Plated Review 2

So I got my first Plated order yesterday and tonight I made my last two plates of a different meal. If you didn’t read yesterdays post here’s a link to explain Plated and their food delivery service.
https://mchellerussell731.wordpress.com/2014/04/23/plated-review/

Today’s dish was Sicilian Style Swordfish with Parsley Garlic Potatoes

I can say that I don’t have one complaint about the ingredients, the quality is great, fresh, herbs show wilting so fast and the fresh basil and parsley were perfect.

This recipe required a bit more prep than yesterday’s but I didn’t mind.

The recipe was straight to the point and I felt it to be easy and enjoyable. I would say this dish was restaurant quality.

Any downsides?
I would say that the 30-40 minute time was a little off, but when I cook at home I do not rush. The potatoes needed to roast for 25 minutes after every ingredient was prepped and then plating time. Again, like yesterday’s post I find it pricey. But I can now appreciate this company after doing it for two days.
I have the food knowledhe to know that pieces of fish range in size and had to cook accordingly, some people may not be trained to do so. As well as the potatoes, some were so small they could be left whole, some halved, some quartered, etc.

I had everything I needed fresh and on hand
I didn’t have to go to a store
I didn’t have to try to plan a meal
If someone has limited time to plan out a meal and shop but they do have that one hour or so to still be involved in cooking this is a great option.
If someone has limited food skills/knowledge this is great because they don’t have to worry about what goes with what, etc (I’ve literally had someone express their anxiety over what constitutes as a pinch of salt) so having everything ready for them is a plus. They could even watch videos.
I like calorie content displayed.

Portions:
Even though this was a fish dish the portions were still very plentiful. Two people couldn’t even finish their plates and there were some leftovers before plating.

I’d gladly review more, send them my way Plated! 🙂

Questions? Thoughts?

❤ Shel

 

Advertisement

Plated Review

I have excitedly waiting for my first Plated order to arrive and it did! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Plated it is a website where you can choose a meal, order it and everything comes shipped to you to cook it. All the ingredients, the recipe, etc.

I saw this on Shark Tank and was intrigued. I then saw the promo code GETPLATED for 4 free plates and definitely wanted to try it, I just had to pay $20 for shipping which means my plates cost $5 each instead of the non-member price of around $15 each.

My package arrived right on time on the day I chose. Everything was packaged superbly with ice packs and an insulated bag organized by meal type. Every item was fresh, all the proteins, herbs, everything.

The first meal I tried was 2 plates of their Spice-Rubbed Steak with Roasted Carrots and Israeli Couscous. I had all the ingredients there ready to go and all measured out for me. The instructions were simple and easy to follow. I especially liked that there was a picture showing each step. You could also watch a video as you cook but I was fine with just reading it. The meal came out great, tasted great, no problems cooking. I liked the included calorie information as well.

Minor Downsides:
The recipe shows lots of baby carrots with their cute little tops on and I did not receive those. I received a bag of 3 large ordinary carrots which I felt made for a less appealing presentation. I cut them smaller to resemble the baby carrots more but I chose that picture when I ordered it and expected to receive exactly what I chose. Not a big deal but still. The honey was a diner style Smuckers which wasn’t too impressive. Also, the recipe said it took 30-40 minutes to cook but the steak had the option to marinade for up to one hour which I didn’t take into consideration into my cooking time. I cooked this in a leisurely manner and it probably took around an hour.

Portions:
The portions were surprisingly plentiful. I could not even finish my plate and I already had some leftovers before I plated so if you’re worried the portions will be skimpy because they’re measured out precisely I wouldn’t.

This was fun to try, I still have another recipe to make which I will review as well. However, it is pricey. My meal would have cost around $30 but I am only cooking for 2 people so a family of 4 would cost around $60 for 4 plates and you still have to then cook it. So far I would order again if I was offered another deal.

Here’s the site if you’d like to check it out, I believe they have a special going on right now to get your first order free and just pay shipping. If you want to order it’d be super cool to let me know because you get free plates for referring people 🙂
http://www.plated.com/

Questions? Thoughts?

❤ Shel

Are Ronald and Shel Back Together??

Okay I’ve eaten McDonalds two times in the last two weeks…. Turning a fat kid straight isn’t easy.
The first time it was after 4oclock and I hadn’t eaten a single thing yet and was driving so I was weak and gave in. I had really been craving a coke (I even dreamed about it, no joke) and was excited to drink it. The first sip I took actually hurt my throat and I burped immediately after (sexy). I ate half of a McChicken and had a handful of fries. I did feel guilty as I waited in the drive thru but oh well.
The second time I was running around and just picked it up for dinner, I swear I think the thought of that large coke is what really does me in. I haven’t gone back to Big Mac status yet….

