17 Atlanta Meal Delivery Services That Simplify Family Dinner

by Taylor CliftonAugust 3, 2022

With the school year and work in full swing, now is the time when you might look to shortcuts for your family meal plan. With these local (and some not-so-local) meal kit delivery services, you can add another feather to your already full cap and whip up something delicious faster than you can load everyone in the car for take-out. Keep reading for our favorite meal delivery services in Atlanta, and let someone else do the cooking (or at least the shopping and prep) for a change.

a grandparent and granddaughter stir up dinner in a bowl — iStock

Instead of Flowers

This Atlanta meal delivery service offers ready-made dinners for diners who prefer to leave the prep work to someone else. With meal delivery from Monday to Friday between 3 and 6 p.m., Instead of Flowers guarantees you'll have a hot meal on the table before the last kids gets home from practice. Choose between complete meals or a la carte options, and be sure to check out the special kids' menu, as well.

Insider tip: When you gift a meal from Instead of Flowers, they contact your recipient, take their preferred order and delivery date, and even include an enclosure card letting them know that the dinner came from you. Sounds like an easy way gift for new parents to us.

Cost: Complete meals start at $52

Online: insteadofflowers.com

families cook together over two saucepans in the kitchen — Garnish & Gather

Garnish & Gather

With a weekly menu with multiple options—as well as three to four à la carte kits—and a delivery zone both ITP and OTP on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays (plus multiple pick up locations), Garnish & Gather is as big on offering their customers options as they are on offering quality local ingredients. They work with Atlanta's best chefs for meal kit recipes, recently featuring menus from the chefs of Miller Union, Banshee, Revival and Tiny Lou's.

Insider tip: Garnish & Gather has "kid approved" menu items, like lemon caper chicken, that take 20 minutes or less to prepare. They'll also deliver local groceries from Georgia farmers and artisans to your doorstep.

Cost: $32-$58/meal

Online: garnishandgather.com

A mother and son chop vegetables together on a kitchen island — iStock

The Dinner Shoppe

Owner Carol Rice's goal has always been to help families of all sizes get supper on the table because she knows what it means to be a busy parent of younger kids. Expect family friendly meals that are totally customizable for your family (you add the desired amount of spice to all entrees from the included bag yourself). If you want something left out or put on the side, or low sodium, or vegetarian or gluten free, or want to switch meats, all you have to do is make a note of it during check out. Menus include 16-20 choices that change monthly, and delivery includes all of metro Atlanta.

Insider tip: We love that Carol used to have her children's friends over to taste test upcoming menu items. Clearly these meals are crafted with the family table in mind.

Cost: starting at $9/serving

Online: thedinnershoppe.com

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Bag'd Atlanta

Bag'd Atlanta is your source for local vegetables and fruits delivered to your door, also featuring a variety of add-ons and health and wellness products. While this isn't a prepared kid per se, the robust local fruits and veggies have a week's worth of produce to inspire any aspiring chef. Serving Intown Atlanta, and offering free delivery to Decatur and Avondale Estates for orders over $25 (and a small delivery fee elsewhere), Bag'd lets you get dinner in the bag.

Insider tip: Check the website for availability of dairy, eggs, and meat, all sourced from Georgia farmers and can be delivered to your door.

Cost: starting at $24

Online: bagd-atl.com

Martha Stweart stands in the kitchen next to her meal delivery services kit

Martha & Marley Spoon

This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The menu features over 45 choices every week, and the website tags meals as Family-Friendly, Under 30 minutes, Vegetarian or Vegan and other categories. Our favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help.

Cost: Plans start at $9/portion + $10 shipping

Online: marleyspoon.com

Hello Fresh

The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.

Cost: starting at $10/serving + $10/box for delivery

Online: hellofresh.com

Dinnerly

If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.

Cost: starting at $5/person

Online: dinnerly.com

Green Chef

Healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week and you'll enjoy options like Steak & Cheddar Melts, Salmon with Creamy Chimichurri, and Creamy Baked Penne Pasta.

Cost: starting at $12/serving + $10 for shipping

Online: greenchef.com

a plant based meal is spread out on a table after being prepped from a meal delivery service — Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. Choose from Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and customize your choices to your liking. All meals are meat-free and easy to prepare, or you can select from prepared meals to be delivered to your door. You can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.

Good to know: We’re crushing on Purple Carrot’s Plantry ingredients like cauliflower snacking crackers and chocolate-covered oat bites that kids can grab and eat.

Cost: starting at $11/serving

Online: purplecarrot.com

Veestro

How about 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too). There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever. Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos, and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan.

Good to know: As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.

Cost: starting at $11/meal

Online: veestro.com

Sun Basket

Sun Basket provides meal kit customers with organic produce and clean ingredients with paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and family menu selections. Consumers can also upgrade to premium meats like grass-fed filet and jumbo shrimp. Broaden your culinary horizons with family-friendly meals like chicken tagine and Taiwanese noodle soup. You can even select "super speedy" meals which can go from box to table in less than 20 minutes or "one pot" meals which keep the dishes to a minimum. Hooray!

Parents will love how Sun Basket encourages kids to participate in the cooking process (which has been shown to create more adventurous eaters). Each recipe includes a "Kids Can" section with suggestions of how kids can contribute to the meal prep by juicing a lemon, timing the orzo or strip the mint leaves.

Sun Basket recently released their Fresh & Ready meals and families will want to try them out for sure. Fresh & Ready is an ideal weeknight meal solution—the meals feature a complete dinner that is pre-cooked, packaged and can go straight into the oven or microwave, ready in 6 minutes or less, no additional prep required.

Cost: $12/serving

Online: sunbasket.com

Territory Foods

Chef-made, nutritionist-designed meal delivery service Territory Foods delivers meals free of gluten and refined sugars to Dallas families. With over 35 options that are updated weekly, you choose what you want, the items are cooked to order and delivered twice a week to keep your fridge stocked. Pause or cancel at any time. Try the chicken stir fry or BBQ pork with mashed potatoes as easy kid-friendly options.

They also recently started offering Territory Grocery. Options: Produce Box ($60) featuring a 15+ lb. mix of garden veggies, root veggies, fruit, leafy greens and herbs; or Produce & Pantry Box ($70) including all of the above plus 2-3 lbs. of grains and legumes.

Cost: starting at $11/meal

Online: territoryfoods.com

One Potato

When it comes to feeding families, One Potato has got you covered. Co-founder Catherine McCord's best selling Weelicious recipes are the basis of the One Potato meals. There's nothing fussy here—the organic, non-GMO ingredients come pre-chopped, pre-measured and ready to get from box to table in no time. Each recipe will be ready in less than 30 minutes, which makes weeknight meals a cinch. Bonus: there's cookie dough included in every box!

One Potato understands that not every family has two adults and two kids so they offer plans for two to six servings per meal. By indicating how many children are in your family, you'll receive kid-sized portions (about half of an adult-sized portion) for them. Choose two or three meals to be delivered per week, or skip that week if you'll be out of town.

Cost: starting at $14/serving

Online: onepotato.com

Blue Apron

Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving, wellness and vegetarian menus to pick the options that are right for you. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.

Cost: starting at $8/serving + $10 for shipping

Online: blueapron.com

Freshly

With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.

Cost: $9-$12/meal + $10-$12 for shipping

Online: Freshly.com

Gobble

While this meal kit delivery service isn't exclusive to Atlanta, it only preps and delivers gourmet three-step recipes (fist bump!). Their one-pan cooking with zero prep required means you cut down on the clean-up time, too. Plus, menu items are marked as "Certified" Gobble Kid Friendly, making it easy to pick the most foolproof meal for your little foodies.

Good to know: Gobble sends meal kits with the intent of 15 minutes or less of prep time, so you can spend more time hanging with your little gobblers—instead of stirring away over a hot stove.

Cost: starting at $12/serving

Online: gobble.com

meal delivery services in Atlanta — iStock

Home Chef

Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. With a variety of more than 20 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like, the meals are convenient and kid-friendly. The 15-minute meal kits include options like Mini Pesto Pork Pizzas. Or, opt for more sophisticated meals from the culinary collection like Crispy Chicken with Lemon Pistachio Butter.

