Product Review: Gardein Chick'n

I am still around!  I know I haven't posted in awhile, but I've been busy in my workshop (a.k.a. sewing room) getting ready for Christmas.  I had a lot of gifts I wanted to make so I haven't been cooking as much.  After Christmas, get ready for a deluge of posts to the blog once people receive their gifts.  :)

In my quest to find foods for meat free lunches, I contacted Gardein letting them know I was interested in trying their product and they sent me a few $1.00 off coupons.  The first product I tried today was their Mandarin Orange Crispy Chick'n. 

Cooking it was easy and quick.  A little olive oil and heat them for about 8 minutes.  Put the sauce pack in hot water then toss with the chick'n the last minute or two of cooking.  I served this with rice.  It tasted great!  I wasn't a huge fan of the texture though.  It was a little bit chewy.  If I'd tossed it with some vegetables - carrot, bell pepper and onion - it may not have been so noticable.  I could even see adding a few slices of mandarin orange with the vegetables.  Maybe I'll buy it again with the intention of trying it with the above additions.  Based on taste alone it could have a permanant spot in the freezer.

If you've tried this product, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

~ Enjoy ~

Review of Patak's Curry Sauce

Normally I go to Costco by myself after work.  This past weekend, Daryl was almost out of chocolate milk so he suggested we go together.  It's a good thing I brought him along!  Strolling the aisles, he spotted a three pack of curry sauces and wanted to give them a try.  The ingredients panel didn't have anything I couldn't pronounce, just regular food ingredients, so we put it in the cart.  This sent my husband back to a time he had wonderful curry...

He was in Santa Monica for work many years ago with another guy that's British, and in their free time they headed out to the Santa Monica pier.  He found a place called Ye Olde King's Head Pub and stopped in for refreshments.  It was here he had the best curry of his life!  He still talks about it 1-2 times per year. 

Tonight for dinner I cooked up some chicken breast chunks with fresh carrot and zucchini from the garden, then added the Tikki Masala sauce (simmered), and served over Basmati Rice.  The result: it was really good.  It wasn't spicy, but by the end of the meal there was a nice warming on my lips and tongue.  I like having some spice but still being able to taste the food.  I hate when something gets so spicy you lose the flavors. 

Daryl said it similar to the great curry he had at the King's Head and wants me to buy more.  This is a highly recommended product.

~ Enjoy ~

Review of black bean burgers

Looking for meatless alternatives to meals is new to me.  Not that I'm going vegetarian, but goodness, having meat two times per day can get a bit much.  And ok, just something I'll touch on, I'm getting so picky about meat that most prepared, purchased meat foods gross me out.  I need to purchase the raw meat and prep it myself. 

Additionally, I want some healthy lunch alternatives.  I used to eat Lean Cuisine meals, but I'm getting tired of the few meat-free options, and I have to wonder if eating food microwaved in a plastic tray everyday is healthy.  Just about every time I go to Costco I linger in the frozen food aisle looking at the Morningstar Farms Chipotle Black Bean Burgers and think I should try them.  But, that's a big box of burgers if I'm not a fan.  I LOVE black beans, but chipotle is a flavor that can easily be overdone.  Last night, I finally jumped.  I bought the big box. 

The first time I cooked them, I decided to follow the recommended cooking directions, which is to bake.  With three minutes left on the timer, I added some colby jack cheese.  Just in case it wasn't great - cheese makes everything taste better!  :)  I prepped a bun with mayo/mustard, and with both trepidation and excitement I served my first black bean burger for lunch. 

It was GOOD!  It was really good.  It had a nice crispness on the outside edges and a wonderful soft inside.  It had a delicious black bean flavor, with a hint of chipotle - just the right amount.  It's also made with corn and brown rice.  It comes in at only 7 grams of fat and 210 calories.  Of those 7 grams of fat, one is saturated.  The other six are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated - which are both 'good fats'! 

Result: these are a winner! 

~ Enjoy ~