really great for busy folks who aren’t sure what to meal plan.
This is so cool. It really does look amazing. I have heard of the before. Straight to the table almost gormet meals. There is just something so cool about that.
I had read some news this week that Blue Apron is going public. They must be doing so much better than Hello Fresh and any others then. I loved using it, but it is too expensive for me.
it looks so healthy and hygienic, though I donot like cooking because of the mess kitchen looks in the end, but I do like the package you ordered, may be I could order and change my mindset towards it.
I have tried Blue Apron three times and every time the food comes spoiled and I am home when it is delivered. Maybe Chicago is too far away from their home base. My friend in Arizona has never had an issue, but my friend in Florida has. This looks really good though!
I have not tried Blue Apron. Sounds like a great meal subscription! The foods look good.
This food looks so good. I am going to have to try Blue Apron. I am not a big fan of cooking, but I might become one with good food like this.
The Blue Apron sounds like a great food place to order from. I would love to get boxes of food that just needs cooking. The Chicken & Sweet Pepper Tostadas sound so good and look delicious. Thanks for sharing your Blue Apron box and your experiences.
How awesome is this box of goodies, I have to admit I would love to try the Shrimp & Squid Ink Spaghetti, in particular, that sounds absolutely delicious!
All of this looks AMAZING! I would love to try the squid ink spaghetti but honestly, it all looks delicious. I haven’t tried Blue Apron, maybe it’s time I did!
Seeing is definitely believing. The foods look healthy and fresh. I’ve been trying to decide if I want to try this company or not. I do a lot of my shopping online.
OmG, That Squid Ink spaghetti looks frightening to me, but I’m sure it was delicious with those shrimps!
Wow. I am impressed. I would not have expected such fresh food to be delivered in a box. Even though I may be a bit skittish about the squid, my hubby would dig right in! All three meals look inviting and I love that they provide recipes too. I’m going to check into Blue Apron.
I’ve been seeing Blue Apron for a while and recently did some searching around their meal plans. I love that they deliver fresh, gives you all the ingredients, and the recipe cards. I too love freshly home-cooked but sometimes, you just get so busy and can’t even think of what to cook. Love that they provide everything. The meals look tasty but that squid one you love kinda looks like worms.. ha!!
I think the squid ink pasta is beautiful! 🙂 The taste is amazing. My husband didn’t like it as well as I did, but I was actually very impressed with the taste.
Hmmm. I wish a chef would be sent along with the box. Lol
I just don’t think I would prepare it It look amazing though