Lately, I’ve been struggling to find the energy to exercise regularly and cook healthy food. The reality is, it’s a lot easier to live a healthier life when you can spend time outdoors and have access to fresh, local ingredients. During the winter, I tend to eat out more frequently and spend a lot less time being active.
I know it’s better for the wallet (and waistline) to cook a healthy meal at home, but that can come with a lot of hassles. Frankly, when it’s cold and days are short, the last thing I feel like doing is going to the grocery store. Who’s with me?
Even in the warmer months, meal planning is tough for so many people. It’s time consuming to plan a weekly menu, find recipes, shop for ingredients and finally, cook the meal. Personally, I love to experiment in the kitchen (as you know from my appearance on Pressure Cooker), but my schedule doesn’t leave me with a lot of time to do so. This is why I was intrigued when the Toronto company, Chef’s Plate reached out to me a couple of weeks ago. The premise of their company is simple: fresh ingredients and delicious recipes delivered weekly to your door. I decided to give them a try, so I can bring you a Chef’s Plate review!
How it works is that you can chose from a weekly menu of 6 recipes, which get delivered the following Monday. At first, I was concerned about the freshness of the ingredients, since they’d be sitting on my porch for a couple of hours. When I got home and opened the box, I realized that it was well-insulated and filled with ice packs, so I had nothing to worry about.
At the top of the box were high-quality recipe cards, with appetizing photographs of the final dishes and thorough step-by-step instructions. Each recipe promised to be ready in about 30 minutes, which seemed realistic because the ingredients were pre-portioned and well-labelled.
From the list of recipes that were available the week I ordered, I chose Shepard’s Pie and Lobster Jambalaya. It was nice to see that they also had a couple of vegetarian offerings…but I’m a meat eater. Everything had that week had a ‘comfort food’ vibe, which felt seasonally appropriate. I’d imagine the recipes are quite different in the warmer months.
Even after a long day at work, it was really easy to cook both recipes. The instructions were so concise that I think almost anyone could successfully make their Chef’s Plate dinner without any catastrophes. The only hiccup I had along the way was that the Jambalaya recipe suggested you preheat the oven…but the recipe didn’t actually require the oven.
In the end, both recipes were delicious! In fact, they tasted even better the next day when I brought the leftovers to the office for lunch. Healthy, homemade and easy. Does it get any better than that?
Actually, it does! From now until March 24, you can use the promotion code CHEFJACKIE at checkout to receive $25 off your first order from Chef’s Plate.
Note – I was provided with these meals for review, but all opinions are my own.
If you live in the GTA, I hope you take advantage of the discount code and give Chef’s Plate a try!
Pssst : don’t forget to check out my last post if you want to save 20% off with Emily Valentine Jewelry.
Alissa says
What a great idea! The meals look delicious too.
Jackie says
I know, I just wish I’d thought of it 😉
Darcy says
That sounds awesome! There are no services like that here yet, but here’s hoping!! It would be so nice to have. I don’t mind cooking, but I run out of recipe ideas!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Jackie says
I’m sure that once these sorts of companies gain popularity, it will become a basic service. I see it taking off!
Krista says
Great review! There is a groupon right now for them so I may try it!
Jackie says
Interesting – I didn’t know they did Groupons. I’m not sure which is the better deal, but either way, I recommend you give it a go!
Anna Baun says
The struggle is real, right?!? Shawn and I have been trying really hard ourselves as well and have been finding it really difficult to do the same. This looks like such a great concept to make it all much more motivating! I’ll be looking into this more this evening! XO
Anna
alilyloveaffair.com
Jackie says
TOTALLY real! For now, this company is based in Toronto, but I’d be willing to bet there’s local companies doing something similar.
Alex says
Wow, this sounds fantastic and perfect for the girl on the go. The vegetables look so fresh.
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
Jackie says
I was pleasantly surprised at how fresh the produce was, since I’ve been having a tough time at the grocery store these days.
Gabriella says
I totally agree with not having the energy/desire to prepare meals in winter! It’s a struggle. But this is something I can manage! Having the ingredients all packaged individually and even delivered to your door?! Sounds good to me!
xx gabriella
pastelsandpastries.blogspot.ca
Jackie says
It’s (almost) too good to be true! 🙂
head to toe chic says
oh my goodness, everything looks so good!!
xo,
Angela
Jackie says
Both were delicious!!
vanessa says
Looks delicious and healthy at the same time!
TheVogueWord
TheVogueWord
Rafaela says
looks so tasty!! great photos!!
http://fashionwalkinbrussels.blogspot.com/
Shannon says
Such a great concept! That meal looks amazing too and healthy!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Amy Ann says
What an awesome service! I love to cook and love healthy, fresh options. Sometimes it’s coming up with them and getting to the store that is the hard part. Looks so yummy!
Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
Rach says
This sounds like a great concept! It definitely will making cooking a lot easier every night! I tend to go out to eat when I’m home later than usual and just exhausted. The thought of running to the grocery to make the meal or cooking up a meal can require a lot of efforts haha.
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Shannon says
I would love to try something like this! I had to do our meal planning and go grocery shopping last night, which is by far the worst chore ever, in my opinion, so it would be nice to have something already to go! And it look delicious!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Clipping Path Outsource says
If I could taste this!!
Krl
http://www.clippingpathoutsource.com
Ashley says
Oooh- how convenient and super yum! Perfect for the winter months when getting out and going to store is a hassle, and eating out sounds so much more appealing. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Caitlin says
Lovely food photos and post!
The Latest. Beauty & Colour
Diana Cloudlet says
I’m in love with your blog! I like your photos and style of writing! I know that it requires so much time to update blog, but keep doing it!)
I’ll be happy to see you in my blog!)
Diana Cloudlet
http://www.dianacloudlet.com/
Jackie says
Thank you so much 🙂
Sara Strauss says
Yum!! This sounds great! I can be so lazy some days and just want to pick up food rather than go through the whole production of making it! The dishes you put together look so good!
~Sara
Andrew B says
Excellent value and amazingly fresh ingredients. Highly recommend it. Use social promo code #2mealsFromCooking for $25 off and 4 free meals