Meal kits, whether in-store or through a home delivery subscription service, are so popular and now more than ever, might be a real help when it comes to getting dinner on the table. I have reviewed Hello Fresh in several posts (you can start with this one if you'd like to read it) and while I really enjoyed getting that monthly box of 3 meals, I did find it expensive. The meals were quite elaborate and often too caloric for my WW (Weight Watchers) points. I also found them rather labour intensive to prepare with several steps involved. Seeing as the idea was to streamline my time in the kitchen, I ended up cancelling my subscription.
While I was shopping for staples at the beginning of this strange and incredulous time, and discovered there was no chicken to be had, I happened to see a few boxes tucked away in the fresh deli section of the store. They turned out to be meal kits and they had one chicken dish and one beef dish left. I picked up both family size kits and each one was $20. That didn't seem too bad for a complete dinner for 4 (obviously only $5 per person) and while my daughter pointed out that I'd just purchased a small lasagna for $20, once we tried it, I was delighted.
The first meal I made was the Chicken Parmesan with vegetables. This kit contained: Raw Chicken, Seasoned Breading, Egg mixture, Brushetta, Fresh Veggie Blend, Cooked Potatoes, Mozzarella, and Marinara Sauce. It wasn't until I got home that I discovered the safety tape had been cut but everything inside was securely sealed. I figured someone had peeked inside to see the contents. When I began preparing the dish I thought someone had actually removed the much sought after chicken packages. The kit serves 4 but there was only one very tiny package of chicken. I asked my daughter if she thought that really could be intended to serve a family and her boyfriend suggested weighing it. Indeed, it was as described on the box and once the package was cut open, it expanded to reveal the pre-cut fresh chicken strips. The dinner was simple to make and delicious. There was no cutting or measuring to do and everything was extremely fresh and well-seasoned. While the chicken portion was small, it was definitely adequate. Two thumbs up!
The Beef and Spinach Lasagna Meal Box contained everything needed to make the dish: Raw Lean Ground Beef, Lasagna Sheets, Veggie Blend, Fresh Baby Spinach, Cheese Blend, Ricotta & Marinara Sauce, and even the Oven Safe Tray. It was so fast and easy to put together and I was very impressed with the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The lasagna sheets are fresh pasta and the marinara sauce was fantastic. The lasagna was incredible and everyone LOVED it, even daughter who doesn't usually eat that kind of baked pasta. I couldn't wait to try the other meal kits and also, to buy the lasagna again.
I have since purchased the Butter Chicken with Rice meal (excellent, and the whole family agreed!) and look forward to trying Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry and Shepherd's Pie. Even though all these dishes can definitely be made homemade, having the option to have everything fresh and ready to go, with nothing extra to buy, is a wonderful choice. I feel these From Our Chef meal kits (I believe they are PC brand but I'm not sure) are an excellent alternative to home delivery services. There is no commitment, you choose what you want to make and eat, and when, there is no extra packaging to dispose of (cooler boxes, synthetic ice packs, etc.), and they are very affordable when and if you want them. I am delighted and hope they continue to develop other recipes and selections. I am very impressed!
I hope you are all safe and well. These have been trying times and while enduring the COVID-19 stay-at-home recommendations, things have been made extra difficult as we had our puppy's surgery the day before the whole lock-down began (we were assured there was no reason to postpone). Not only did he need to be kept quiet and still, he ended up with complications (infection and wound issues) requiring weekend emergency vet service an hour away during the strict distancing and closures. All family members are working from home so it has been very stressful managing space and volume for all of us. I am SO looking forward to things returning to a more manageable situation and for a good night's rest at some point! Puppy is at least out of danger and on the mend and we are thankfu and counting our blessings. Love to you!
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