Dazee and I Try Amy’s

Amy’s Four Product Review:

Amy’s was kind enough to send me and my pardner Dazee coupons for three free products, plus a coupon for .75 off!  Although we almost never buy frozen heat ‘n’ eat food we were excited to try these. Comfort food in a box for quick meals and hungry spots, OK!  But yea, keep that in mind when you read our results, because I cook most everything we eat from scratch.

I sent Dazee to the store with the coupons and told him to get whatever struck his fancy as long as the products he picked out were xgfx. It was fun to see what he pulled out of the bag, and not too surprising; Dazee often goes for the comfort. He chose their Rice Macaroni with Dairy Free Cheeze, Rice and Bean Non-Dairy Burrito, Rice Crust Spinach Pizza and the Non-Dairy Baked Ziti Bowl.

Rice Macaroni with Dairy Free Cheeze

We were both excited to try this mac ‘n’ cheeze, especially since so many people love it. Vegans go a little what we call “Coo Coo Badookie” for cheeze sauces and pasta. We liked it fine, but found it pretty bland even with extra salt, especially since tastier less fatty versions are easy to make at home.  However, I can see how I might be tempted to bring this home if I were too busy to cook or wanted something insanely quick and rich to eat.

Pros:

• Pasta had a great texture.
• Super fast in the microwave.
• Hearty.
• Good portion size–especially with a side of salad or greens.
• Paper packaging.

Cons:

• The sauce doesn’t have the best aroma.
• Needs salt.
• Tasted like super processed food and has a slight chalky texture.

Burrito:  Gluten Free Non-Dairy (Rice & Bean)

When I used to work in a big natural foods supermarket and had exactly 30 minutes for lunch everyday; I used to eat Amy’s wheaty vegan version of this burrito for lunch a LOT. Cheap and fast and relatively healthy, I’ve been wishing for a gluten-free version for a while now. However, when I first opened the package I was a little surprised by the visual appearance of the burrito, the “tortilla” has a super spongy look to it. I decided to prepare the burrito just like I did in the good ol’ days, so into the microwave it went—following the directions on the package. I’m glad to report that once cooked the texture of the wrap is really good! I wouldn’t call it a tortilla by any means, but it did the job, didn’t fall apart while I ate it, and actually had a very enjoyable bite, even though it looks more like Ethiopian injera than anything else. The filling itself is just like the regular vegan burrito—tasty–especially if you add extra salt, but nothing extraordinary. It’s good for what it is: a frozen and  healthy burrito on the run. I ate mine with a side of steamed sweet potatoes spooned into lettuce leaves with fresh basil and Korean BBQ sauce. A happy lunch!

Pros:

• Quick.
• Healthy.
• Portable.
• Relatively inexpensive.
• Tasty.
• Good texture.

Cons:

• Funny looking wrap.
• Needs salt.

Pizza:  Spinach Pizza Rice Crust

Oh gosh. I was a little worried when I saw Dazee whip the frozen pizza out of the bag. I’m pretty much OK with any sort of xgfx pizza, but Dazee is much pickier about food than me. I’d tried this pizza once before, in New Orleans while trying to sober up for Mardi Gras, and it was the perfect meal. However, I was concerned it wouldn’t hold up to the scrutinizing of a formal review.

Dazee prepare this according to the package directions (baked in the oven), and trouble started when he couldn’t get the cheeze on top to melt. Not surprising to me, since he doesn’t cook beyond oatmeal and popcorn. Dazee took one bite of the first slice and wouldn’t eat anymore and neither would our visiting friend. Me? I think this pizza is just fine, although the crust texture is a little “funky” and could be crunchier. I think it makes good booze food.

Pros:

• Quick.
• xgfx pizza!!!
• Good booze food.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Tricky to get the cheeze to melt on top.
• The crust.

Bowls:  Non-Dairy Baked Ziti

xgfx Ziti!

The ziti on the cover of this box looks amazing so I was more than happy to remember it in the freezer, as I was searching for something to eat one recent afternoon.  Since I was really hungry and wanted something quick I opted to follow the microwave directions on the back of the box.  While my finished ziti looked nothing like the ziti on the box, but it tasted really good. The pasta texture was great, the sauce was savory and rich tasting, and I was super glad to eat it. I think the portion size was good for a small meal, but a small side salad would have made it even better.

Pros:

• Quick.
• Pasta has great texture.
• Tasty with a rich savory flavor.
• Paper Packaging.
• Satisfying.
• Good serving size for lunch.

Cons:

• On the fattier side.
• Doesn’t look like top of box.
• Pricey.

While Amy’s hasn’t convinced me to stock up on frozen convenience food instead of cooking our meals from scratch, I understand their place in my world and am glad to know they exist. I especially appreciate Amy’s for including xgfx meals in their product line and am happy to know I can locate their meals in many regular grocery stores across the country. For instance, when in need of something nourishing and tasty to eat late at night in the deep south, Amy’s to the rescue!

Reviewed by Kittee Berns