The (convenience) food post

A lot of people know that I don't cook very often, so I get the question of "What do you usually eat then?" all the time. So what do I eat (besides instant ramen)? Stuff that can be easily prepared (boiled, microwaved, or baked), usually frozen. I think I have enough food in the freezer that can last me a whole month! I've decided to write this up cos' contrary to common believe, some of these do taste pretty good. Here's what I have in the fridge right now (rating is on a 5-point scale, and strictly based on my personal taste):


Frozen Dumplings/Potstickers/Wonton
Name: 味全山東手藝三鮮豬肉水餃 Bought at: 99 Ranch Rating: 3.5

The taste is actually not bad. If it doesn't have cilantro in it I'll probably give it a 4.

Name: 金寶好煮意熟水餃 Bought at: 99 Ranch Rating: 1.5

The package says the dumplings are already cooked, so they only need to be boiled for 1 min. However I found that I have to cook them for about 3 mins. Anyway, they taste pretty bad so I won't be buying these again!

Name: 金寶山東大白菜水餃 Bought at: 99 Ranch Rating: 4


Name: 金寶薺菜豬肉水餃 Bought at: 99 Ranch Rating: 4


Name: 味全豬肉鍋貼 Bought at: 99 Ranch Rating: 4


Name: 金寶薺菜雲吞 Bought at: 99 Ranch Rating: TBD


Frozen Buns
Name: 金寶薺菜包 Bought at: 99 Ranch Rating: 3


Name: 金寶台灣芋泥包 Bought at: 99 Ranch Rating: 4.5

Creamy taro filling. Good!

Name: 義美黑糖芝麻包子 Bought at: 99 Ranch Rating: 3


Pizza/Pancakes/Tartes/Flatbread
Name: Tarte D'Alsace Bought at: Trader Joe's Rating: 5


Name: Tarte aux Champignons Bought at: Trader Joe's Rating: 5


Name: 金寶蝦米蘿蔔絲餡餅 Bought at: 99 Ranch Rating: 1

Just had these for lunch the other day, and boy, I almost forgot how bad these taste like! Can't taste anything except black pepper. People who like peppery taste might like this but definitely not me!

Name: Creamy Ranch Chicken and Bacon Mini Pizza Bought at: Fresh and Easy Rating: 4


Name: Potato Pancakes Bought at: Trader Joe's Rating: 2

Judging by the fact that it has been in my freezer for almost 1 year, one can conclude that this is no good.

Name: Tomato and Pesto Flatbread Bought at: Trader Joe's Rating: TBD


Name: BBQ Chicken Pizza Bought at: Trader Joe's Rating: TBD


Pasta
Name: Fettuccine with Mushroom Bought at: Trader Joe's Ranch Rating: TBD


Name: Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina Bought at: Trader Joe's Ranch Rating: TBD


Things to Go with My Ramen
Name: 金寶魚包蛋 Bought at: 99 Ranch Rating: TBD


Name: 珍珍三珍海味 Bought at: 168 Market Rating: TBD


Name: Proscuitto Bought at: Fresh and Easy Rating: 4

I know this may sound weird, but yes, I've tried putting proscuitto in my ramen and it actually taste not bad. It's ham afterall.

Name: Mini Pork and Chicken Patties Bought at: Korean Market Rating: 3.5

These are not bad, but I think the seafood patties taste better. Those come in blue packaging and you can pretty much find them in all Korean markets.

Others
Name: Rosemary Ham Bought at: Trader Joe's Rating: 4.5

Mix these with lettuce, croutons, and dressing, and you get a good salad!

Name: Popcorn Chicken Bought at: Fresh and Easy Rating: TBD


Name: Fish Nuggets Bought at: Trader Joe's Rating: 4


Name: Spinach and Mushroom Quiche Bought at: Trader Joe's Rating: 4

Less than $2 each! Can't ask for more!

Name: 公仔點心(蝦餃/糯米雞) Bought at: 168 Market Rating: 3.5


Name: Takoyaki (Baked Wheat Cakes with Octopus) Bought at: Korean Market (although it's a Japanese food) Rating: 3.5

Has real pieces of octopus inside each, not bad.

Name: Steamers in 5 (steamed clams in garlic and butter sauce) Bought at: Costco Rating: 4.5


Name: Flame Broiled Meatballs Bought at: Trader Joe's Ranch Rating: 4.5

Mix with spaghetti and tomato pasta sauce for a quick meatball pasta.

Dessert
Name: Coffee Latte & Cream Bars Bought at: Trader Joe's Ranch Rating: 3.5


Name: 12 Macarons a la Parisienne Bought at: Trader Joe's Ranch Rating: 5

These are surprisingly good. Too bad there are only 2 flavors, vanilla and chocolate, but just can't beat the price ($4.99 for 12). I wish it comes in other flavors!