Blue Apron Holdings Inc.

11/07/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/07/2024 12:55

Blue Apron Celebrates the Heroes Among Us

By Karla Walsh

Leading up to the holidays, we're reflecting on what we're grateful for, and that includes the teachers, first-responders, healers and heroes of all kinds that make the world a better place. Since we are Blue Apron after all, and since each of these individuals have been members of our culinary club, we wanted to invite them to the table to discover how they stay fueled as they change the world.

Read on to meet three heroes from coast to coast and to learn more about their secret ingredients in the kitchen and for a strong, healthy, and vibrant life.

Makayla Wilson
Job title: U.S. Army Reserve animal care specialist and a professional wildlife rehabilitator for a non-profit
Location: Eugene, Oregon

Why did you sign up for Blue Apron?
- My Mom highly recommended it, and once I started, I realized that I really didn't know much about cooking. It was helpful to learn how to cook more advanced and unique recipes right after high school-and beyond.

What has been your all-time favorite Blue Apron meal? What stood out about it?
- Blue Apron introduced me to gnocchi. Once I made that first meal with gnocchi I was hooked! The gnocchi recipes are always different [ranging from Spicy Beef and Gnocchi with Zucchini to Crispy Gnocchi with Fontina Cheese Sauce and Roasted Broccoli to Pesto Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Pistachio Breadcrumbs], but I always order them when I see them.

What is your favorite healthy snack to stay energized between meals?
- Fruit! I really love to cut up a pear or apple and sprinkle cinnamon over them to keep me energized between meals.

What is your #1 pantry or refrigerator essential, and how do you like to use it?
- Garlic. I add minced sautéed garlic to nearly every savory dish I make. Now, a recipe doesn't feel complete without at least a clove or two.

What is your "hero meal," aka, the quick meal you toss together when you're short on time?
- A sandwich. Deli meat, cheese, and mayo are mainstays, but the best parts-and the majority of my sandwich-is always tomato and spinach!

If you could share one tip for other busy people about how to stay energized and inspired, what would it be?
- The best way to stay energized and inspired while busy is to buy whole foods at the grocery store or plan your meals out with Blue Apron. If you buy processed foods and you're busy, you will automatically want to grab those (say, chips) because it is fast and you have them. Ultimately, whole foods like fruits and veggies are what's going to keep you energized; those chips will only make you feel sluggish. To stay inspired, try buying new fruits or veggies you have never cooked with before. Blue Apron has also been a great forum to nudge me to cook with ingredients I have never tried before.

Who is your hero and why?
- My hero is my mother. She is one of the strongest, kindest, most powerful women I know. She is the person I aspire to be.

Van Evans
Job title: Firefighter
Location: Little Elm, Texas

Why did you sign up for Blue Apron?
- My spouse and I wanted to eat cleaner meals. As time goes on, we have also realized how convenient it is.

What has been your all-time favorite Blue Apron meal? What stood out about it?
- Any of the Greek meals are always my favorite! Anytime they have a Mediterranean recipe [like Salmon Burgers and Smoky Potatoes with Tartar Sauce, Za'atar Beef and Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Dressing, and Greek-Style Braised Chicken Thighs with Fingerling Potatoes] as an option for the week, we always get them.

What is your favorite healthy snack to stay energized between meals?
- Fruit and honey! It's the best natural fuel you can get.

What is your #1 pantry or refrigerator essential, and how do you like to use it
- Beef. At risk of sounding like that one guy who never stops talking about how great beef is, beef is great! I frequently make steak and eggs, steak or ground beef and sweet potatoes, and ground beef and rice.

What is your "hero meal," aka, the quick meal you toss together when you're short on time?
- Any variation of eggs. My breakfasts typically need to be quick so eggs, bacon, and fruit is a popular breakfast for me.

If you could share one tip for other busy people about how to stay energized and inspired, what would it be
- My one tip to stay energized for busy people: Invest in high-quality food! When you eat well, you feel well, and that turns into more productivity and joy. Investing in clean food like what Blue Apron offers has been a huge game-changer for me, in terms of time, mental energy, and nutrition.

Who is your hero and why
- Without a doubt, my grandpa. He inspired me and supported me through my journey to become the man I am today. Because of his efforts, I have the opportunity to help so many people in so many ways. I will always be grateful for the persistent optimism my grandpa demonstrates every day.

Alivia Daniels
Job title: Communications officer and 911 operator
Location: Spokane, Washington

When and why did you sign up for Blue Apron?
- My family has been using Blue Apron for about 8 years. It's easy and convenient to not have to get the ingredients from the store or think about what's for dinner.

What has been your all-time favorite Blue Apron meal? What stood out about it?
- I always get excited to have One-Pan Pork and Udon with Peanut Sauce and Bok Choy. It's super easy to make and is so delicious!

What is your favorite healthy snack to stay energized between meals?
- My go-tos are salami or prosciutto with cheese.

What is your #1 pantry or refrigerator essential, and how do you like to use it
- Pickled onions! I put them on most things-except for sweets, of course.

What is your "hero meal," aka, the quick meal you toss together when you're short on time?
- I always make salad wraps. They're easy to eat on-the-go between calls.

If you could share one tip for other busy people about how to stay energized and inspired, what would it be
- Appreciate the small things and never take any moment for granted. It's easy to get caught up in a busy life, but taking a step back and adjusting your perspective changes everything.

Who is your hero and why
- All of the other first responders out there. It's a selfless line of work, and I appreciate everything they do to keep communities safe.

Jacob Daniels
Job title: U.S. Army Reserve Drill Sergeant
Location: Round Rock, Texas

When and why did you sign up for Blue Apron?
- I signed up for Blue Apron in 2017 to make deciding on dinner easier and to cut down on frequent trips to the store. It helped streamline meal planning and provided new recipe ideas, making dinner less of a daily decision.

What has been your all-time favorite Blue Apron meal?
- One of my absolute favorite Blue Apron meals around Thanksgiving is Pulled Turkey Enchiladas with Roasted Butternut Squash and Lime Pepitas. It's a perfect twist on a classic, bringing in all the comfort of turkey with the vibrant flavors of enchiladas. To me, nothing says Thanksgiving like this unique dish!

What is your favorite healthy snack to stay energized between meals?
- Pistachios and energy drinks.

What is your #1 pantry or refrigerator essential, and how do you like to use it?
- My top must-haves are olive oil and butter. Cooking just isn't the same without these basics.

What is your "hero meal," aka, the quick meal you toss together when you're short on time?
- While raising my three daughters, spaghetti was my reliable go-to meal. It's quick, easy, and always a hit!

If you could share one tip for other busy people about how to stay energized and inspired, what would it be?
- Prioritize small, consistent routines that bring you joy. Whether it's a morning walk, a quick creative hobby, or taking 5 minutes to savor your favorite coffee, these little routines give you something positive to look forward to and help recharge your mind.

Who is your hero and why
- My wife. After all these years, I'm still amazed at how she puts up with me! Her patience, love, and support are truly inspiring, and I'm incredibly grateful to have her in my life.