Cost: starting at $7/serving

Online: homechef.com

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

—Taylor Clifton & Shelley Massey with Kate Loweth

Oh Pie! Where to Pick Your Own Cherries near NYC

by Yuliya GeikhmanMay 30, 2022

Cherry-picking season is a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of deal. If you’re thinking of picking some fresh cherries for your favorite pie or jam recipe, you’ll have to head out from around mid-June to early July. There are a number of fantastic farms in the NYC area where you can pick your own cherries—and cherries are the perfect size for tiny hands to pick. Farms recommend coming earlier rather than later, as it’s picking while supplies last. (Your best bet is to check a farm’s social media feeds before heading out.) Cherries are typically gone by early July, but you can still pick your own berries at one of these farms near NYC, and pick your own flowers at these farms. Just can’t get enough of farm life? How about a farm stay?

Some Tips Before You Pick

There are many varieties of cherries, but they fall into two main categories: sweet and tart. Ripening times may vary for each type of cherry, so make sure you're going at the right time for the type of cherry you want.
Most of these farms also sell fresh produce, various types of food, freshly baked goods, ciders, jams, and more
Remind little ones to be courteous: No shaking of branches, climbing trees, or tasting of fruit as you pick
Outside bags are generally not permitted. You have to use the provided picking containers
Dogs are never allowed into the orchards and fruit-growing areas (with the exception of service animals), though some farms allow animals outside planted areas, like in designated picnic spots.
All listed dates are predictions. Always check the sites website or facebook, or call ahead to double-check the U-Pick details for the day you're thinking of going.

Cherry Picking in New York

Lawrence Farms Orchards
Family-owned by a family that's been involved with agriculture since 1892, Lawrence Farms Orchards is a charming place to visit for cherry-picking and a picnic (if you plan to picnic, you'll need to buy your fruits first). As always, June-July is the time to pick sweet and sour cherries, but the farm also has a huge selection of other U-Pick fruits and veggies from June through October, including peaches, pears, raspberries, peppers, eggplant, and so many more. Make sure to take a gander at the farm's spectacular show chickens and adorable goats, and check out the hay bale maze and “Little Village” — a small-scale replica of an old-fashioned New England farm town.

Good to know: Admission is $5 per person (children under two are free), and there are season passes available if you plan on coming back to pick any of their other offerings. Non-cash methods of payment are accepted at an additional 4% fee from your final total.

Where: 306 Frozen Ridge Rd., Newburgh, NY

Phone: 845-562-4268

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Online: lawrencefarmsorchards.com

Distance from NYC: 1h 30m

Prospect Hill Orchards
From mid-June to July 4th, Prospect Hill Orchards' nine acres of sour red or sweet red and white cherries will be ripe for the picking. There are over 10 different varieties available, from the extremely sweet Heidelfingen to the bright red tart Montmorency. No appointments are needed. You can also buy some homemade goods to be delivered, including homemade jam, granola, and dried apples.

Good to know: Credit cards are accepted as long as they have a chip. You can catch a ride on a tractor from the parking lot up to the cherry hill.

Where: 340 Milton Tpke., Milton, NY

Phone: 845-795-2383

Hours: Fri.-Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Online: prospecthillorchards.com

Distance from NYC: 1h 40m

Fishkill Farms
Fishkill Farms is one of the only U-Pick farms in NY where you can find organic cherries. In fact, all the farm's vegetables, berries and eggs are certified organic, as well as a third of the apple orchard (the rest is ecologically responsible). Expected picking dates are between June 26 and July 10, for sweet red, golden and tart cherries. Once you're done picking, stop by the farm store for freshly made donuts and pies, grab dinner at the outdoor grill or practice some al-fresco yoga (reservations for the latter are required).

Good to know: Pets are allowed on the property, except in the farm store or areas where fruits and vegetables are grown. Picking requires a reservation, which open up as the fruits ripen and it becomes clear how many visitors the farm can accommodate.

Where: 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell Junction, NY

Phone: 845-897-4377

Hours: Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; cherry-picking only available on weekends to the public

Online: fishkillfarms.com

Distance from NYC: 1h 40m

Rose Hill Farm
Since 2018, the farm has completely changed the way it operates, using a holistic approach that emphasizes the health of the land and ecosystem. The result is way more cherry varieties than you probably knew existed. Sweet cherries are plentiful and are awesome for fresh eating, freezing for later, or making smoothies out of. Rose Hill recommends using the sour types for baking, canning, fermenting, and infusing, instead. The grounds are open for picnicking and fire pits, and you'll often find live music, food pop-ups, events, classes, and more entertainment in this lively spot.

Good to know: You're allowed to bring your own food for a picnic in certain areas. If you decide to stop by The Taproom for food and drinks for the adults, outdoor seating is available but you're also welcome to bring your own camping chairs or picnic blankets and stay the afternoon.

Where: 19 Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook, NY

Phone: 845-758-4215

Hours: Fri. 2-8 p.m., Sat. 12-8 p.m., Sun. 12-7 p.m.

Online: pickrosehillfarm.com

Distance from NYC: 2h 10m

Wickham's Fruit Farm
With 300 acres of space, of which 200 acres are planted with fruit, Wickham’s Fruit Farm is one of the larger U-Pick farms in the area. Plan to visit in June, which is when Wickham's estimates the cherries will be ripe for the picking this year. The farm also has a variety of cheeses, pies and preserves, as well as freshly baked donuts for sale.

Good to know: Pets aren't allowed anywhere on the farm, and outside bags are prohibited, as well.

Where: 28700 Main Rd., Cutchogue, Long Island

Phone: 631-734-6441

Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-"maybe 4 or 5" p.m.

Online: wickhamsfruitfarm.com

Distance from NYC: 3h 10m

a bucket of cherries in an orchard — Wikimedia cc

Cherry Picking in New Jersey

Terhune Orchards
Terhune Orchards encourages visitors not to wait until "next weekend" to pick cherries, as the season is short and will be over before you know it! You'll likely be able to pick sweet cherries starting mid-June and tart ones beginning in late June. Plan to make a whole day out of it, because there's plenty to keep kids curious and occupied here. Kids (and adults) of all ages can visit the barnyard to see sheep, goats, ducks, geese, and chickens, while kids six and under can ride on pedal tractors. Head out for a walk on the farm trail discovery walk, which takes you on about a mile-long walk through an impressive variety of natural locations, including a pasture, orchard, large pond, meadow, and even a forest. Adults can also enjoy a drink at the winery on weekends 12-5 p.m., and catch some live music by the firepit.

Good to know: Terhune often holds classes (on topics like herbs and gardening) and live music. You can also sign up your children for "Read and Pick Tuesdays," a program that combines fruit picking with an educational and fun activity meant to teach kids about the farm. The cherries Read and Pick Tuesday is scheduled for June 14, and registration is $12 per child (one accompanying adult can come along for no additional charge).

Where: 330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, NJ

Phone: 609-924-2310

Hours: Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Online: terhuneorchards.com

Distance from NYC: 1h 30m

Battleview Orchards
Visit the oldest U-Pick orchard in New Jersey — open since 1908! — for sour cherries during the incredibly narrow window of June 16-25. (But don't forget to check the Orchard's Facebook to confirm the exact dates). Don't miss out on shopping at the Country Store while you're here, for fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade pies, breads, and other baked goods, as well as freshly pressed cider and apple cider donuts. You can also snag a gift for someone (or, why not, just treat yourself) from your choice of gift baskets, fruit and veggie platters, and a wide selection of gourmet options.

Good to know: This location is cash only and pets aren't allowed. Senior citizens get a 10% discount on Mondays and Thursdays at the store and orchard. Not sure what to do with those sour cherries? Battleview Orchards has shared some of their favorite sour cherry recipes on their website.

Where: 91 Wemrock Rd., Freehold, NJ

Phone: 732-462-0756

Hours: Wed.-Mon., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Online: battlevieworchards.com

Distance from NYC: 1h 30m

Stoneyfield Orchard
The family-owned and operated Stoneyfield Orchard is kid-friendly, with cows and other animals to delight the little ones. In addition to sour and sweet cherries, you can buy fruit, eggs, cheeses, cider, honey, preserves, and much more from the farm stand. Good to know: It's cash only here, so come prepared! Sometimes, the farm will increase its hours due to an over-abundance of fruit, so check Facebook or call ahead to plan your visit.

Where: 5 Orchard St., Belvidere, NJ

Phone: 908-475-5209

Hours: Sat. & Sun., 12-4 p.m.

Online: stoneyfieldorchard.com

Distance from NYC: 1h 40m

Two girls hold bags full of picked cherries — Christine Lai

Cherry Picking in Connecticut

Belltown Hill Orchards
Located in the beautiful hills of South Glastonbury, this farm approximates sweet cherry picking season to be mid-June to mid-July, while sour cherries will be available throughout July. You'll find more farm-fresh goodies at the farm store, including veggies like corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, green beans, and more, depending on what's ripe.

