Simply Cook......

[ToraToraTora]

...does anyone buy this stuff?

[Mozz71]

Is basically meals on wheels that you have to cook yourself. It's a nope from me.

[Tilly2]

I thought all the ingredients were supplied but that doesn't seem to be the case as far as I can see.

[bednobs]

hello fresh = all ingredients supplied (except water)
simply cook = flavourings and herbs/sauces provided and you buy the ingredients

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Bednobs.

[pastafreak]

Last year when I was having some money issues, my daughter sent me a hello fresh discount offer as they used it on occasion when busy with work. Initially seemed nice, but without the 20% discount very expensive, heavy on carbs, and veg were not often very fresh. Also enough potatoes to sink a battleship. Had to purchase recipes that fed 2, but the protein supplied would leave an average man hungry...nevermind an older lady with a healthy appetite!
It's really aimed at those who are cash rich and time poor...and also those newish to cooking.

[DTCwordfan]

In essence, 'Can't Cook, Won't Coo' - bring on Ainsley....or Alistair Cook? He wouldn't make a hash of it.

[PeityBand]

What stuff?? I could not see it.

[dannyk13]

I gave it a try and what you get is packets of herbs and spices with recipe cards.

[Gromit]

I buy my Curries from a Curry Cafe in Manchester. Not a special trip, I go when I am in town.
I have 2 Tupperware containers and they hold 4 curries each. These I put in the freezer when I get home.
Once a week we heat a couple in the oven for half an hour.
I can make my own curries, but these are better.
Great when you want a quick tasty meal when you are tired.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187069-d3367061-Reviews-Yadgar_Cafe-Manchester_Greater_Manchester_England.html

[pat2604]

Wouldn't touch it. Aimed at those who can't even boil an egg. It's such a shame that so many young people these days don't have the opportunity to cook with Mums in the kitchen , like us oldies did. They have been brought up by the generation who aldo didn't cook. Fast food and takeaways have a place but for some they have taken over. I can throw an imaginative quick meal together with just a few ingredients and never use recipes at a very low cost. And it will be nutritious. This is a subject that makes my blood boil. So I'll stop ranting ;0)

[pastafreak]

As I mentioned, my daughter and her partner used Hello Fresh...only for convenience...during lockdown. I'm pretty sure they don't now unless they absolutely do not have time. I can assure you that they are both quite capable cooks as I was fed quite well when I visited.
I think these kits can be useful as a starting point to learn about flavours, herb and spice combinations, technique and timing...but they could get quite boring and samey.
As for recipes...I'll still use them. For inspiration and as a way to expand my own tastes. It's not always easy cooking for one...it IS easy to just throw some eggs together and be done with it.

[pat2604]

Pasta, myOH does 95% of the cooking now with me around for a bit of advice sometines. He does very well. But if I were alone I would be eating oatcakes with cheese andc tomatoes morning noon and night. With fruit after and, of course, my dark chocolate!!!! ;0)

[bednobs]

pat i take slight offence at your response. buying the hello fresh kits is in essence no different to going to the shop, buying the same ingredients and then cooking the meal. you still have to cook, they just send you the ingredients and the recipe

[bednobs]

except you dont have to go to the shops.
simply cook is in essence no different than buying, say, a sharwoods curry mix, or a casserole mix.
and who can say they never do that?

[dannyk13]

Pat, you do have to cook.As I posted above, all you get is herbs or spices and recipe cards.You still have to shop for ingredients such as meat etc.

[Mamyalynne]

It remains unclear which company Tora is actually discussing. I gave up trying to fathom that.

[dannyk13]

Lynne, I think TTT is referring to Simply Cook which is what I tried.

[Vagus]

I think both companies mentioned are a good idea. Anything which encourages people to cook at home is great. I’ve debated a few times about whether or not to sign up over the last couple of years, and I consider myself a competent cook.
My mum was a rubbish cook, hated it, so I didn’t learn much from her. Her idea of a fantastic meal was a box of Vesta curry.

[Mamyalynne]

Danny, when asked Tora replied...

it's a new thing, everything to your door at 1000 times the price, even dog food.


Doesn't sound like it to me.

[dannyk13]

He must be referring to all food deliveries.