Food Trend - "Easy For You" Heat and Eat - $7.99 the Pound Entree and Sides

I spotted this neary the dairy section at the Kroger in Southgate Plaza and it is in a refrigerated case offering heat and eat gourmet type entrees and sides for $7.99 lb.

The instructions indicate heat up the product in a covered skillet for 8-12 minutes. 

Without having tested out I cannot say anything to the taste, a few issues are:

• Labeling -  obviously one this is that everything needs to be clearly labeled and in the 3rd picture down 3 items are not.

• Costs - Cheaper to make from scratch, some by a little, some by a lot.   The entrees would be more worth the cost as the products cost more than the sides.

• Time  - Cilantro Lime Rice can be made from scratch in the same amount of time and a fraction of the cost with using the Cilantro Lime Rice recipe at Closet Cooking and Minute Rice or any other quick cook rice.

• Freshness - would be fresher and have more nutrients than frozen, but not sure how they would handle the "best by" date on something like this and would be a question I would ask the store before purchasing.

• Ease - The more complicated the dish might be to make from scratch, the more it might be worth it.   

• Time - being ready in less than 15 minutes on a weeknight might be worth it, but if you can postpone at least part you can make Ina Garten's Garlic Roasted Potatoes in about an hour with little prep work for $3-4 per pound.

• Prep - If you don't eat a certain food and no experience preparing, such as chicken, preparing from scratch could be disastrous to prep from scratch and might be worth it.   Live Science has a good article on proper chicken prep to avoid Salmonella and cross contamination.  Like wise on Shrimp, that center vein in shrimp is their digestive tract and needs to be removed.  Epicurious has a video on Youtube how to devein them.

For me, I could see any of the shrimp dishes possibly being worth it for a special occasion for family members as I don't eat seafood, but would have to buy a little and have a seafood lover try it out first. 

What do you think of something like this?  Is this something that you think you would buy and if so, what types of dishes would you try?

Sides:  Cilantro Lime Rice, Parmarella Mac & Cheese, Garlic & Herb Roasted Potatoes

4 Shrimp dishes and Salmon Ravioli

Mushroom Truffle Risoto on left, Roasted Pepper Mac and Cheese on right, center item not labeled.

Prime Rib Strips with Mushrooms and Gravy. Orange Mango Chicken, Chicken and Sausage, Rustic Roasted Tomato Basil Chicken and Vegetables.

Bear Creek Country Kitchens - Darn Good Chili - Review

I had purchased this after my son's then girlfriend fixed a packet for him and he loved it,
It is currently at Walmart is $3.48 per pack, but I think I picked it up on sale at Kroger on sale recently at $2.99 and might be at Sav-A-Lot at for $2.50 a packet.

It contains dried ingredients that dehydrate when cooked.

I put it in my crockpot the night before on the medium setting. The package advised to add a can of tomato paste, but I also added a .65 cent can of diced Tomatoes and Jalapenos from Kroger for .65 cents and several cups of water from my tap,  which still put the price at under $5 or 8 servings.  It is low in calories, but like with many pre-packaged foods, is high in sodium.

Personally, I am not a fan of Chili with rice and it is prevalent as a filler in this package instead of the standard that I grew up with, which is beans.  Still, not bad for being under .60 cents a serving,


Before cooking with tomato paste and can of tomatoes with chilis and 7 cups of water.

After cooking overnight in the crockpot on medium (on the stove top would be 25 minutes)

Pros:

• An inexpensive way to feed a crowd for under .60 cents a serving or less.
• Flavor is decent for being an inexpensive product.
• The main ingredient is water, which is free if from your tap.
• A bowl will fill you up,
• Low in calories - around 150 calories 1 cup of prepared soup.
• Doesn't take up much space in a cabinet or drawer.
• Is vegetarian as there is no meat in the mix.

Cons:

• Not an all in one - must add tomato paste and might be a good idea to add diced tomatoes or other ingredients to improve the flavor.
• Contains rice instead of a lot of beans, and might be an acquired taste.
• High in Sodium - 1 cup prepared has over 25% of the recommended daily allowance,

It is something I will purchase again to keep on hand, but I prefer to make my own Chili from scratch.

KROGER DEAL - BUY ONE MARIE CALLENDER'S PIE FOR $4.99, GET 46 FL OZ KROGER DELUXE ICE CREAM FOR FREE

Now through Thursday, December 22nd, Kroger has a promotion where you can buy one Marie Callender pie and you can pick up a 46 fl. ounce tub Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream for free (a $2.50 savings), no coupon required!

Kroger Deal - Spend $50 in one Shopping Trip between Dec 9 to 16 - Save Receipt and Save $5 off 12/16-12/20

Kroger currently has a promotion where you spend $50 in one Shopping Trip between Dec 9 to 16, save your receipt and save $5 off 12/16-12/20. Change  |  Find a Store Digital Coupons Weekly Ad Promotions My Account Savings Center

Get a $5 Savings Offer When You Spend $50*

Here’s How:

1) Shop at Kroger anytime from Dec. 9-16.

2) Keep your receipt! You’ll see a barcode on it with your personalized savings offer, to use on a future purchase.

3) Redeem your savings! Simply present your receipt at checkout when you shop again from Dec. 16-20, and spend the minimum amount in a single order. They are also having a 3 Day Sale:

3-Day Sale HOT Price Alert!

December 9-11

Bonus savings! When you shop to get your personalized savings offer this weekend, you’ll also enjoy HOT prices on a great selection of items. Plus, save even more with 5X digital coupons on some participating items.

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