Good to know: Don't miss out on the farm's delicious baked goods, including pies, breads, donuts, and their famous hot apple fritters. (Some bakery items are even sugar-free!) You can also snag plenty of jams, preserves, soups, salsas, relishes, and any other fruit or veg product your heart desires at Grandma's Pantry.

Where: 483 Matson Hill Rd., South Glastonbury, CT

Phone: 860-633-2789

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Online: belltownhillorchards.com

Distance from NYC: 3h

9 Easy Grilling Recipes Perfect for a Summer Cookout

by Abigail MatsumotoMay 17, 2022

The grill is your go-to summer cooking tool, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of burgers and steaks. When you’re ready to switch up your dinner menu, you’ll want to check out our roundup of easy grilling recipes. From sweet and sour grilled chicken to skewers and even grilled fruit, these recipes are sure to spice up your spread. Read on to get fired up about all of the delicious possibilities.

Grilled Chicken Recipe

One of the easiest things to grill in the summer is chicken. With endless possibilities, there’s a style and flavor for everyone. We can’t wait to try this Sweet & Sour Chicken version. You can find the recipe in the post below!

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Corn on the Cob

What goes better with grilled chicken than corn on the cob? A staple for summer dinners, make some with butter and salt for the kids, and add elote seasoning, spicy mayo or just about anything else you can think of for the adults.

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Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp cook fast, so the hardest thing about this recipe is the prep work. Check out the video below and look for the link to the printable recipe!

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Grilled Zucchini Salad

If you’ve got kids who like to keep it simple, set aside a few pieces of zucchini for them to have plain, while the rest can be tossed into this simple summer salad recipe.

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Veggie Beef Tin Foil Packets

Campfire food can be made at home too. Foil packets are genius because there’s literally no cleanup and you can add just about anything you want to the mix. The post below has the recipe for this particularly yummy-looking dinner.

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Grilled Sweet Potato

Better than french fries (we think), grilled sweet potatoes are a cinch to prep (see the post for details), and after you’ve lathered them in olive oil and salt, they only take about 4-5 minutes on each side before they’re done.

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Grilled Avocado

If you haven’t tried this yet, we highly recommend adding it to your summer recipe rotation. Warm and smooth and stuffed with everything from shrimp to feta and tomatoes, grilled avocados are a real treat. Check out the recipe below.

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Chicken Skewers

Another easy way to get a whole meal done at once is to assemble chicken skewers. Add fruit, and vegetables and marinate them in your favorite sauce.

Grilled Peaches with Feta

These grilled peaches can be served with feta, like in the recipe below, or with ice cream for a sweet summer dessert. A totally understated way to enjoy a sweet treat!

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27 Hot Dog Recipes You Need to Try

by Susie ForesmanFebruary 16, 2022

Your kids’ favorite go-to for a picnic or a meal, hot dogs don’t have to be just about the basic bun. From mac and cheese dogs to hot dog curry to hot dog hash, we’ve rounded up creative hot dog recipes that will change the way you think about franks. Keep reading to discover our favorite hot dog recipes for kids.

Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket got an Air Fryer makeover with this recipe from Bake Me Some Sugar. Add cheese for variety and serve with various dipping sauces! Get the recipe here.

Polynesian Sweet and Sour Hot Dogs with Rice

A sweet and delicious stir fry that includes a go-to ingredient like hot dogs? Yup, we've just found the answer to your busy weeknight dinner problems. Get the recipe from Tablespoon.

Pretzel Dogs

Pretzels and hot dogs, what's not to love about this recipe? Soft and chewy dough surrounding a juicy hot dog, sprinkled with sea salt, yum! Get the recipe over at Food Fanatic.

Marinated Hot Dogs

When you give your hot dogs a good overnight soak in this sweet-and-spicy marinade from Good Food Stories, you won't need to worry about fancy toppings. Made with ketchup, soy sauce and other yummy ingredients, the only thing left to do is check out the grilling tip that Casey from Good Food Stories shares here.

Mini Corn Dogs

Everyone's favorite fair food can be yours at home with this sweet recipe from The View from Great Island. Even better, there's a recipe for onion sauce, which fancies it up for the parents!

Seattle Hot Dog

Our tummies are growling over this Seattle hot dog spotted over at Show Me the Yummy. Loaded with sauteed onion, bacon cream cheese and spicy jalapeños, this is a grown-up edition of your kiddo's go-to dinner. Find out what you'll need over at Show Me the Yummy.

The Classic New York Hot Dog

If you haven't had a hot dog from a New York street cart, you haven't had a hot dog. Luckily, you can recreate the simple but classic flavors by following Pennywise Mama's recipe. One secret? Boil the dogs, don't grill 'em!

Pigs in a Blanket

This little piggy goes down great for playdates, lunches or even kid-friendly appetizers and it's easier to make than you think. Just click here for the full how-to.

Chili Cheese Dilly Dogs

You can’t let the summer slip by without having a chili dog—and if you’re going to do it, you might as well do it right, with this recipe from Garlic & Zest. The “dilly” part comes from a pickle, which makes for a crisp and tangy contrast to the hearty chili.

Taco Dogs

We like to keep a stash of hot dogs in the freezer for those times when cooking up an elaborate meal isn’t in the cards. This twist on chili dogs from Mama Gourmand is the perfect way to make an old favorite new again—and it’s a guaranteed kid-pleaser too.

Ball Park Frank Grilled Cheese

They loved grilled cheese. They love hot dogs. Why not switch things up and combine the two for a lunch that invokes the ballpark and comfort food all in one. Get the full recipe right here.

One Pot Spaghetti Hot Dog

This recipe, courtesy of Ramona at Curry and Comfort, combines two of your kids’ favorite foods: spaghetti and hot dogs. Add in veggies like onions and bell peppers and the result is a delicious hearty meal that requires only one pot. Hooray for easy clean-ups! Get the full recipe by clicking here.

Baked Corn Dog Muffins

Corn dogs were one of our favorite summer foods when we were kids, so we’re obsessed with this bite-size version that works perfectly for picnics. The only problem? It’s impossible to eat just one. To snag the recipe, click here.

Cheesy Hot Dog Wontons

Try out this clever twist on pigs in a blanket, swapping crescent rolls for wonton wrappers. Don’t forget the key ingredient: gooey cheddar cheese! Click here to get the details from Cheap Recipe Blog.

Tortilla Dogs

Here’s a perfect “the-fridge-is-nearly-empty” meal—just wrap hot dogs in a tortilla and fry them up, then you’ll have perfectly sized bites to dip in ketchup and mustard. Get the full recipe from Or Whatever you Do.

Hot Dog Sliders

Whether served as a finger-food appetizer or as dinner alongside a green salad, this recipe from Cook the Story is bound to be a home run. The mini hot dogs are topped with honey mustard and a peach salsa.

Polynesian Hot Dogs

Hot dogs become something brand new with this recipe from The Midnight Baker. With a salty-sweet sauce made using pineapple juice, soy sauce and brown sugar, it’s going to be an instant hit with the kiddos.

Threaded Spaghetti Hot Dog Bites

This fun idea from Damn Delicious gets the tots involved in the cooking. Have them thread uncooked spaghetti through hot dogs before you boil the pasta, and pair it with homemade or jarred marinara sauce for a delicious meal. To get the recipe, click here.

Tex-Mex Hot Dogs

To add a colorful Tex-Mex flair to your usual hot dog, top it with corn, beans, salsa and peppers — or let your little ones pick their own topping combinations. Get the recipe from Country Cleaver.

Franks & Beans With Sweet Potatoes

Try this twist on the classic franks and beans that incorporate hearty sweet potatoes, crispy bacon and tangy barbecue sauce for a stick-to-your-ribs meal. Get the recipe from The Weary Chef.

Tot Dogs

Got a tater tot lover in your family? Top some hot dogs with tater tots, cheese sauce, sour cream and crumbly bacon for a kid-approved meal. Get more details from The Merry Thought.

Hot Dog Curry

Transform hot dogs into something totally unexpected with this great recipe from Curry and Comfort. It’s not spicy, just sweet and tangy, so even picky eaters will love this one. To snag the recipe, click here.

Chili Dog Casserole

This dish from Cully’s Kitchen will come together in no time at all — just layer chili, hot dogs, tortillas and cheddar cheese to make a warming meal that the whole crew will love. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

Mac and Cheese Dogs

Two kid-favorite foods combine in Taste and Tell’s awesome mac and cheese dogs recipe. Whip this one up as a decadent weekend treat. It’s sure to be a big hit with the whole fam. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

BBQ Bacon Cheese Hot Dogs

As if grilled hot dogs weren’t delicious enough already, this recipe from Barbara Bakes ups the ante by wrapping them in bacon and stuffing them with gouda cheese. Sign us up! Click here for the full recipe.