I feel like since I cut out my one caffeinated pop (Chicagoans call it pop, not soda) a day and have never been a coffee drinker that I need something to get through work so I’m going to look at different cold tea options maybe. Something with a little caffeine, I haven’t drank caffeine regularly since before my Master Cleanse 3 months ago, any suggestions or recommendations?

 

Thoughts? Questions?

❤ Shel

Give Me The Beef….And Hog

I don’t eat a whole lot of red meat but when I’m in the mood to cook steak I usually get one nice one and grill it and slice it thin for two portions.

Yes, I like my steak on the rare side 😉 This was grilled ribeye over baby spinach with roasted asparagus, roasted russet and sweet potatoes and roasted bell pepper.

This was another dish I made recently.

Spinach and Brie Stuffed Pork Chop Over Mashed Potatoes

Oh how I do love mashed potatoes. If you’d like a full recipe let me know but I basically did this:

Stuffed pork chops with a mixture of:

Brie cheese, thawed frozen spinach, garlic, sundried tomatoes and cooked. To the pan afterwards I added some lemon juice and chicken stock and reduced and served over mashed potatoes.

Questions? Thoughts?

❤ Shel

 

Working Out (or lack of) & Yummy Burgers

Okay, for realz I’m finding it really hard to start working out. I have good intentions in my head but my body would pretty much rather do anything besides work out. How do you guys make yourself?? Wouldn’t you rather watch the newest episode of The Real Housewives on your dvr? I feel like it becomes a habit but man, I’m finding it difficult to start

And now, because I’m a fatty I will share one of my favorite burger recipes. This was originally a Giada DeLaurentis recipe that I changed slighty by using whole wheat buns and reduced fat mayonnaise.

Chicken burgers with Rosemary Garlic Mayonnaise and Arugula

I know the thought of a burger made with ground chicken sounds like it could be dry but adding some of the mayonnaise to the meat keeps them moist. I usually like a runny egg and bacon and cheese on my burgers so this is definitely healthier for me and they taste great! Here’s the original recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chicken-burgers-with-garlic-rosemary-mayonnaise-recipe.html

What’s your favorite healthy burger?

Questions? Thoughts?

❤ Shel

When You’re Lazy

I love to cook and pretty much do it everyday but here’s some other stuff I’ve been eating recently.

This was carry out but I did this the last time we went out to eat as well. I order a house green salad and I add a protein, this was shrimp, the last time I got grilled chicken. You could add salmon, just ask them what they have. I added avocado and got balsamic and asked for a few lemon wedges. Just because its not on the menu doesn’t mean you can’t order it. This house green salad came with carrots, sunflower seeds, raisons, hardboiled egg, tomato, cucumber and a house salad is also cheaper than one with fattening dressings and everything else!

I’ve also had Qdoba a few times and have gotten a burrito bowl with brown rice, grilled chicken, pico de gallo, veggies and guacamole.

I happened to see these Healthy Choice dinners at the store and they have a line of 100% natural ones so I picked one up to try. I don’t believe I’ve ever had a Healthy Choice/Lean Cuisine type meal before so I wasn’t expecting it to be very good but I actually liked it! It came with a steamer basket inside which I thought was pretty cool. I got the pumpkin squash ravioli in a butter sage sauce. It is vegetarian, contains no preservatives, it was 260 calories, 100% natural, no artificial flavors or colors. I added a little bit of crumbled goat cheese and a few avocado slices just because I could 😉

I’ve been trying to find healthier juices to drink. I don’t eat breakfast but I usually drink 2 glasses of juice when I wake up. This one has been my favorite so far and each glass contains a full serving of fruit and a full serving of vegetables. It’s 100% juice, no added sugar, and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. I tried the Light version of this brand and I didn’t like it very much. I also tried the Bolthouse Farms Green Goddess smoothie juice and I didn’t hate it but I wouldn’t buy it again, if you don’t drink it fast it begins to separate and it looks like swamp water. It’s also expensive.

Monkey picked up this Skinny Pop popcorn as a snack and it was surprisingly good (and addicting). He got the black pepper one but there are many other kinds. It’s 39 calories per cup, no artificial anything, cholesterol free, gluten free, non gmo verified, and the ingredient list is: All natural popcorn, sunflower oil, salt and black pepper.

What are your favorite healthy convenience foods?

Questions? Thoughts?

❤ Shel