Today: Just Add Cooking.
I recently had the opportunity to try a complimentary two-person, three-meal box from Boston-based meal service Just Add Cooking. In theory, I love to cook… but in reality, I love to cook the same three things over and over. I often end up eating whatever I whip up for Grace for dinner (fortunately, she has good taste).
Just Add Cooking provided the perfect opportunity to shake things up a bit… and eat like an adult.
With seven recipes to choose from each week, three of which are vegetarian (so the choice was an easy one for me). The remaining options usually feature poultry, seafood, pork and beef. Meals that are designated as gluten-free have been evaluated by a dietitian and are clearly labeled as such, so there’s no second guessing.
My box included everything I needed to make the following meals:
- Indian Vegetable Curry
- Vegetable Hash
- Halloumi Skewers and Couscous
My box was delivered on a Sunday morning, so I carved out some time with my favorite little pajama-clad sous chef and got to work. Grace loves helping mix and pour ingredients, and asking, “What this is?” about… everything.
It takes a bit longer for meals to come together, but it’s worth it to hear Grace yell, “More cauliflower!” at Clark later in the day.
I’ve checked out other meal services before, but never followed through after reading mixed reviews. Being a local company, Just Add Cooking is able to pack and deliver meals throughout Eastern Massachusetts the same day. They use couriers instead of shipping services, so packing materials are minimal. Like… surprisingly minimal. Everything except the freezer bag is biodegradable.
I loved knowing that the ingredients I received were locally sourced, locally produced, and organic whenever possible. In addition to detailed recipes (which include a really helpful preparation timeline for people like me who are inclined to wing it… only to burn half of what I make after forgetting to chop the onion or grate the carrots or, like… stop sampling the cheese), Just Add Cooking includes source information about each perfectly portioned ingredient included in each box.
My box included:
- Spinach from The Kitchen Garden in Sunderland, MA
- Tomatoes from Long Wind Farm in Thetford, VT
- Apples from Barden Family Orchard in North Scituate, RI
- Red potatoes from Maplewood Farm in Portsmouth, RI
- Cheddar from Grafton Village Cheese Company in Brattleboro, VT
- Bell peppers from Confreda Greenhouses and Farms in Hope, RI
Because Just Add Cooking took the guesswork out of both meal planning and shopping, I really enjoyed preparing each meal — almost as much as I enjoyed, you know… enjoying them. Each recipe yielded exactly two portions. I found cooking on Sunday and reheating during the week to work quite well (life as a lazy pregnant lady at its finest).
Boxes start at $39 for a two-person, three-meal box (normally $69) and $69 for a four-person, three-meal box (normally $109) for the first box for new customers. This promotional price will be automatically applied to your first purchase (Just Add Cooking
I’m already looking forward to our next delivery. And I think Grace is, too.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary meal box. All opinions are my own. Obvi (I hope).
Also On Tap for Today:
- Thanksgiving Episodes to Stream This Week via Then Heather Said
- Enjoying some R + R with my Sunday Squad
- This is PERFECTION: 11 Comfort Foods to Eat While Crying to the New Adele Album via The Kitchn
Do you meal plan/prep each week? Or do you wing it?
Comments (1)
Jacqueline
November 22, 2015 at 9:45 pm
Oooo this sounds good!!! I’m going to check out this company!! Xo great read per usual!