Hot Dog Bar

If you can't decide on what kind of hot dog you'd like, Lindsay from Pinch of Yum has you covered with her hot dog bar! Check out her yummy toppings for a California dog (and more!) here.

Tropical Hot Dog Bar

Try out these tasty toppings from The View from Great Island. There are so many fresh and delicious topping options that everyone will find a favorite! Find the recipe here.

18 Comfort Food Recipes to Get You Through Winter

by Susie ForesmanJanuary 26, 2022

Warm up from the inside out with these easy dinner ideas

When you’ve got tiny humans to keep happy and fed through the winter, it doesn’t get much better than comfort food—hearty soups, stews, and pasta dishes, yum! Fight off cabin fever by making one of these satisfying dishes that’ll warm you up from the inside out. Bonus points for most of these comfort food recipes being big portions; you’ll have plenty of leftovers too.

Cream of Tomato Soup

This soup from The Cake Chica is just what your grilled cheese needs! It uses the freshest ingredients and takes two—count ‘em, two steps. And if you have a blender or food processor, it's that much easier! Get the recipe here.

Creamy Winter Squash Soup

Make use of in-season squash to whip up this tasty soup from Veggies Don’t Bite. As an added bonus, it’s super healthy—the thickness comes from pureed walnuts and cashews rather than heavy cream. Click here to grab the recipe.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

If you’re having Thanksgiving cravings, you’ve got to make this delicious chicken and gravy by Sarah Olson. Since it’s made in the slow cooker, it tastes like your favorite Turkey Day food without hours of work. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

Goulash

This delicious goulash from Slim Shoppin’ can be thrown together in less than half an hour using ingredients you probably already have in the pantry. Little ones will love the hearty pasta mix. To get the recipe, click here.

Revamped Spaghetti Carbonara

Gourmet Dough’s twist on spaghetti carbonara updates the classic dish with pancetta, cream and a splash of white wine (the alcohol burns off, of course!). Comfort food never tasted so good. To find out how it’s made, click here.

Asian Chicken Thighs

We love warming up with a big plate of Asian food, and these chicken thighs from The Midnight Baker totally fit the bill. Pair the soy sauce-coated chicken with a side of veggie fried rice, and you’ve got a meal that’ll please your whole crew. Snag the recipe by clicking here.

Slow Cooker Meatball Subs

This super easy take on meatball subs from Garnish with Lemon is perfect for a busy day. Just pop everything in the crockpot in the morning, then build the cheesy subs when it’s time for dinner. To see the recipe, click here.

Roast Chops with Apples, Spuds and Cider

Kerry Altiero’s Adventures in Comfort Food

Pork chops are super yummy when paired with apples, and the whole fam is sure to love this recipe from Kerry Altiero. With the addition of potatoes and kale, you’re set with a one-dish meal that couldn’t be more delicious. To grab the recipe, click here.

Roasted Poblano and Corn Soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of poblano and corn soup from Veggies Don’t Bite. A great choice for Meatless Monday, it’s delicious topped with a drizzle of garlicky lemon crema. Get the recipe by clicking here.

One-Pot Skillet Ravioli & Spinach Lasagna

Lasagna that’s ready in 20 minutes? Sign us up! This recipe from Aberdeen’s Kitchen uses store-bought ravioli instead of the traditional lasagna noodles. Get all the details by clicking here.

Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo

This fettuccine alfredo from Frou Frou & Frills is sure to be an instant kid favorite. Sneak in some mushrooms and spinach to up the healthy factor. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Saucy pulled pork is one of our go-to comfort foods, and this recipe from Food Network is the ultimate BBQ dish. Your whole crew will love the perfectly tender, tangy pork. Click here to get the recipe.

Crock Pot Mushroom Chicken

This five-ingredient chicken dish from Easy Crock Pot Recipes will make dinnertime a breeze. It’s great served over pasta and rice, and little ones will love the creamy taste. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Pork Tenderloin with Pan Sauce

For a super comforting dish, you’ve got to try this pork recipe from Chef Mommy. The pan sauce keeps the meat super moist, and paired with potatoes and veggies, you’ve got a healthy meal for the whole family. Click here to see the recipe.

Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken

Cook up some tropical flavors to get you through the holidays with this sweet and sour chicken dish. Soy, honey and ginger are just some of the ingredients that go into creating a meal that keeps its flavor and works great for lunch and dinner. Head to Weelicious for the recipe.

Classic Chicken Stew

There's something about the word "stew" that invokes chilly autumn nights and full tummies. This classic chicken stew recipe will is definitely on the top of the comfort foods list. Get the full recipe here.

Crock Pot Seasoned Chicken with Peppers & Onions

This slow cooker recipe from The Seasoned Mom is sure to find a place in your meal rotation. There are lots of ways to remix it—serve it with pasta or rice, or make it into a cheesy sandwich. Plus, if you’re an Instant Pot fan, it can be put to use with this recipe.

Butter Chicken

Your littles will love this dairy-free butter chicken from One Lovely Life. The creamy, flavorful sauce, paired with rice or quinoa, is sure to have the whole fam asking for seconds. To snag the recipe, click here.

Fresh & Healthy Meal Delivery Services for Seattle Families

by Jeff ToteyJanuary 16, 2022

Whether you are limiting trips to the grocery store, trying to turn over a new (salad) leaf for your family in 2022 or are just pressed for time, you’re not alone. Planning, cooking and even buying healthy meals is time consuming, especially when unexpected curveballs get thrown at you (school closures much?). Fortunately, Seattle is chock full of meal delivery services, preparing fresh and healthy kid-friendly dinners and delivering them straight to your home. Read on to make feeing your fam simple.

seattle meal delivery service, premade meals — Westerly via yelp

Westerly

This weekly meal delivery service will help your family eat healthy with their Wellness or Plant-Based Menu. They locally source, prepare and deliver your fully-cooked meals. All you have to do is heat them up, set the table (you've got two minutes) then enjoy them with the kids. Choose to have three, four or five meals for the week. The menu rotates weekly, and you'll find lots of creative choices with each new listing.

Cost: $105-$155/week
Online: westerlykitchen.com

The Speedy Dish

Adding chef-created, semi-prepared meals to your dinner rotation is easy with The Speedy Dish. Chef Michaela Skloven, a Ballard mom and Queen Anne mom, Erin, understand the ups and downs parents are facing right now. If you live in Queen Anne, Ballard or Magnolia, you can take advantage of this easy to prep meal kit that gets delivered straight to your home. Each Speedy Meal Kit serves two so you can easily build your family's meal plan, and takes about 20 minutes to get it on the table. The Speedy Dish also delivers ready-to-enjoy meals (think tamales and pot hand pies) alongside prepared proteins, sides, wraps and salads.

Cost: $9-$28/meal
Online: thespeedydish.com

Seattle meal delivery service — courtesy ACME Farms Kitchen

ACME Farms + Kitchen

Joy Rubey, mom and founder, started ACME Farms + Kitchen in 2011 with a simple mission–to make access to local food easier. As a busy working mom of toddlers, she found herself searching for a simple way to get clean, local food at home, without having to haul little ones around.

Signing up for an ACME box is as easy as clicking a button and choosing a curated box that's right for your family. It's hard to go wrong with the Family Classics Box or Kid's Box, that'll get your hungry crew through breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also options for those who are gluten- and dairy-free, vegan or veg. Each box is fully customizable and you can set delivery to meet your needs: once only, weekly, monthly and more. Inside each box you'll find everything you need to make your meals, including pre-made sauces and portioned seasonings, as well as pantry items like chicken broth and coconut milk. Orders are submitted by Wednesday at midnight and delivered the next Wednesday or Thursday, depending on where you live. Each meal serves 4-6.

Cost: $7-$12/serving
Online: theacmebox.com

Fresh N Lean

It doesn’t get much easier to eat healthy than this. Breakfast, lunch, dinner meals and even in-between-meal snacks are catered to match your diet plan whether you are looking for nutrient dense meals, gluten-free meals, keto, Paleo or vegan. Non-GMO meals are never frozen. Meals arrive at your home fresh and in an insulated box. Just unpack them and place them in the fridge. They heat up in the microwave in just three minutes. Their meals are open to all ages and many families enjoy their plans. When ordering, please be cautious about any allergies your child may have.

