A Date Night in the Kitchen

Justin and I go through seasons where it seems like we have a few different childcare options for date night available, and then others when we can barely find someone to watch the kids even a month in advance. So date night out is sometimes a rarity, but the simple act of moving dinner to after the kids go to bed a few times a month is my favorite way to reconnect.

We typically eat with the kids, which is always a little maniacal. I think, on average, I get up from the table 16 times to get things, throw things away, etc. It’s the farthest thing from romantic, but it’s usually a lot of fun.

Back in December, Justin and I went to a cooking class as a change up from our usual date night routine and it was a lot of fun! The class was too large, though, and we weren’t able to really participate in everything like we could have. So when Blue Apron reached out to work together again, I thought that was a perfect idea for a date night in!

I’ve done this before, and I love how simple they make it. Each meal takes less than 40 minutes and it pushes me outside my food comfort zone of chicken and rice, and each step is really really easy. There is a 2 person plan, or a family plan, but I stick with the 2 person plan thanks to my picky eaters!

On the menu was Smokey Pork Burgers which sounded delicious. We don’t do a ton of pork, but Justin loves a pork chop so I thought he would really enjoy this meal–and he did! We both really liked it! I never knew how to get the crust on the buns but now I know how. That’s such a simple way to add a nice crunch and flavor to an otherwise soft, plain bun.

Justin and I worked on a lot of it together, but some tasks I assigned to him while I did other things. It was fun to dance around the kitchen a bit and work on making a meal together, which is something we almost never do. I cook, and usually have it ready or close to ready about the time he comes in the door from work.

I loved the colors of this concoction that was tossed with the potatoes and broccoli!

With a 2 and 3 year old, it’s hard to get a word in edgewise at mealtime, and as soon as it’s over it’s on to the next activity, so we enjoyed just sitting and chatting with no rush to clear the plates and start cleaning up.

If you’ve never tried Blue Apron, I recommend it! Not only is it really fun, but it does the thinking for you which is highly valuable in my book! The first 100 of you can sign up here and get your first 3 meals free! You can browse the menus here and you always have the option of skipping a week or canceling at anytime.

This post was created in partnership with Blue Apron. All opinions are my own.