I have a confession to make.
I use box mix for brownies. It’s true.
…BUT IT IS SO GOOD!!!!!
Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix
I’ve made a lottttt of batches of brownies from scratch, but once I gave Ghirardelli’s Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix
The brownies are moist and chewy and chocolatey with that thin crackly layer on the top. There are big chunks of chocolate, and the edges are satisfyingly edgy, for you edge-lovers out there. They’re pretty much perfect, and at $10/6-pack from Costco… you can’t really ask for more from boxed goods…
Golden Coin Almond Jello Mix
…Unless if you’re making almond jello, in which case Golden Coin’s almond jello
cake jello. Angela introduced it to me when we were roommates back in college, and it doesn’t get much easier than this: boil 4.5 cups water, stir in mix, chill. Of course I just realized now that it’s called “Almond Flavor Agar Mix.” While I am usually suspicious of anything with the word “flavor” in it, I’m gonna let this one pass. It’s too easy and yummy to reject. Serve the almond jello squares with canned fruit cocktail for a super easy peasy dessert! I got my box for $1.19 at Ranch 99 (or, 99 Ranch for you Socal-ers).
This next one is savory: House Foods Mabo Tofu Sauce
House Foods Mabo Tofu Sauce
It’s tasty, comfort foody, and super easy. Thanks for the rec, Helen!
Okay the last one I felt really bad about at first: microwave rice. I know, I know. I’m Asian, and I bought microwave rice. OMG.
Seeds of Change Quinoa and Brown Rice
BUT GUYS it’s brown rice and quinoa! So it’s not just nutritionally lame white rice– it’s actually good for you! (Right?) In my defense, I didn’t realize it was microwave rice until after I bought it, at which point I figured I’d never use it and stashed it away in the pantry. But thenn… there was this onnnne night where I was running late on dinner and needed a grain. I spied this in the pantry, and was so pressed for time I couldn’t be bothered about rice cookers and such so I threw this in the microwave for 90 seconds and voila! Steaming hot, tasty, perfectly cooked rice.
Ben liked it. I was sold. I bought more. While part of me still says srsly Jo you just paid how much for microwavable rice, another part of me says, “Look! I’m feeding my family QUINOA! And it was EASY!” (Sorry Sandley, I know you have a thing against us eating up all the quinoa. Noted.)
What about you? What are some of your favorite food cheats/boxed mixes?
12 responses to “My Favorite Food Cheats”
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Cheating?!!! You?! Actually, I’m glad to know that you don’t cook everything from scratch all the time… it makes me feel a little better!
Oiy, my cheats are usually sauces. I like the red curry sauce from Costco. (I cannot remember the brand right now, and it might actually be a Masala. 😛 All I remember is that it’s in the refrigerated section, usually near the organic pastas and is in a large plastic tub. I think there’s actually a few different sauces in that brand. I like throwing that in a crockpot with some coconut milk (half sauce and half coconut milk or chicken broth… it makes the sauce go a bit further) with bone-in chicken and carrots and potatoes. Easy peasy. I’ve tried doing a curry sauce by just winging it (after all, it’s just spices!) but haven’t been able to achieve the same flavor yet. 😛
I might have to check out your microwavable rice for those nights I’m just running too far behind!
Thanks for the sauce rec! I haven’t delved into Masala much, since there’s a place nearby we like, but if I do, I am coming back this comment! Thanks!