Quoted message said:I'm on a budget so TV dinner meals are favorable.
Bull [censored]. As a value, they suck. Consider what you get for your $3.19
: IIRC, the net weight of this item is 10.5oz or 11oz. that is less
than 3/4 of a pound, so you are paying $4.64/pound (at 11 oz, and $4.86
at 10.5 oz). It is not difficult to find higher quality foods are that
price or less. Indeed, even decent cheese is available at that price,
and the beans and rice are very cheap. For the $3.19 you spent, I could
have feasted and eaten healthier food at the same time. Frequently I am
able to feed a complete meal to a family of four for under $10, and the
meals are healthier, better tasting, and larger than any frozen dinner
type entree in anywhere near that price range.
Consider your meal:
A few small tortillas
These are very cheap, and even the major markets carry both flour
and cornmeal ones. The cornmeal (or whole wheat if you prefer) have a
lower glycemic index, and are better for you. They are cheaper by far
than $4.64/lbs, even for high quality.
A tiny amount of meat
Again, every market has better quality meat available for less than
$4.64/lbs
rice and beans
Both far cheaper than $4.64/lbs. Note : this is the majority of your
meal, and you are paying a premium price for the cheapest of
ingredients.
A small amount of cheese
Better cheese is also available for well under $4.64/lbs.
spices and flavorings
Even if you buy the single packages of spices, they are cheap. One
of those packages will cover four larger meals. If you buy bulk spices,
the net cost is tiny. For a Mexican meal, a bit of cumin, pepper, and
hot sauce will do the trick. Add fresh cilantro and be happy. DON'T add
the huge amount of salt that they include in most frozen dinners.
a tiny brownie
You can make better brownies for less than $4.64/lbs. I'd suggest
Duncan Hines packages if you are not a baker. Their packages are
reasonably priced, and all you need to do is add eggs, oil, and
sometimes butter or water. Butter, the most expensive of these
ingredients, is still cheaper than $4.64/lb unless you want imported
cultured butter from Europe (although even that can be found for less
if you know where to look.) Note that the boxes of Duncan Hines
products will produce a superior brownie than the one included in the
frozen dinner.. If you want to go all out, ask for Barb's recipe, which
is even better, and can still be made for less than $4.64/lbs.
Of course, all this can't be made by pressing a single button on your
microwave, but you stated that the criteria upon which you were judging
was based upon budgetary considerations, taste, and nutritional value,
not convenience. A home cooked meal beats a frozen dinner in every one
of those categories.
Dean G.