Cost: $11/meal
Online: freshnlean.com

The Custom Plate

A car crash in 2011 started the odyssey that brought Dean and Tamara Hobson from losing everything back to solvency and health. What started as a local food delivery service for about 30 neighborhood families has grown into a citywide meal delivery and catering business focused on nourishing people. Weekly breakfast, lunch and dinner options rotate and deliveries are made twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. Be sure to order by 3 p.m. on Thursday for Monday delivery, and by the same time on Tuesday for a Friday delivery. Food is delivered fully cooked, and ready to eat once you reheat it, and it gets dropped in the personal cooler you set out on your front porch (don’t forget the ice packs!). You won’t find a lot of carbs or grains in these meals, just a whole lot of meats and veggies, calibrated for optimal nutrition. Specialized meal programs are also available if you’re looking for help with Keto, Whole 30, cleanses and more.

Cost: $9-$16/meal
Online: thecustomplate.com

Pick Me Up

If there’s one thing busy parents understand, it’s other busy parents who are trying to balance kids, school, work and childcare. When Seattle parents, Rachael and Phil encountered this eternal problem, they came up with a solution. They took Phil’s skills as a chef and Rachael’s as an organizer to create Pick Me Up, the chef-prepared meal service that lets Seattle and Eastside parents get dinner delivered to their homes or to a daycare partner. The system is streamlined through an app. All you have to do is set up an account, select your meals and portion size, heat and enjoy. Meals rotate weekly and each day has a couple of options to choose from; we love the kids meal variations offered for each too. From there, families can either choose to pick their meal up at a participating daycare or have it delivered to their doorstep, packed and chilled between noon and 5 p.m. the next day (order cut off is 10 p.m. the day before). While the kiddos set the table, you heat up the meal. Voila, dinner is served!

Good to know: When you set up the app, use the code 1111 for home delivery.

Cost: $23-$42/meal
Online: pickmeupseattle.com

FreshMeal

What started as a meal delivery service catering to people with specific fitness goals in 2016 has transformed into a healthy meal service delivering to nearly 80 different zip codes around Seattle. FreshMeal dinners are created for anyone who wants to get on a healthier diet and start eating fresh, never frozen meals. The meals are cooked by professional chefs out of their local commercial kitchen in the International District using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. To get started simply order your meals anytime before Thursday at 10 p.m. Then the FreshMeal team gets to work sourcing ingredients and cooking your meal just before delivering it on Sundays. It’s ready to be placed in your fridge to keep you fed for the week.

Cost: $12-$13/meal + $7 delivery fee
Online: freshmeal.com

Maven Meals

It was a bout of chicken pox a long time ago that led Maven Meals owner, Heidi Finley, to find her passion—food. Ever since she’s been studying nutrition, sustainable business and restaurant management to create flavorful, healthy meals for people who are too busy to cook them themselves. There’s no need to subscribe or meet a minimum order requirement here. With Maven Meals you simply place your food order Sunday by midnight, and Maven Meals delivers it on ice in an insulated cooler sometime between Monday and Wednesday of that week (delivery day depends on your zip code). They deliver as far north as Edmonds and as far south as Lakewood, as well as to the Eastside. A new menu is posted every Monday and it always comes with suggested pairings for entrees, and the ability to filter for food specificity (think: vegan, gluten-free, egg-free, etc.) so you know exactly what’s available to you. The best part? Everything is ready to eat with a quick reheat or as-is, with the exception of some fish dishes that take a minimal amount of cooking.

Cost: $9-$10/meal + $5 delivery fee
Online: mavenmeals.com

The Fresh Chef

Chef Virginia Blashill runs a "virtual restaurant," delivering restaurant-quality meals to busy families, without the hassle of a brick and mortar building. It's a great option for those of us who crave home-cooked meals, but lack the time to make them. Head to the website to choose meals from the menu that rotates weekly. Orders are placed by Sunday for delivery Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on your delivery zone. Meals are delivered fresh not frozen, so this is a great heat-and-eat option, no cooking on your part. Each is made from scratch in small batches, using local suppliers whenever possible. You can choose from entrees, soups, salads and desserts that are customizable to your crew. Choose regular portion sizes for hungry adults (they're quite generous) and smaller ones for kids. Keep in mind each entrée typically comes with two sides so you can customize meals in this way too. There are also low-carb, gluten- and dairy-free options available, but all foods are prepared in the same kitchen.

Cost: $9-$15/entree
Online: freshchefseattle.com

Freshly

Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor. With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.

Cost: $9-$12/meal
Online: freshly.com

Yumble

If dinner for your crew in two minutes or less sounds like a plan, check out Yumble's nutritious, ready-to-eat meals just for kids. They keep picky eaters in mind when they plan their menu, and meals come shipped in sustainably packaged boxes where you'll also find cute kid perks like stickers and activity sheets we know your kids will love. Yumble's lunches, dinners and snacks balance nutrition with flavor, so you can count on lots of fresh veggies and fruits in every meal. Simply choose your meal plan (four, six, eight or 12 per week), then wait for dinner to arrive at your door.

Cost: $6-$10/meal
Online: yumblekids.com

Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon

This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The menu features 22 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories. Favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help.

Cost: Starting at $7/portion + $9 shipping
Online: marleyspoon.com

Gobble

Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. How about picky eaters? Try Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Béarnaise Sauce or Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Napa Cabbage Slaw with Caraway Vinaigrette. What have you got to lose when it's just a one-pan cleanup?

Cost: Starting at $12/serving
Online: gobble.com

meal delivery services in chicago — courtesy Blue Apron

Blue Apron

Cost: $9/serving + $10/shipping
Online: blueapron.com

Home Chef

Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. With a variety 19 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like, the meals are convenient and kid-friendly. The 15-minute meal kits include options like Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Carrots. Or, opt for more sophisticated meals from the culinary collection like Steak and Garlic Thyme Butter with balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Twists.

Cost: Starting at $7/serving
Online: homechef.com

HelloFresh

Cost: $9/serving
Online: hellofresh.com

Dinnerly

Cost: Starting at $5/person
Online: dinnerly.com

Green Chef

Cost: $12-$13/serving + $10 shipping
Online: greenchef.com

Veestro

How about 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too). There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.

Cost: Starting at $10-12/serving, free shipping on auto-delivery options
Online: veestro.com

Splendid Spoon

Bowls, soups and smoothies. Oh my! Splendid Spoon grew out of mom-preneur and French Culinary Institute-trained chef, Nicole Centeno’s desire to find quick and nutritious meals and snacks when she was pregnant with her first son. The service now delivers over 50 different meal options including soups (both hearty and light), smoothies, grain bowls, noddles and shots to busy families everywhere. Splendid Spoon's plant-based foods are totally fresh, gluten-free and were developed hand-in-hand by registered dieticians and chefs, so you know they taste great. To get in on the action, you need to hit the website, choose a plan and then customize it. Lunch is at the heart of each, and it builds from there. Add in breakfast five times a week at the second tier and a reset (think light soups for dinner) when you choose the full monty. You can skip delivery whenever you need to, and food is delivered straight to your door via FedEx, chilled, using dry ice. Bowls and soups keep for a week in the fridge or freeze them for up to a month.

Cost: $9-$13/meal
Online: splendidspoon.com

Purple Carrot

Whether you're looking to eat more greens, add color to your plate or just plain love veggies, Purple Carrot is for you. Families can have dinner delivered two ways with Purple Carrot. If you go with the meal kit, you'll get a box delivered to your doorstep, filled with fresh ingredients and everything you need to make an amazing meal, from the good stuff to the recipe. If cooking isn't high on your list, try Purple Carrot's prepared meals. Like the meal kits, they come straight to your door. But unlike the meal kits, these are heat and serve, ready to eat in just five minutes. From there it's as simple as choosing your serving size (two or four) and how many meals you want each week (two or three). Then you sit back, relax and wait for your meals to deliver, freshly prepared, boxed and on ice, ready for you to enjoy.

Cost: Meal kits start at $10/serving; prepared meals start at $13/serving
Online: purplecarrot.com

Yumi

Developed by two moms on a mission to create optimally-balanced baby food blends, Yumi's meals are all about babies. Yumi’s baby blends come in over 60 flavors, and span baby's major food-related milestones. Expert Chefs use seasonal ingredients to whip up your baby’s food using diverse flavors and nutrient-dense ingredients like chia seeds, spirulina and flax, so your baby is exposed to a variety of flavors and textures. Then the blends are shipped to your doorstep in fully-recyclable packaging, using ice packs to keep it fresh. It’s easy to make substitutions or cancel an order any time, and you’ll receive text messages letting you know where your food is from the moment it ships out to the moment it delivers.

