It looks like the photo, right? This is my first attempt at ordering Blue Apron and the box of ingredients arrived on Friday just like the service said it would. The ice was still intact and the ingredients were fresh and plenty. I made my way through all three recipe cards and I swear my arms got a workout taking everything out of the box and transporting it to the refrigerator.

First up on the menu was Blackened Chicken with Cucumber Rice and Tomato and Corn Salad. The recipe card had just enough information to make it easy to follow. The photo of the finished product was a big help to make sure I was tracking. Most of the instructions include 10-15 minutes of prep time folded into a 45 minute overall cooking session. There was lots of slicing and dicing going on with the cucumber, corn and tomatoes – some of which went flying off the counter.

I found it hard to stick within the 45 minute time frame and did quite a bit of multi-tasking, moving between the chopping, the frying and the simmering. I think I worked up quite a sweat and nothing in the kitchen burned down. Whew, I made it through and the best part was plating it just like the photo. Okay, actually the best part is tasting it!! I do deserve to pat myself on the back.

Well, I feel accomplished. Now, who’s getting dessert?