Multiple companies have recently created the new form of grocery delivery. Companies such as Blue Apron, Plated and Hello Fresh send their subscribers a weekly grocery box typically with 3 meals. The portions are carefully measured out and step by step instructions along with pictures are provided. The thought is that it takes the shopping and decision making of what to cook for dinner out of the process.
I was obviously interested in this seeing as how my patients are always looking for convenient meals. I signed up with Blue Apron for our first delivery. http://www.blueapron.com/
I was obviously interested in this seeing as how my patients are always looking for convenient meals. I signed up with Blue Apron for our first delivery. http://www.blueapron.com/
The delivery came on a Friday in a very well insulated box to keep the food fresh and chilled. Each item was labeled and placed in its own ziploc bag or container. The directions were precisely laid out and very easy to follow with specific pictures.
The first meal we tried was Pan-Seared Cod with Parmesan-Crusted Squash & Roasted Red Potatoes.
The first meal we tried was Pan-Seared Cod with Parmesan-Crusted Squash & Roasted Red Potatoes.
Our first step was to cut the yellow squash into 1-inch think slices and the red potatoes in half. I did make the executive decision to cut the red potatoes in quarters instead, which helped with cooking time. The squash and potatoes were placed on a baking pan and tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper. They do assume that you have olive oil, salt and pepper at home as they do not provide it. The squash was then sprinkled with Parmesan Cheese per the instructions.
The squash and potatoes were placed in the oven to roast for ~18 minutes. During that time, I chopped the oregano, sliced the lemon and prepared the cod. The cod was to be covered in rice flour, salt and pepper. Then in a frying pan, with a small amount of olive oil, it was cooked. The cooking time of 4 minutes per side seemed about right since our cod was thinner than the ones pictured.
When the squash had been roasting for ~18 minutes it was removed and placed onto our plates. The potatoes continued roasting for ~5 more minutes. Once fully cooked the potatoes were added to our plates and finally the cod was laid ontop. We garnished with lemon juice, lemon wedges, oregano and parmesan cheese.
The meal turned out to be very tasty and I really did like that I didn't have to think about what we were going to prepare for dinner. The instructions were also very easy to follow. I'll have a write up about my whole critique of Blue Apron once we make our two other meals, but right now I have a fairly positive opinion. I also think that this meal could easily be repeated with grocery store purchases.
Has anyone ever tried this type of service before?
Has anyone ever tried this type of service before?