Cost: $5/day
Online: helloyumi.com

Meal Delivery Tips:

1. Once you find your favorite service, make sure you note your preferences, dislikes and allergies. Many services can accommodate these if they know ahead of time.

2. If you don’t have a cooler, buy one! The last thing you want is your delicious delivery spoiling in the sun.

3. Think about having your meals delivered to your workplace. This can give you instant lunch options, or can keep you from stressing out about your delivery waiting for you on your doorstep.

4. Order more than you need and freeze.

5. Did a friend just have a baby or is a parent recovering from surgery? Meal delivery is an awesome gift for anyone who might have more important things on their plate, or just as a time saver for a busy loved one.

—Jeffrey Totey, Allison Sutcliffe, Erin Cranston, Kristina Moy & Myriam Gabriel-Pollock

Feature image: iStock

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Dinner, Handled: Best Meal Delivery Services for Kids & Families

by Lambeth HochwaldSeptember 15, 2021

Meal delivery services and kits can be just the thing to help you and the kids eat healthier, save time, and yes, preserve your sanity. We rounded up NYC meal delivery services of all kinds—vegan and vegetarian, one-dish, just-for-kids, no-prep, foodie-inclined, etc.—and are here to help you decide which meal kit is the best for your busy NYC family. Read on to find your meal delivery match, and dig in!

Blue Apron

Cost: Meals cost $8.99-9.99/serving with free shipping

Online: blueapron.com

CookUnity

CookUnity combines the skill of real chefs, the freshness and quality of locally-sourced ingredients and the convenience of a meal delivery service. Over 50 skilled chefs create more than 250 dishes to choose from each week; examples include Moroccan Chickpea Tagine, with Turmeric Rice, Pan Seared Chicken with Roasted Veggies and Spinach Puree and Poached Salmon with Asparagus, but the options and variety are extremely impressive. Additionally, CookUnity has partnered with nine of NYC’s culinary icons to bring a signature dish to the weekly menu. You can refine your choices to include meals for weight loss, healthier eating and other goals, as well as dietary preferences such as dairy-free, vegan, low-carbs, seafood, paleo, etc. Sign up for as few as four meals a week or as many as 16. Meals are delivered chilled fresh (not frozen) in eco-friendly packaging, and you can pick your delivery day. Choose your meals each week, or set your preferences and let CookUnity do the work.

Cost: Starting at $10.49/meal with free delivery.

Online: cookunity.com

Dinnerly

If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from 19 new dinner options and each week there’s a featured dessert. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.

Cost: Meals start at $4.69/person

Online: dinnerly.com

Farmer’s Fridge

Farmer's Fridge

There’s basically no prep with Farmer’s Fridge. A variety of salads (examples include Smoked Cheddar Cobb, Southwest, Asian Chopped, North Napa, Buffalo Chicken Ranch) made with truly—and honestly, shockingly—fresh ingredients, come ready to pour into a bowl with well-paired and flavorful dressings. Pasta dishes and grain bowls can be eaten hot or cold and snacks like Dark Chocolate Trail Mix and Cookie Dough Bites were gobbled up by both the kids and adults in the house. Farmer’s Fridge recently debuted a new dish from award-winning chef Mike Solomonov that helps raise money for Broad Street Ministry, a non-profit that raises money for Philadelphia’s homeless, and introduced a back-to-school collection to help busy parents pack lunches—or prepare for a return to the office. Bonus: the packaging is really nice and reusable.

Cost: Generous salads start at $8; plates are $9.95; snacks are $2.50 to $4.00, and you can even order an additional protein (grilled chicken, falafel bites) to add to a dish for $2.50.

Online: farmersfridge.com

Gobble

Putting together dinner with Gobble literally takes just 15 minutes, as every ingredient is prepped and portioned for a one-pan meal. Busy families will also appreciate the "Sunday meal prep" option where you’re shipped all you need to prep grab-and-go lunches for the rest of the week in 90 minutes. Gobble will appeal to parents who have zero time to get dinner on the table; meals created considering dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free are also available. Sample dishes include Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Béarnaise Sauce or Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Napa Cabbage Slaw with Caraway Vinaigrette.

Cost: Prices start at $11.99 per serving, plus $6.99 for shipping.

Online: gobble.com

Freshly

With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. In addition, Freshly just launched its first-ever 100% plant-based menu––Purely Plant––featuring six new meals made with whole food ingredients. In June, Freshly also launched multi-serve proteins and sides that are designed to be mixed and matched to simplify meal prep and used for ‘half-scratch’ cooking.

Cost: Customers can order 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 meals. Pricing starts at $8.49/meal

Online: Freshly.com

Green Chef

meal delivery services in Dallas — iStock

Cost: Meals start at $11.99/serving

Online: greenchef.com

Hello Fresh

The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce. We tried the Sausage and Spring Pea Risotto with lemon and parmesan. It was quite tasty, and prep amounted to mincing some shallots and quartering a lemon.

Cost: Opt for two to three meals per week from the Classic, Vegetarian or Family plans (which serve four people). Expect to spend about $10.75 per person per meal or $59 per week. Delivery is free.

Online: hellofresh.com

Home Chef

Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. With a variety 19 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like, the meals are convenient and kid-friendly. The 15-minute meal kits include options like Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Carrots, or Steak and Garlic Thyme Butter with balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Twists. Home Chef has expanded its ‘Extras’ offerings to include ready-to-heat pizzas, all-in-one salad kits and a la carte protein packs such as skin-on salmon fillets, boneless chicken breasts and New York strip steak.

Cost: Meals start at $8.99/serving

Online: homechef.com

Little Spoon

A meal service just for kids, Little Spoon offers organic baby food, kid’s meals, vitamins and natural remedies with no preservatives, no extreme heat processing, no GMOs and no additives. Baby purees include single blends and more complex combos (Broccoli Pineapple Banana Hemp is a bestseller) and meals for bigger kids are healthy heat-and-serve takes on faves like mac and cheese, potstickers and chicken nuggets, with lots of vegetarian options as well.

Cost: Purees are $3 or less and meals are $5 or less.

Online: littlespoon.com

Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon

Thanks to easy-to-follow instructions, even a beginning cook can figure out how to put together Martha Stewart-approved meals with lots of locally sourced items. But, expect to spend at least 45 minutes doing it. The meals taste great, the menu changes weekly and there are 29 recipes available per week—some are even specifically ‘kid-friendly.’ Don’t keep much in the pantry? No problem. Order a grilled chicken Caesar salad and you’ll receive everything you need to make it, except salt, pepper and olive oil. One downside: it's a lot of packaging.

Cost: A family kit feeds four adults and the per portion price ranges from $8.49 to $11.99, depending on the plan you choose (the more dishes the lower the price) plus shipping of $8.99.

Online: marleyspoon.com

Mosaic

Started by two busy NYC professionals who wanted to eat a plant-rich, healthy diet that was also affordable, Mosaic offers frozen veggie bowls, oat bowls and soups made with fresh, whole food ingredients. Meals are ready in under five minutes, contain 10 to 20 grams of plant protein and many are also vegan. Dishes include roasted garlic cauliflower soup, yellow dal curry bowl, vegetarian sausage and gouda oat bowl, and peanut tofu bowl. Opt for Mosaic+ for bowls created by popular chefs. Choose from eight dishes once a week, every two weeks, or every four weeks.

Cost: Veggie bowls are $8.99, oat bowls are $7.99 and soups are $4.99. Mosaic+, $10.99. Minimum order $70; free shipping after $100.

Online: mosaicfoods.com

Nurture Life

Nurture Life makes delicious, healthy meals for babies, toddlers and kids. Each kid-friendly meal is nutritionally balanced, made with real, clean ingredients and is always packed with protein and veggies. Their meals are ready in one minute and are delivered straight to your door. We tried dishes for toddlers and loved the Cauliflower Mac and Cheese and the Chicken Biryani; Nurture Life also highlights ‘Picky Eater Faves’ such as the brand’s chicken meatballs with spiral pasta and veggies. In addition to tasting good, every meal is nutritionist-approved, and comes with facts about the healthful aspects of each meal.

Cost: Finger foods are $6.89/serving; Kids Meals start at $7.99, and school-safe snacks are $7.99.

