[CoCosMom]

We have two new make-your-own-dinners places in our city. I'm tempted to try it. In a 2-hour period you make 12 meals, serving 6 ppl (or break them up into smaller servings), and the prep work and clean up is all done for you. They feature a monthly menu you can choose your meals from. You package everything up for the freezer with directions for cooking. It doesn't even seem all that expensive per serving, but its a matter of dropping $200+ in one day, not knowing how they will turn out.

Here is a link to one of the ones in my city:
http://www.whatsforsupper.ca/

 

[jzgrlduff]

That is the coolest thing EVER! What a great idea! I'd definitely do it if they had 'em around here.
The menu made me hungry.

 

[CenTexLabs]

I think it is really expensive. We have a couple around here too. It is more for people with a lot of money and not many mouths to feed, I suppose. The idea is great though.

 

[jzgrlduff]

I didn't think the prices were bad at all, compared to what I would spend at the grocery store for the ingredients.

 

[CoCosMom]

Yeah, I'm wondering about actual serving sizes... I'm guessing that their 6 servings would actually be one dinner and one lunch for DH and I each.

Don't forget, those menus are in Cdn dollars, so they are bound to look a little more expensive.

One cool thing is that you can go with a friend and split it... make 6 meals each. So that might be the best bet for a 1st timer.

 

[Guest]

We have Dream Dinners www.Dreamdinners.com it doesn't seem that expensive $50 for 3 dinners of 6 servings each. I mean for me and my wife thats 9 dinners or $5.50 per night.

 

[BoatDog]

OHH, we have one here - if you go, let us all know how it turns out! I keep wanting to try it - just 1 time!

 

[tootsiesmom]

Hmmm, how would you find out if you had one in your area? I tried to google but did not find anything. ???

 

[CenTexLabs]

Another issue is that I have a really picky SigOther. He only eats meat and potatoes, oh and corn on the occasion. If only life was simple. :

 

[Guest]

I've always really wanted to try one but being single it just seemed a lot of money and too much food. If we have one around here I might have to try it now though.

 

[maggieandfinn]

This is the one we have. I haven't tried it but I know people that have. Said the food was good, but they also got a gift card so it didn't really cost them to go. I have avoided it because of the price.

https://secure.mygirlfriendskitchen.com/locations.php

 

[Jen]

I have been tempted to try one.

Here is a link that I found of meal prep places by state in the US
http://www.easymealprep.com/main/direct02.php

 

[CoCosMom]

I think my SIL are going to try it, maybe in April. The pork, chicken and salmon dishes look great to me. I wouldn't bother with a stir-fry, they are so easy to make anyhow!

 

[imported_zoezoe]

We have Super Suppers here and they are GREAT!

 

[imported_gailatmsu]

Not the same, but me and a friend used to get together once a month and make meals for the month. It was a lot of fun. It took a full day, and it really didn't cost too much (but we only made meals for 3-4 nights a week). We both hated it when her husband got transferred. So...if you decide not to do one of these places, maybe doing it with friends is an option? It really goes by fast...even the worst part of the job - cleanup!

Interesting concept though - we don't have any of those places around here.

 

[Guest]

We have one called "My Girlfriends Kitchen" I havent tried it yet, but I want to.

 

[Brigettas Mom]

I've never tried it, but we have one around here that seems to be popular. They also have fitness meals. I think it's about $200 for 12 meals or $100 for 5. I have tried the beer bread from there and it is soooo good!

 

[Princess Zoe]

Hmmm, how would you find out if you had one in your area? I tried to google but did not find anything. ???

Julie I have a friend that goes to one in Lansing and loves it.

 

[zoesmom]

My sister lives in Washington state and she tried it when she was working full time with 2 young children and a dog. She loved it. Cut meal prep time for her.

 

[TheBigRaloo]

I just went to one on March 6 ... it's called Let's Dish (http://www.letsdish.com/). I did the 8-meal package for $170, but I split them into 16 meals. It was a party with 12 friends ... but there was not alot of socializing going on ... we were all really focused on getting the meals done in time ... we had a standard 2-hour session, and that was really not enough time. Here is what I came home with:

Here are my pros and cons regarding the meals:

Pros
1. Love the fact that I have pre-seasoned and pre-assembled meals in the freezer. I don't have to think of something to make.
2. The serving sizes were generous (but not ridiculous). Even with the fact that I split, the meals feed me and SU, and provide lunch for SU the next day.
3. Meats were lean, and cooking methods were healthy.

Cons
1. Still have to create side dishes to match the meals ... i.e. steamed veggie, salad, etc.
2. Still using multiple pans to cook each night, so post-dinner clean-up is about the same as it has always been.
3. The seasonings aren't always what we like as a family.
4. Definitely meat-focused meals ... I'm surprised how quickly I missed having a big salad for dinner.

So ... I will probably take the organizational aspects and run with them ... maybe make a few items at home and stash them in the freezer. I don't think I would do another full 8-meal package at the store.