IN THE KITCHEN ~ WÜSTHOF PRECISION CUTLERY & BLUE APRON DELIVERED MEALS

When it comes to cooking, I have two primary issues that have to do with trying to cut things with a dull, sub-standard knife, and trying to come up with ideas for interesting dinners; I have other issues, but I’ll save those for another article.  Suffice it to say, these two issues were eliminated when I used Wüsthof Cutlery for prepping my Blue Apron home delivered meals.

~ Wüsthof Precision Cutlery ~

For two hundred years, Wüsthof Cutlery (Solingen, Germany) has been producing precision forged high-carbon stainless steel cutlery that’s the tool of choice by discerning cooks and chefs worldwide.  My knife skills leave a lot to be desired; and, it doesn’t help trying to slice, dice or mince with a dull, inadequate cutting implement.  It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to use the Wüsthof Gourmet 7 Piece Traveler Set that I experienced the joys of cutting.  This must-have set includes three knives ~ 6” chef, 5” serrated utility, and 3-1/2” paring; there’s also a compact sharpening block, poultry shears, wine bottle corkscrew, and a padded carrying case.  Using these implements, I especially appreciated the superior benefits of using a quality knife that was ergonomically balanced, lightweight, easy to hold and manipulate.  What I also enjoyed was the little amount of effort needed to set the blade in motion for precision slicing, dicing, and mincing.  You can tell it’s an authentic Wüsthof implement by the Red Trident icon handle, which symbolizes the company’s values of Passion, Diligence, and Perfection.  I gave these knives a good workout on my Blue Apron meal prepping.  http://www.wuesthof.com/usa/index.jsp

~ Blue Apron Delivered Meals ~

For those in a quandary of what to make for dinner, Blue Apron is just what you need by offering home deliveries of original chef tested recipes that include pre-portioned ingredients and recipe cards with easy to follow directions; each dish is between 500 to 700 calories each and takes less than forty minutes to prepare.  Deliveries can be customized for either the carnivore or vegetarian; each delivery includes three different meals; meal ingredients also require some amount of prepping (e.g. dicing, mincing, slicing, etc.) before cooking.  The week I tried the meals, my menu options included Flank Steak au Jus with Roasted Dijon Cauliflower and Watercress; Chicken Tsukune Spring Ramen; and, Catfish and Jicama Slaw with Watermelon Radish.  There were enough pre-portioned ingredients to yield two to three individual meals once everything was cooked.  A few of the ingredients aren’t provided, and probably presumed to be staples in one’s kitchen; they included olive oil, vegetable oil, salt and pepper.  The flavoring ingredients, referred to as Knick Knacks, were included along with the protein and produce for each meal.  All ingredients were very fresh and of high quality.  Detailed recipe cards are included and printed on heavy coated stock, and can be reused next time a person gets inspired to try the meal again.

Flank Steak au Jus with Roasted Dijon Cauliflower and Watercress ~ Ingredients included baby turnips, garlic cloves, fresh tarragon, fresh lemon, fresh cauliflower, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, flank steak, beef demi-glace, and watercress.  I adapted the recipe from pickling the baby turnips and oven roasting the cauliflower, by combining both and pan roasting them in EVOO.  I made a salad using the watercress and fresh tarragon, red wine vinegar and EVOO.

Chicken Tsukune Spring Ramen ~ Ingredients included garlic cloves, Savoy spinach, scallions, fresh ginger, fresh lemon, Shiitake mushrooms, ground chicken, Panko breadcrumbs, chicken demi-glace, soy sauce, fresh ramen noodles, and untoasted sesame seeds.  I reduced the amount of soy sauce, due to sodium restrictions.

Catfish and Jicama Slaw with Watermelon Radish ~ Ingredients included cilantro, garlic cloves, Jicama, lime, watermelon radish, Amaranth, sesame oil, catfish fillets, rice flour, and black sesame seeds.  This meal lacked sufficient detailed directions for preparing the Amaranth; I’ve never prepared this grain and it was a complete flop, since the directions failed to quantify how much water was required to cook the grain.  While I enjoyed the individual meals, I wouldn’t have considered making these recipes on my own, so the Blue Apron experience definitely provided me with a cooking diversion that was enjoyable and delicious.  http://www.blueapron.com

~ In Closing ~

Meals need not be the same thing repeated over and over again; that’s boring and lacks thought.  Test your culinary skills by considering preparing dishes that are outside of your comfort zone and different.  Try making different recipes that might become new favorites.  While you’re at it, don’t forget to use quality prepping tools and also fresh ingredients that’ll make your recipe a success.

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy cooking…happy eating…happy drinking.

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Cision Seek or Shout, Plaxo, Red Room, Pinterest, and Tripatini.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

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