Online: nurturelife.com

Provenance

Feeling a bit...sluggish? If you are looking for a health reset for yourself, check out Provenance. Provenance provides clean, nutrient-dense meals that only require you to heat and eat—no cooking needed. All meals are gluten-, dairy- and refined sugar-free. In addition to meals, you can opt for a system reset with the Feel Good Fix—a three-day program of healing foods and revitalizing beverages to flush pro-inflammatory toxins and reboot the body’s systems.

Cost: No subscription is required. Daily Essential meals are $12-29; the Feel Good Fix is $178.

Online: provenancemeals.com

Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot delivers plant-forward meals for vegans, vegetarians and flexetarians, and you can choose to receive meal kits or pre-prepared meals. Meal categories include Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and all meals are meat-free. You can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel delivery at any time.

Cost: Plans start at $9.99/serving for meal kits and $11.99/serving for pre-prepared meals.

Online: purplecarrot.com

Veestro

Looking for a meal delivery kit with 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices? Check out Veestro.

There are no animal products of any kind, here—ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: many meals have nuts in them, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.

Cost: Starting at $9.90/serving, free shipping on auto-delivery options

Online: veestro.com

Yumble

It kind of doesn't get any easier than this. Yumble sends you four, six, eight, 10, 12 or 16 meals a week, which stay fresh in the fridge for a full seven days. The menu includes healthier versions of meals kids love—organic chicken nuggets with organic broccoli, hidden veggie mac-n-cheese, handmade fun-to-eat pockets filled with pizza or taco meat and now a whole line of ready to eat lunches that can be packed in seconds for school. Each delivery comes with something enjoyable for the kids that make mealtime easier for parents—fun utensils, a lunchbox, placemat and cards with playful conversation starters!

Cost: $6.99 per meal. Note: This is a weekly subscription service

Online: yumblekids.com

—Lambeth Hochwald & Kate Loweth

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24 Meal Delivery Services for Busy San Diego Families

by Beth SheaAugust 15, 2021

Studies have revealed that a toddler can ask anywhere from one hundred to three hundred questions a day on average! That’s one of the reasons why outsourcing the inevitable, ever-present “what’s for dinner” dilemma is such a treat for busy, overstretched parents. We’ve found a bounty of quick prep and prepared meal delivery services in San Diego that bring meal kits right to your doorstep. Read on to feast your eyes on the best meal delivery services, and give yourself a well-deserved break.

Veestro

Ready for 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too).

There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.

Cost: Starting at $9.90/serving, free shipping on auto-delivery options

Online: veestro.com

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Territory

Go local by choosing Territory for your meal delivery service. Choose from a variety of 35 meals, so you and your family never get bored with the option of adding, skipping, and pausing meals at any time. This community-based service has a roster of local, independent San Diego chefs who work with a registered dietician to craft wholesome and nutrient-dense meals—bonus; every dish is made with no gluten, dairy, or refined sugar.

Cost: Starts at $10.95+/meal

Online: territoryfoods.com/

HelloFresh

The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.

Cost: Meals $8.99/serving. Delivery is free for all orders.

Online: hellofresh.com

Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. Choose from Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and customize your choices to your liking. All meals are meat-free and easy to prepare. You can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.

Cost: Plans start at $9.99/serving

Online: purplecarrot.com

Dinnerly

Cost: Meals start at $4.69/person

Online: dinnerly.com

Green Chef

Cost: Meals start at $11.99/serving

Online: greenchef.com

Home Chef

Cost: Meals start at $8.99/serving

Online: homechef.com

Freshly

Cost: Customers can order 4 meals ($11.50/each), 6 meals ($8.99/each), 9 meals ($8.99/each) or 12 meals ($7.99/each) weekly.

Online: Freshly.com

Blue Apron

Cost: Meals cost $8.99-9.99/serving with free shipping

Online: blueapron.com

Gobble

Cost: Prices start at $11.99/serving

Online: gobble.com

Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon

Cost: Plans start at $7.99/portion + $8.99 shipping

Online: marleyspoon.com

Yumble

This meal-delivery service is focused on kids. Carefully sourced fruits and veggies, and perfectly balanced—lunches, dinners and snacks from Yumble are nutritionist-approved and kid-approved, too! Choose your kids' meals for the week and they'll be delivered free to your doorstep. The Bowl of Yays Pasta with veggie marinara and the Mighty Meatballs and Veggie Chili are crowd pleasers for sure. Each box comes with new activities for kids, making mealtime a breeze for you and a joy for them.

Cost: $5.99/meal and up

Online: yumblekids.com

Hungryroot

Hungryroot is an online grocery service that delivers modern, healthy food with recipe and meal planning support. Hungryroot’s mission is to help people feel their best by making it easier to shop for, cook, and love healthy food. Customers share their food needs and receive personalized weekly deliveries of healthy groceries along with 10-minute recipes to make fresh, delicious meals. All of Hungryroot’s deliveries are nutrient-dense and tailored to a variety of diets and food needs including vegan, vegetarian, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, pescatarian, tree-nut free, peanut-free, and egg-free.

Cost: Pricing plans average from $60 to $100 per week and orders over $70 receive free shipping.

Online: hungryroot.com

Nurture Life

Parents, take one thing off your plate by having Nurture Life put meals on your family table? Nurture Life makes the process super simple by delivering meals with ingredients that are focused on organic veggies, lean antibiotic-free proteins and whole grains. Additionally, their meals are developed by a team of registered dietitians and chefs and all are peanut and tree nut (except coconut) free—and their facilities don’t contain any peanuts or tree nuts. Bonus: Nurture Life meals are ready to enjoy in two minutes or less!

After signing up, you can choose the meals that best fit your kiddos' palate (or what you'd like them to try) based on their age group, and you can select the number of meals you'd like in your box. It's easy to skip weeks or add additional meals, and you can be worry-free with these veggie-forward, nutritious dishes. Food preferences include veggie, meat and fish, and meal plan age groups are: Baby (10-24 months), Toddler (1- 4 years), Kids (5-10 years) and Kids (11+ years). Family meals like mushroom and truffle ravioli are also a great option.

Cost: Plans start at $39 and you can skip weeks, pause or cancel services at any time.

Online: nurturelife.com

Factor

Factor is a weekly subscription service with flexible management options. You can select from plan sizes of 4, 6, 8, 12 or 18 meals per week with the option to change your plan size at any time. You can also skip any weeks when they don’t need a delivery or turn the subscription off and back on at any time. Factor believes clean eating shouldn’t have to be so hard––and that healthy food should be readily available to everyone. They deliver chef-crafted and dietitian-designed meals nationwide; meals arrive fresh (never frozen) and are fully prepared. Simply heat in the microwave or oven and enjoy.

Their menu features a variety of different meal options for those that follow specific diet patterns such as keto, Paleo, low-carb, low-calorie, high-protein and dairy-free. Their dietitians and chefs create these meals to ensure that they reflect the standards of each diet. For example, keto meals are made with 70% fat or above, Paleo meals are dairy-free, and high-protein meals are made with 35 grams of protein or more.

Factor is also very strict about what they put in their meals, and their chefs use only the highest quality, freshest ingredients available. Every meal is free of gluten, soy, hormones, antibiotics, GMOs and preservatives.

Additionally, their dietitians are on-hand to provide an extra level of support. They offer free 20-minute consultations for all new or prospective customers.

Online: factor75.com

Michaela’s Meals

Fresh and easy! Michaela’s meals are organic, gluten-free, and contain no GMOs. She’s known for answering the phone to take your order herself, and she shops at the local farmer’s market to source her ingredients. Michaela will customize meals to fit your needs––even catering to Keto and Paleo diets. You can order breakfast too! Half-pints will love the high protein cinnamon roll pancakes.

Delivery: San Diego Area
Cost: From $65 for 5 meals/week

619-818-9784
Online: michaelasmeals.com

Food Made Fresh

Locally made and organic! We love that you can order from breakfast and lunch to dinner and snacks with Foods Made Fresh. Even more, the menu changes weekly, so the family gets a variety of meals. Dig into the blueberry French toast to start the day and delight in the roasted chicken with green tahini sauce, and quinoa salad delivered fresh to your door for dinner.

Delivery: Most of San Diego (see map on website).
Cost: Minimum order $35, plus $9 delivery fee.

619-354-0149
Online: foodmadefresh.com

Thistle

best family meal delivery Los Angeles — Thistle

If you are looking to up your family's health quotient this year then Thistle is the meal delivery service for you. They offer fully-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as juices, snacks, wellness shots and more. Choose what option works best for you with the price per item decreasing the more items you select. Every week there's a new menu and everything that is available is gluten and dairy-free. You can choose from vegan and non-vegan options.

