At a Glance
- Meal kits gave a solo apartment dweller a simple way to cook during the pandemic.
- The author moved from occasional orders to regular cooking and now reviews kits professionally.
- Key benefits include step-by-step photos, ingredient kits, and skill-level options.
Why it matters: Meal kits can turn a beginner into a confident cook, offering a structured path to culinary skills.
The experience of learning to cook in a first solo apartment during a pandemic was shared by a writer who has since turned that hobby into a career reviewing meal kits for a leading tech brand.
From Kitchen Novice to Culinary Enthusiast
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the author lived alone in a first solo apartment after moving out of a shared home. Remote work from a local magazine and the shift of nearby restaurants to takeout created a perfect storm for culinary experimentation. The first step was ordering a HelloFresh box, which sparked a journey from a nervous cook to a passionate reviewer.
The initial HelloFresh experience involved a chicken dish with a homemade white sauce. The sauce dried out because the author was worried it wasn’t cooked all the way through. A week later, a stuffed ravioli pasta dish was mastered, and other meals followed. The convenience of having every ingredient delivered and the unbeatable introductory box prices were major draws. Recipe cards were kept for future recreations.
Although the author had experimented with Crockpot and Instant Pot meals before HelloFresh, cooking was still infrequent. Living in a foodie town made eating out a regular activity, but the pride felt after a homemade dinner was unmatched. Occasional orders continued, but regular cooking did not begin until the previous year.
How Meal Kits Make Cooking Accessible
Meal kits simplify cooking by providing:
- Step-by-step instructions with photos to guide each recipe.
- A complete list of ingredients, eliminating the need for grocery trips.
- Helpful tips such as lining baking sheets with foil or adjusting spice levels.
- Skill-level options, allowing beginners to start with sheet-pan meals or pasta before tackling more complex dishes.
These features help learners acquire essential skills: dicing and chopping vegetables, searing meat, salting pasta water, and more. The author now turns on the stove more regularly, with or without a kit, because the process feels approachable and rewarding.
Features of the Kits
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ingredient kit | Every item needed for the recipe is pre-measured and delivered. |
| Photo-guided steps | Visual cues help follow each stage of the dish. |
| Skill-level selection | Choose recipes from simple to advanced based on confidence. |
| Cleaning tips | Practical advice for easy cleanup, e.g., using foil. |
| Recipe cards | Physical cards stored for future reference. |
These elements combine to create a learning environment that encourages experimentation while reducing the intimidation often associated with cooking.
The Author’s Cooking Journey Over Five Years
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2020 | First HelloFresh box during the pandemic. |
| 2021 | Occasional orders; still not a regular cook. |
| 2022 | Began cooking more frequently, exploring new recipes. |
| 2023 | Started reviewing meal kits professionally for a tech brand. |
| 2024 | Expanded repertoire to include homemade empanadas, shepherd’s pie, and seared salmon. |
The progression from novice to reviewer illustrates how consistent practice and guided instruction can build confidence and expertise.
Takeaways for Aspiring Home Cooks
- Convenience is key: Kits eliminate the need for grocery shopping and pre-measured ingredients.
- Learning through doing: Hands-on experience, guided by photos and instructions, helps develop core cooking skills.
- Progressive challenge: Starting with simple dishes and moving to more complex ones keeps motivation high.
- Community and inspiration: Reviewing kits and sharing experiences can turn a hobby into a professional pursuit.
Meal kits have empowered the author to turn a solitary kitchen into a creative space, proving that anyone can learn to cook with the right tools and guidance.
Final Thoughts
The journey from a hesitant cook to a professional reviewer showcases the transformative power of meal kits. By offering structured, photo-guided recipes and a complete ingredient list, they lower barriers to entry and foster confidence. For anyone looking to learn cooking skills or simply enjoy a hassle-free dinner, meal kits provide a proven, enjoyable path.
