I make jelly, and I buy a gallon of maple syrup and can it in smaller portions that will fit in the fridge after I open them. And my parents used to make pickles and can them, and I’d do that if I liked pickles enough. But I am shy of doing “real” canning of anything that isn’t too sour and sweet to host botulism. I just don’t trust myself to be careful enough to can foods safely.
I can’t recommend a specific brand (because I honestly have no idea what the brand I always buy is called. it’s made locally and labelled largely in Chinese) but most frozen dumplings/gyoza are pretty good. You’ll want to boil them, rather than microwave them, but it’s still quick and easy. Serve with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili garlic sauce.
I love to deep-fry frozen burritos. Microwaved, they really are crappy, IMO. But deep fried (get the oil to ~325 F, and 3-4 minutes on each side if the oil doesn’t cover them, less if it does), with salsa, cheese, and/or sour cream, they are very tasty (and cheap). Not terribly healthy, though, most likely.
Also, I really like frozen Jamaican beef patties. Mine have microwave instructions but are much better in the oven.
yes. Stouffer’s lasagna is great, especially the meat lovers version (is this fairly new?) which has pepperoni. The mac and cheese is good but you have let it sit for a few minutes, otherwise it is too soupy.
White Castle burgers are pretty good frozen if you like White Castle. Frozen not that much different from the real.
Not frozen, just refridgerated, but Newman’s Own pepperoni and sausage pizza is the best I have had. Hell, all of Newman’s Own food I’ve had is good.
This thread has reminded me of Trader Joe’s. I used to go every week when I lived in Rhode Island, forgot about them when I moved back to Jersey. I remember these being good. Turkey corn dogs-
https://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article/4690
I know I will be reminded of a lot of other stuff as I browse the site, like the Indian food. I’m going tomorrow night when I get off work
I’ve posted this before…not a main dish per se, but Ray’s frozen bagels and bialys are as close to the real thing as this former NYer has found, fresh or otherwise.
Stouffers Lasagna Italiano is good enough that I’ve thought about keeping one or two at home for a quick fix. I will eat it at work, no prob.
Just finished a TJs chicken tikki masala with rice. Very good but I had forgotten the portion size is not very big. Bot lucikly I remembered to get some frozen garlic naan. I’ve made personal pizzas with that before
Nah, briefly pan fry them in a bit of oil. A thin cheap nonstick works great. Add a bit of water until they’re steamed, then let that evaporate and let them fry again to sear the bottoms.
Totally worth it.
The jamaican patties mentioned upthread bake rather quickly in a toaster oven. I’m also a fan of frozen pretzels for an ultra quick snack.
In addition to frozen, Trader Joe’s has a variety of pouch stuff that I get all the time.
Costco frozen has Edamame (soy beans in the pod). Microwave the frozen little packet for 3 minutes, cut open the bag, salt and pepper the outside to taste, and you’ve got a decent protein rich veggie side or snack.
Costco, at least in my neck of the woods, has some pretty good Indian food that’s microwaveable but not frozen. Ditto for things like soups, Pho, etc.
If you’ve got a Safeway nearby, try their Signature Kitchens Thai Style Coconut Chicken. Mr. singular and I have it at least twice a week, and it’s only $2.50 - $2 on sale!
I’ve tried most brands of frozen Mexican dishes and been disappointed.
The only one I keep in my freezer is MexiWraps beef and cheddar wrap. I’ve never tried microwave them. I assume you they can be zapped. I Cook 30 mins at 400 in a oven.
MexiWraps also has spicy chicken, shredded beef & green chile, and several breakfast wraps.
I get them at Walmart and Sams Club.
I’m impressed with some of the cheapo Signature Kitchens entrees. The Chicken Tikka Masala is pretty good, too.