A Better Way to Cook

Dinner for me is a never-ending cycle of planning-shopping-cooking-cleaning that I find exhausting and frankly, pretty boring.  I used to like to cook but I find with the kid’s finicky-palates and a huge time crunch it all it has become more of a chore than a joy.

I like this new idea to get out of my cooking rut and shake up my routine (and save me time too – bonus!)

I was recently invited to try out Culiniste.  Culiniste’s mission is to simplify your life by delivering a weekly customized box to your doorstep.  It includes all the necessary ingredients and easy to follow step-by-step instructions to make delicious meals from scratch.

Recipes are designed to use seasonal produce and are delivered throughout Quebec and Ontario.  You don’t even have to be home to receive the box and the specially designed packaging will keep your food safe until you arrive.

Interested?  Read on for my experience and 20% off your first order!

I received two meals that were designed to feed four people.

The instructions were pretty easy to follow even as I cooked at lightning speed.

All the ingredients were right there and measured out.  I was happy to see they used Aurora brand tomatoes which are the best supermarket brand tomatoes and meat from local butcher Maison du Roti.

I prepped and chopped all the ingredients and it came together fairly smoothly.

I was skeptical about some of the instructions (cooking meatballs at 500C!) but I learned that this creates a beautiful meatball in a short amount of time.  Who knew you could cook meatballs like that?

It was a complete meal and it tasted great.  I loved the fact that because I was making it I could adjust it to my own tastes (no garlic!)

Alex got up from his nap just in time to see the plate before I ate it up.  Of course, he had to get in a few photos….

Stuff I loved about Culiniste:

-Recipes are chosen based on your tastes

-Ingredients are delivered straight to your door and you don’t even have to be home

-Top level ingredients are used

-I discovered new recipes and new cooking techniques

-I didn’t have to worry about meal planning or buying ingredients for two nights.

The only downfall was that the two recipes I chose both took me much longer than 35 minutes to prepare from start to finish. I was pretty speedy and the meatball sub recipe took me 45 minutes and another (a pork chop and mashed potatoes dish with onion gravy) took me around 40 minutes.  I feel that if you are looking for a fast meal or a way to reduce cooking time in the evening then this is probably not it.  If you are looking for a simplification of your planning and grocery shopping and are OK with around 45 minutes from beginning to end (putting it on the table) then this may be for you.

It’s also a great idea for those who want step by step instructions with photos, or are looking for easy ways to introduce new recipes in their repetoire.

I also do think it’s very important to try and cook our meals when we can.  Prepared food can have a shocking amount of salt plus I think it’s important for our children to see us cooking and learn how to do it themselves.  It’s an amazing skill to know and teach to others.

If you’re curious about Culiniste click here to get 20% off your first order!

Find more information on Culiniste here.  

Would you try an ingredient delivery service?

This post was sponsored by Culiniste.  Thank-you readers for supporting the brands that make Roasted happen.

All photos by Gabriella Di Stefano for Roasted.