We've teamed up with Blue Apron to share smart tips, cooking inspiration, and gift ideas to get you through the holidays. A delicious idea: Give the gift of Blue Apron's top-rated meal kits so your friends and family can get cooking this winter and beyond.
Peak holiday season is almost here—and you know what that means: From the launch of seasonal beverages to nonstop holiday movie marathons to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, it’s practically impossible not to get in the spirit of the season.
But all that winter cheer (not to mention, traveling and family get-togethers) also brings a lot of stress. So much to do! So little time! To help you navigate busy days, we’ve rounded up our go-to dinner hacks that will help you to save time in the kitchen while putting a delicious, nourishing meal on the table night after night.
1. Incorporate Blue Apron Meal Kits Into Your Weekly Routine
I, like many home cooks, tend to fall into a rut with weeknight dinners. If I’m feeling uninspired, or frankly a little lazy, I’ll cook a protein and a couple of vegetables; olive oil, salt, and pepper does the trick for seasoning and 35 minutes later, dinner is on the table. It’s dependable and nutritious, but somewhat monotonous week after week. That’s where Blue Apron comes in handy: All of their meal kits are pre-portioned and thoughtfully curated, so when I’m cooking sheet-pan salmon with roasted potatoes and arugula, I know that it not only has everything I need for a balanced, properly portioned meal for two, but it also brings another layer of flavor in the form of green goddess dressing or an olive vinaigrette (brilliant!).
When you sign up for Blue Apron, you can choose how many meals you want each week, the number of people you want to serve, and even select the type of recipes you want to receive, from meat-free to wellness-inspired. Even better, first-timers can get $110 off across their first four boxes and free shipping on the first box.
2. Repurpose Leftovers
Don’t assume that the only way to make use of leftovers is by reheating the exact same meal you cooked from scratch the night before. Turn leftovers into an entirely new dish by repurposing things like proteins and grains in different ways. Remember last night’s braised chicken thighs? Try shredding and reheating them with chicken stock, veggies, and cooked quinoa for an instant, nourishing soup that you can have for lunch or dinner. Cooked rice can be turned into fried rice, the base of a nutrient-packed grain bowl, or mixed with coconut milk and spices for a speedy breakfast pudding. And if you happen to be slicing peppers for homemade Philly cheesesteaks, cut a few extra for a colorful mid-day snack that you can enjoy with your favorite dip the following day.
3. Make the Most of Freezer-Friendly Recipes
When deciding what to make for dinner this week, consider bringing a few of our favorite make-ahead freezer meals into the mix. These recipes don’t skimp on flavor, presentation, or creativity; the only thing they will do is save you time during the week in between work, holiday shopping, gift wrapping, visiting with family and friends, and anything else demanding your attention during the month of December. From slow-cooker beef bourguignon to stuffed cabbage to chicken fingers, these dishes freeze and reheat beautifully—as if you’re just pulling it from the oven for the first time just before dinner.
4. Pre-Cut Vegetables in Advance
Whether you buy them yourself or prep them in advance, having pre-cut vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, squash, and zucchini on hand will save you precious time during the busy holiday season. Although it’s a time-saver, buying pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store will cost more money for less produce than if you were to buy the vegetable in its whole, raw form. If you’re looking to save both time and money, set aside 30 minutes on Saturday or Sunday to prepare a big batch of vegetables to use throughout the week.
5. Delegate Tasks
If you're like me, you want to be able to do it all—the cooking, the cleaning, the decorating, and the entertaining—but it’s practically impossible to take on each and every task yourself. The holiday season brings added pressure, which is why it’s more important than ever to allow your guests to bring dessert so that you don’t have to bake it, ask your kids to help load and empty the dishwasher, or let your partner or roommate follow up with those individuals who haven’t yet RSVP’d. Delegating responsibilities will not only make navigating the holiday season easier, but you’ll be less stressed so you can actually enjoy the fruits of your labor.
This holiday season, give the gift of delicious, stress-free dinners for the whole family with help from our friends at Blue Apron. With a variety of menu options and dishes to choose from, their meal kits are just right for everyone on your list. Bonus: The Blue Apron Meal E-Gift Card doesn't have to be wrapped or shipped—send one in a snap (and maybe throw in some wine, too).
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