While the majority of the Thistle menu appeals to greens-loving adults, our kid tasters loved the 24 Carrot Gold muffin and the nourishing green juice. Bonus for busy parents: the most you'll need is a few minutes to warm up the meals (if you desire) or eat them room tempinstead.

Cost: Fully-customizable packages start at $29.98/week.

Online: thistle.co

Farm Fresh Delivery

Farm fresh goodness! We love that these meals are local, organic, farm-to-table meals that offer options like going grain-free. One of our faves is the orange basil Salmon with organic quinoa pilaf and organic heirloom ginger carrots. Even more, if you want to take a week off or not commit to a subscription, then this delivery service is for you. Further, you’ll enjoy large portions and get to choose from Keto or Paleo options too.

Delivery: North County San Diego
Cost: Minimum $45 order per delivery. Plus $7 delivery fee.

760-805-5326
Online: farmfreshmeals.com

Eat Clean Meal Prep

Calling all vegans! This meal delivery service offers a selection of delicious meals that contain no animal products, and they arrive in plant-based containers too. The vegan meal plan offers dishes like kung pao “beef” (made with vegan beef substitute), steamed broccoli, snap peas and brown rice. Moreover, you can order a family subscription (it’s non-vegan) with dishes like maple BBQ chicken with potatoes if you want too. There are many choices to fit your family’s tastes.

Delivery: San Diego Area
Cost: Vegan from $53.55 for 5 meals/week; Family Plan from $54.99 for 5 meals/week

Online: eatcleanmealprep.com

The Lean Machine

We love this local husband and wife owned meal delivery service with a focus on lean, healthy food. Firstly, if you call, there’s a good chance you will talk to Anthony, the friendly customer-oriented owner. From chicken breast bites with asparagus and brown rice to vegetarian chili, you’ll find plenty of options to fill your family’s dinner table. So what are you waiting for? Try them out today.

Delivery: San Diego Area
Cost: From $52.50 for 5 meals/week

619-381-5468
Online: theleanmachinesd.com

One Potato

Ingredients at your door! You’ll find organic, non-GMO ingredients that are pre-chopped and pre-measured ready to go. Make your nightly meals easy on you with these 30-minute meals from box to table. The meals are perfect for families and offer from two to six servings based on your choice. Even more, there is a pint-sized (kid’s) meal option. From the ground beef tacos to the many vegan and gluten-free options, we give this meal prep service a thumbs up!

Delivery: California (San Diego included)
Cost: From $59.79 for 2 meals/week; Plus $7.99 delivery fee.

Online: onepotato.com

Clean & Colorful Kitchen

All the hues of the rainbow! We love that this San Diego delivery service lives up to its name. So, expect plenty of healthy (and colorful!) food on a plate, from spicy shrimp and veggie pad Thai to rainbow veggie tacos. What’s more, you’ll find smoothies and sweet treats like vegan peanut butter cups.

Delivery: San Diego Area
Cost: From $33 for 3 meals/week

858-264-2872
Online: cleanandcolorfulkitchen.com

SoCalFRESH

If your family wants clean protein, organic produce and delicious gluten-free meals, SoCalFRESH has got you covered. Grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken and wild-caught salmon mix with heart-healthy oil and Himalayan pink salt. What you won't see is any white sugar, dairy or wheat flour. With tasty dishes like Moroccan chicken or Beef Bolognese, we're pretty sure your family will want seconds.

Delivery: San Diego, Orange County and Riverside
Cost: From $67 for 5 meals/week

951-479-6522
Online: socalfresh.com

—Michelle Franklin, Nikki Walsh & Beth Shea

featured image via iStock

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There’s No Place Like Gnome: The Magical Hike Every Kid Will Love

by Allison SutcliffeMay 31, 2021

Here in our corner of the PNW, one thing we are not at a loss for are glorious hiking trails. Even those with young families have their pick of easy hikes near Seattle that suit all ages. But have you ever taken the kiddos on a trail filled with gnomes? Tucked away in a bedroom community just southeast of Seattle is the new Gnome Trail in Maple Valley. Here’s what you need to know about this magical walk through the woods that is perfect for tiny hikers and cute to boot.

Why It's Gnome-ber One

Recently relocated this past year from its previous Maple Valley locale, the 0.6 mile Gnomes Trail is dotted with hundreds of gnome statues along the pathway. You and your family can enjoy the great outdoors in this mystical forest, and make it extra fun by seeing what hidden gnome discoveries you can find en route. Short and flat enough for even the littlest tots, your kids will definitely be charmed in this forested hike of weird and wonderful bearded people. Hint: It's a good one for grandparents too!

Gnome Where To Go

The Gnomes Trail resides in the woods behind a newly cleared multi-use area in the Rock Creek Natural Area right off Maple Valley Highway (Hwy 169). With plenty of parking now available, you won’t have any trouble getting a spot near the trailhead. If you start at the trailhead towards the right side of the parking lot, you will take the Legacy Loop trail right to Gnomes Trail (you can also access the back end by hitting up the Market trailhead on the left hand side of the lot).

Take a quick peak at the trailhead map at Legacy Loop, and head on up the path incline to the flat well-groomed trails above. The incline is a little steep but not so bad to discourage your tiny tots, though strollers might be a bit of a challenge. Once up, veer off to the left, meander a bit, and you will come across the start of the Gnomes Trail, recognizable by the plethora of gnomes waiting to welcome you to their woody world (and give you an adorable photo op). Follow the clearly marked path and away you go to see what quirky gnomes you will find along your trek!

Become A Gnome-ad

As you traverse the wonders of this gnome man’s land, your kids will have a great time spying out both teeny tiny gnomes and big ones alike, plus gnomes' homes, gnome communities and some fairy gardens, too. Keep a keen eye out, as you will come across these little friends in all sorts of hidden cubby holes, tree trunk knots, roots, upturned trees, and mossy oases both high and low. You might even spy some promoting your favorite football and baseball team!

Why We Gnome-inate It

It is nothing short of a delightfully peculiar gnome...errr, roam through the woods. Plus, with its whimsical version of I-Spy, it offers the kiddos great hiking motivation! Once you’ve made your journey through the phe-gnome-inal trail, had your fill of garden dwellers and found all the elves you can handle, don’t forget to check out the gnome cemetery to pay your respects to those precious pointy-hatted peeps who have come before and have gone the way of the elements. It’s a cute little hurrah at the end of your gnome-y excursion!

Good To Gnome...

The area surrounding the trailhead is also home to the Maple Valley Farmer’s Market. If you hit the trail on a Saturday morning between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., from May 1 to September 25, expect some crowds. But that also means you can enjoy the local vendors at the market afterwards as well!

Keep Playing

If the kids still have energy to burn, Lake Wilderness Park is the outlet you're looking for, and it’s on your way back to the city. This large recreation area has a newly-updated playground, a beach and picnic spots if lunch is on the menu.

If all this play means the kids have worked up an apetite, Maple Valley has quite a few kid-friendly restaurants that’ll fill their bellies for the way home. Farrelli’s Pizza is a fun one for kids as is familiar fave, MOD Pizza, just off 169. If sandwiches, salads and soups are more your speed, check out S’wiched, where you can feed your crew for under $5 each. Spring Kitchen offers another local option that caters to families, offering Vietnamese faves like pho, teriyaki and sweet and sour chicken on the menu.

—Alaina Weimer & Allison Sutcliffe, all photos courtesy the writer

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Hershey’s Chocolate Is All Ears This Easter

by Jennifer SwartvagherJanuary 5, 2021

Make some bunny’s day! Hershey’s is all ears when it comes to what people want in their Easter baskets. There are more Hershey’s chocolate bunnies to choose from this year than ever before.

The Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Pip Bunny is all ears when it comes to what candy lovers want, so the brand is introducing everyone’s favorite milk chocolate bar, now in an adorable bunny form with break-apart ears. This bunny is ready to be the center of any basket! These bunnies are available nationwide, for a limited time, in a standard 4.25 oz. box ($4.39).

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Build-A-Bunny allows you to build your own bunny for a fun and delicious activity kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy. These bars are available nationwide, for a limited time, in a standard 4 oz. bar ($1.49).

If you are looking for something other than chocolate to round out your basket, Ice Breakers Strawberry Lemonade Duckling has you covered. In honor of the season, Ice Breakers brand is introducing their ice cubes sugar-free gum with a sweet and sour Strawberry Lemonade twist. The adorable duck packaging makes these pieces of gum the perfect complement to any Easter basket. This treat is available nationwide, for a limited time, in a standard 2.6 oz. bottle ($3.39).

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Hershey’s

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