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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Do you turn to a box to jump start your dinners?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I have a friend who hates to cook. Even though she has three kids, most nights its reheated frozen food for dinner. The other day she came up and said, “You will be so proud of me, I cooked last night!” when I asked what she made she responded, “Hamburger Helper!”
Other friends “who cook” tell me they fix macaroni and cheese most weeks, in fact, sometimes several times a week. When asked which recipe they use, no surprise to many, it turns out it’s from the beloved blue Kraft box.
As someone who loves to cook, I have to admit I shy away from most packaged foods. I find it takes only a little more effort to put a quick, healthful meal on the table. But I wonder if I am on my own with that view.
Don’t get me wrong, when I’m pinched for time, I have turned to some high-quality boxed items that are, I think, almost as good as you can make from scratch. Trader Joe’s frozen pizzas are pretty darn tasty and my kids love them. While I am not a fan of boxed brownies, some cake mixes can fool even the most discriminating palates and if I suddenly need to come up with a batch of cupcakes, I don’t hesitate to go that route.
Do you turn to boxes to get your dinners going? What packaged foods do you think could give homemade a run for its money?
