Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

I came across these Mini Beef Wellingtons in the frozen foods section at Smart & Final.  They were on sale and the picture looked good, so I gave ’em a try.  Thus far I’ve only tested three in the toaster oven, but the flavor of the Duxelles is perfect — I wish there was a little more inside.  And the Beef Tenderloin was tender.  The combination makes a yummy (authentic old school) appetizer or snack.  I can’t wait to serve them to someone.

Related Links:

http://www.originalrangoon.com/ (Note: For some reason I didn’t see a post regarding this specific product, nor the Smart & Final affiliation listing on the manufacturer’s website, but Original Rangoon’s other appetizers look good too).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duxelles – How to make Duxelles.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beef_Wellington – What is it?

http://www.smartandfinal.com/intro.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2findex.aspx

I like the Claim Jumper Restaurant because they give you tons of food.  I was recently offered the opportunity to try a few of their Frozen Entrees.  The main purpose of this post is to provide visual insight to assist with consumer selection.  I like the Classic Ravioli Parmigiana pictured above — It’s spicier than similar dishes and has good flavor.

Claim Jumper’s Shrimp Scampi.

Claim Jumper’s Chicken Marsala.

Claim Jumper’s Chicken and Penne a la Vodka.

I was also supposed to try Claim Jumper’s New Chicken and Shrimp Penne Rustica, but didn’t see it in the store.  Instead I selected the Salisbury Steak for old time sake.  I haven’t had Salisbury Steak since I was a kid, when it was the first frozen entree ever.  It took me back.  You’ll need an extra plate for the Claim Jumper’s Salisbury Steak, unless you don’t mind mixing the Gravy with the Macaroni and Cheese. 

An honorable mention should go to Claim Jumper’s Spaghetti and Meatballs (not pictured), since the Meatballs are the best “frozen” ones I’ve had — They’ve got a surprisingly good grilled flavor.

Related Links:

http://www.claimjumperretail.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claim_Jumper

Edamame are one of my favorite snacks.  I prefer them warm with Salt — That’s what I just made HERE.  Most Japanese Restaurants appear to serve them chilled.  I’ve seen and like both offerings.  When not eating out, I buy them frozen, cook for 10 minutes, drain, Salt and eat.

Related Links:

http://www.edamame.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edamame

It’s a new cool convenience to fresh Herbs if you don’t have them on hand.  They’re pretty good and especially great for Soups and Stews.  I’ve seen them in Basil too at Trader Joe’s, but the manufacturer sells a larger variety.  Both links are below.

Related Links:

http://www.dorot.co.il/eng/

http://www.traderjoes.com/

Claim Jumper’s Blackberry Pie from the freezer section of the grocery store.  It was good, not great, but good.  I added a fair amount of Cinnamon and Sugar to the top crust, as I do with most Pies. 

The instructions note to line your cookie sheet with foil before placing the Pie in the oven.  Be sure to do that, since mine made a bit of a mess.  I’m not sure if that happens each time, but it’s best for cleanup if it does.  I was glad I wasn’t serving it to company, since it didn’t look as pretty as those that haven’t bubbled over.  

I did like the ease of preparation and the smell of it baking in the oven, so I’m not going to completely rule it out as a future dessert of the week.

Contact the Claim Jumper directly here.

It’s really hard to tell the difference between this one, Thai Joe’s Lemongrass Chicken Stix and Thai Joe’s Coconut Curry Chicken Stix.  I like to call them Cigar Springrolls.  Both are equally good and taste similar.  It’s fun to do a taste comparison with friends — I did, and guesses were right and wrong regarding both.

Unlike the picture on the box, they don’t come with Sauce, so I’ve posted the recipe for my favorite Springroll Dipping Sauce.  It’s enough for two boxes of these Springrolls.  Double the recipe if making more.  Each box holds 10 Chicken Stix.

I cook them at 450° for 20 minutes, which is longer than the posted time.  I find that (almost) all frozen food needs to be cooked longer than its recommended time.  Do you find the same?  I wonder if it’s done purposefully to make one think they’ll be eating faster than they actually will.

Soy Sesame Dipping Sauce Recipe: 

3 Tablespoons of Soy Sauce

1/8 Cup of Rice Vinegar

1 Teaspoon of Sesame Oil

1 Teaspoon of Sugar

Mix all together until Sugar is dissolved.  Serve with any crunchy Asian dish.  It’s quick, easy and tasty.

Related Pictures and Links:

Trader Joes – http://www.traderjoes.com/

Extra – http://www.answers.com/topic/tv-dinner

It’s just okay.  Since I LOVE California Pizza Kitchen’s Salads and Pizzas in their Restaurants, and this was on sale, I gave it a try.  I added Capers before baking, because I often feel the need to add something to jazz up frozen Pizzas. 

The package picture doesn’t capture it well, but the Pizza has a fair amount of Pesto Sauce on it — As some Margherita Pizza’s do.

Related Links:

http://www.cpk.com/

They’re adorable and were only $1.00 each.  Quite a nice Smorgasbord — Dulce De Leche, Cherry Garcia and Strawberry.  All come with a convenient spoon in the lid.

Related Links:

http://www.haagendazs.com/

http://www.benjerry.com/