Trying Out Blue Apron’s New Family Style Meals
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
Photography by Şenay Inanici
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San Francisco-based twin mom Stephanie Tsang samples Blue Apron's new Family Style meals, filled with mix & match options.
For San Francisco–based marketing expert Stephanie Tsang, mealtime is both a ritual and a moving target—especially with 5-year-old twins, Ruby and Astrid, in the mix, and a husband with a daily commute. A longtime Blue Apron devotee (dating back to pre-kids life), Stephanie has grown alongside the service, adapting it to the rhythms of her family as they’ve evolved.
In today’s feature, she puts Blue Apron’s brand-new Family Style meals to the test—a format designed with flexibility in mind for busy households juggling different tastes, schedules, and appetites. The new offering—with pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions—allows families to select from a variety of sides and mains to satisfy between 3 and 6 people.
“With kids, flexibility is everything, and I love the idea of being able to customize the meal and mix and match sides,” says Stephanie. “As the girls get older, it’s a shared activity, from choosing the meals to helping prep and cook along with the instruction cards. Plus, the prep was minimal, so getting time back is always a win.”
Her current Family Style favorites? “The Everything Bagel Salmon with Caper Sour Cream & Chives was a big hit, along with the Sweet Potato Wedges with Special Sauce.”
In our story below, take a glimpse into the Tsang family’s dinner table: the small traditions, the tried-and-true favorites, and the gentle art of feeding two kids (with opinions) while still keeping things interesting for the grown-ups. Plus: Stephanie offers thoughtful insight for fellow parents—especially twin moms—on finding a routine that works, even on the busiest nights.
Be sure to follow Blue Apron on social at @blueapron and Stephanie at @st3phtsang.
Want to try Blue Apron‘s Family Style meals yourself? Head to blueapron.com and use code MOTHER for 35% off your first 3 orders—plus free shipping!
What does mealtime usually look like at your home?
“During the week, I keep dinner relatively low-key since it’s usually just me and the girls eating first. I have about an hour after school pick-up to get dinner on the table before the hanger strikes, so it’s all about easy and manageable meals."
"At the dinner table, we chat about their day. I always ask 'Did anything funny happen today?' to jump start the conversation, which often leads to fun stories about them and their friends and what happened at school."
"My husband has a long commute and typically gets home just as we’re finishing up dinner. On the weekends, we make it a priority to have family dinner together."
"I’d say my girls are pretty adventurous eaters, and generally open to trying new things. We always remind them it’s totally okay if they don’t like something, as long as they try it before they knock it!"
Do you have a philosophy around feeding your family?
"So much of my relationship with food comes from growing up in a family where someone was always cooking for me. I come from a family of chefs and as the youngest of three kids, I was definitely spoiled as the baby in the family. In Chinese culture, meals are such an important way of showing love, so food has always held a lot of meaning for me."
"Now that I’m the one feeding my own family, it’s important that we’re eating a variety of balanced meals and have a positive relationship with food. During the week, I rely on a rotation of safe dishes like chicken noodle soup, salmon hand rolls, spaghetti, and chicken wings with rice. But I also like to sprinkle in new dishes here and there so the girls can keep exploring different flavors. On the weekends when we have a little more time, my husband and I like to try new recipes. It turns cooking into a family activity from grocery shopping, to prep, to setting the table."
“We’ve been using Blue Apron for years, even before kids, and it’s remained a regular part of our weeknight dinner routine.”
Where does Blue Apron figure into your family's mealtime routine?
"We’ve been using Blue Apron for years, even before kids, and it’s remained a regular part of our weeknight dinner routine. We originally loved it because it took the mental load out of dinnertime. No deciding what to make, no grocery trips, and worrying about having the right ingredients on hand. We could choose dishes together, everything arrived portioned out, which made cooking a breeze."
"Now, as parents, that convenience means even more. It simplifies weeknight dinners while still giving us balanced meals, and it’s been a fun way to keep exploring different dishes. As the girls get older, it’s a shared activity, from choosing the meals to helping prep and cook along with the instruction cards."
What excites you about Blue Apron's new Family Style meals?
"The prep was minimal, so getting time back is always a win. With kids, we know flexibility is everything, and I love the idea of being able to customize the meal and mix and match sides. There are certain items I know will be an easy win with the kids, while my husband and I might want to try something with bolder flavors."
"The Everything Bagel Salmon with Caper Sour Cream & Chives was a big hit recently, along with the Sweet Potato Wedges with Special Sauce."
What other Blue Apron staples are in constant rotation at your home?
"Anything salmon! We are big fans of Blue Apron's Salmon Sushi Rice Bowls and Pan-Seared Salmon with Orzo. The Panko Chicken and One Pot Udon meals are some other favorites."
Your twin daughters are so adorable! What were your first thoughts when you found out you were having twins?
"It was a HUGE surprise and I honestly felt very overwhelmed. I found out I was pregnant during Covid, which already felt like such a surreal time. My husband wasn’t allowed to be in the room for that first appointment and I remember having him on FaceTime so he could see everything while the tech was getting set up. The tech turned the screen around and said, 'You’re having twins!'"
"I was in complete shock because the possibility never crossed my mind since they don’t run in either of our families. I’m pretty sure I blacked out after that because I don’t remember hearing their heartbeats!"
"Identical twins happen at random, which made it even more surprising. Our life has been exciting, full, and nonstop ever since."
How would you describe each of your daughters?
"Astrid is independent, thoughtful, and very empathetic, while Ruby is silly, a thrill-seeker, and my little helper. They both love swim class and are really into sensory play right now, like slime and clay. We recently discovered Thinking Putty, a total game changer, as it does not stick on clothes or furniture!"
You are raising two girls. What does that mean to you?
"I hope to raise two strong daughters who are confident, kind, and curious. We are giving them room to explore their interests and learn through play and experience. I want them to feel loved, safe, and free to be fully themselves. I never want them to feel boxed in by expectations, because there isn’t one right way to be."
“With kids, flexibility is everything, and I love the idea of being able to customize the meal and mix and match sides.”
What advice would you give to other moms of twins?
"Take it day by day and ask for help, you need support! My mom lived with us the first year, and I will be forever grateful."
"The early days are intense, and while each season gets easier, it also comes with new challenges. Keeping twins on the same schedule is key, when one fed, the other fed, and when one woke up, we woke the other. Yes, even if that meant waking a sleeping baby! Otherwise you will never get any rest. Oh, and lower your standards."
"The bond between twins is so, so special, and one of the most rewarding parts has been watching them grow into built-in best friends. They are at an age where they can entertain each other, which does make things easier. Seeing them play, laugh, and interact with each other has made all of it so worth it."
What excites you about motherhood right now?
"They are starting Kindergarten in the fall, which feels like a big milestone, and the start of a new chapter. I love watching them grow into their own little people, seeing their different personalities shine, and the way they move through the world together. I’m excited to experience the world alongside them as they become more independent."
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