As sad as this is, I am writing about food again. I actually kinda like doing this from time to time, and since I bought eight different Healthy Choice entrées last Saturday (they are on sale for $2) I thought it would be fun and interesting to write something about how much I liked them and how easy they were to cook.
Mixed Grills: Steak with Teriyaki Dipping Sauce
Dinner -- 2/16/2004
This looked like one of the better ones that I got, so I decided to try it first for dinner tonight. The directions were very simple... as in no stopping and stirring and no removing pouches and setting them aside. All I needed to do was microwave it for five to seven minutes. It took seven and there was still a cold spot in the middle of the tray. Perhaps the directions should have suggested a stir.
The food tasted good though. It smelled like it was grilled on a wood fire, which was really different for me. There were tons of vegitables, which is cool because I like broccoli, carrots and potatos. The potatos also had the wood smell.
I'd buy this again and microwave it longer the next time.
Flavor Adventures: Grilled Chicken Marinara
Lunch -- 2/17/2004
Meal #2 looked promising from the picture, but it wasn't all that great. It takes 8 to 11 minutes to cook (I opted for 11 because the last one needed the higher time.) When it was ready to eat it was all tossed together with the broccoli mixed in with the chicken pasta entrée. So, it took a long time (in terms of microwavable meals) to make, it was only 10oz of food, and everything was mixed all together. Pretty sad. Luckily the food was actually still pretty good -- even though I don't particularly care for marinara on my broccoli.
I probably won't get this again unless it is on sale and I am really looking for some variety.
Grilled Turkey Breast
in cranberry sauce with green beans and a blend of roasted red skin potatoes and sweet potatoes
Dinner -- 2/18/2004
Meal #3 is one that I have had before. Unfortunately I can't remember whether or not I liked it. It certainly looks like something that I would like, and the cooking situation is ideal -- just cut one slit in the top and cook it for four to six and a half minutes.
Whoa! This one is yummy! I was semi-full before even trying this and it is still good, which is impressive. I'll definately be getting it again. The cranberry sauce is this sugary apple pie-like glaze that really works with the turkey and potatoes. The turkey is in short supply, but it is great. I guess that is kind of the point though. Green beans and carrots always work well for me, and they are even better when dipped into the cranberry sauce (cranberry and apple glaze.)
I'm definately getting this one again.
Lemon Pepper Fish
with rice pilaf, crisp broccoli, and apple cherry dessert
Lunch -- 2/19/2004
This meal looked like the right one for this afternoon, and it turned out well. Like the Grilled Turkey Breast this one only takes six minutes to microwave, which works out to three minutes in my speedy microwave. So cooking it is easy and fast... two slits, three minutes... food!
Everything tasted great too, but the little dessert thing was sub-par in that it didn't exactly have much in the way of fruit in it.
All together though, this is a pretty decent meal. I'd probably buy it again, but I'd only eat it occasionally.
Blackened Chicken
Blackened chicken breast with fire roasted red pepper sauce, seasoned rice, and apple praline crisp.
Again I cheat! I've had this meal before too. I like it. It's a bit spicy, which is always cool with me. The rice is great, the dessert is yummy, the meal is easy to prepare and cook, and the chicken is unique and delicious. The only problem I have with it is that there is at times a cold spot somewhere in the chicken, which makes it take a little longer to heat and cook. Letting it stand for the two minutes and then cooking it again for a bit solves that though.
Definately buying it again.
Beef Tips Portabello
with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables and apple cherry crisp
I never really cared for frozen mashed potatoes. They taste weird to me probably because of the stuff that they add to them. Everything else was fine, but it is a big downer to have bad mashed potatoes so I probably won't get this again. The cooking time was short and didn't require much interaction though, so that is always a plus.