It's no surprise we are fans of meal planning services. And that's because one of the biggest challenges of eating real food is being prepared and planning ahead - so why not have someone else do the planning work for you?
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Their service provides what you would expect - a weekly meal plan and shopping list. But what's really unique about Cook Smarts is that they truly want to teach you how to cook as well. Their website is loaded with cooking tutorials (including videos), which for many of us can be really helpful! Like this Produce Prep Cooking Guide (pictured to the right). Who knew that microwaving a butternut squash 3 to 5 minutes would soften the skin - or that you could do this a ahead of time?!
Cook Smarts Offerings
Cook Smarts was started by Jess Dang (who has a really cool story, by the way) and offers a service that includes:
- A weekly menu with instructions for cooking 4 simple and balanced dinners that will serve 4 people
- Customized grocery lists (average food cost per week is less than $75)
- Options for Monthly, Quarterly or Annual membership
- Gluten-free, Vegetarian or Paleo options
- Members also get access to archives (great for those who want more than 4 meals a week, or those looking for other yummy recipes)
- Answers to FAQs and a great visual of what else you can expect from Cook Smarts can be found here
Though everyone can sign up for 3 free sample plans with a "taste test" account, here's one from the archives to give you a good visual of what one week may look like:
To get a closer look at one of the recipes, take a peek at the printable one I am sharing with you below.
Special Deal
Cook Smarts is offering a limited number of our readers a 30% off coupon code for quarterly and annual plans.
Please note that this offer is ONLY good for the first 300 subscribers that sign up today!
Regular subscription pricing is as follows:
- Monthly: $8/month
- Quarterly: $21/quarter ($7/month)
- Annual: $72/year ($6/month - less than $.35 a meal!)
Sign up and use coupon code "100DAYS0314" to get 30% off of quarterly and annual plans (code will expire after 300 uses).
Do you use a meal plan service? If you do, how does it help you?
Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Quinoa
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 4 oz tomato paste (½ cup)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
- ½ cup white wine (or red wine (optional))
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 ½ pounds chicken drumsticks ((or other bone-in chicken, or 1 ½ lbs. non-bone in chicken))
- ⅔ cup quinoa (uncooked (or 2 cups cooked))
- ¼ bunch parsley (fresh, chopped)
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
Instructions
PREP
- Make sauce - Mix together Italian seasonings, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, wine and chicken stock. (Can be done up to 3 days ahead.)
- Chicken - Remove skin from chicken. Try using scissors if you have trouble getting the skin off. (Can be done up to 1 day ahead)
- Start slow cooking (~8 hours before) - Nestle chicken into bottom of slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and tenderize with a fork. Layer in onions and peppers and then pour on the sauce. Slow cook on low for 8 to 9 hours, until chicken easily comes off the bone. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be done up to 5 days before and then stored in the fridge in air-tight containers)
MAKE
- Quinoa - Combine quinoa with 2x the amount of water in a saucepan. Add in a generous dash of salt. Bring to a boil covered. Lower heat, keep covered, and cook until liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
- Chop parsley and slice lemons. Enjoy your warm cacciatore sprinkled with parsley over quinoa. Serve with lemon wedges to add some brightness!
jeanne says
I might be missing something, but what does "prep as directed" mean in step 1? Directed where? Thanks.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. If you click on the highlighted words "produce prep cooking guide" above, it will take you to the prep instructions. :)
stephanie says
If I use boneless chicken, do I still cook it for 8 hours in the crock pot? I don't want it to get too dry. What do you recommend?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Stephanie. You might refer here for guidance on the cooking times for boneless: http://www.food.com/topic/chicken-breasts-crock-pot.
Jamie says
I made this recipe and it was amazing! The quinoa was a different twist which made the dish more like cacciatore soup. I added a few extra garlic cloves and used water instead of stock. So flavorful!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Jessica. This might help: http://www.crock-pot.com/service-%26-support/product-support/product-faqs/help-%26-how-to-use/cook-time-%26-quantity/help-and-how-to-use-cook-time-and-quantity-faq.html.
Jessica says
I'm guessing you could shorten the cooking time by cooking this on high instead of low? If so, how long on high?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Jessica. This might help: http://www.crock-pot.com/service-%26-support/product-support/product-faqs/help-%26-how-to-use/cook-time-%26-quantity/help-and-how-to-use-cook-time-and-quantity-faq.html.
Reply
Michelle says
Can you tell me if you have to take the skin off the chicken for this recipe or can you leave it on?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi. You leave it on. :)
Roberta Rose says
Wonderful
Joanne says
great recipe!
Phillip says
My wife made this, starting our 100 days but starting with 10 days. Good start, I could do this infinity if recipes are like this. Thanks!
Kimberly says
Just like with any recipe u can add or delete items, its all about ur taste. I made this to fit me, it was out of this world!
Rachel PD says
I made it last night, too. Success!!
heidi says
Update:::: IT WAS SPECTACULAR!
heidi says
cooking as i type!!! Will send an update after we eat....it smells soooooooooooooooooooooo good.
Rachel PD says
Any dish with parsley is fantastic, can't wait to try it!
Samantha Richards says
I made this tonight for my family of six, it basically made itself. Easy, worry free and tasty!!
R Bailey says
You're the best for forwarding me this, looks good.
Shantelle says
This is absolutely amazing, everyone should try this! Made it Tuesday for book club!
Jonesy says
I'm hungry for this NOW.....will enjoy.
d alley says
Thank you Cook Smarts!
CJ says
My 10 year old will eat this for days!
Kelsea says
Thanks sis for sending over this post. Xo, it looks wonderful and will share with friends.
Julia says
Quinoa=protein= wonderful dish! TY!!
cl says
I like variety and to change things up for more exciting and delicious foods, this seems exactly what i need.
Chris M says
Thx for telling me about this, gluten free, downloaded recipes, will make it for the fam this weekend.
Patsy says
Made it tonight!!!
Kimberly says
Loved this, perfect and easy and healthy!