The Saddest Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner

This Deal of the Day is the anti-Norman Rockwell holiday dinner. I've had my share of sad Thanksgiving. This can happen when you are single, or after first moving into a new city, maybe you are out of town on business, or just plain busted, penniless, and, on some holidays everyone you know may be visiting relatives.

While one does feel self-conscious eating alone during the holidays, there is something to be said about being out of the holiday family drama loop. And this Turkey Dinner by Banquet is a meal you do not want to share -- nor could you do so, with its small serving size.

This blog post was originally made in 2011. I haven't tried a Banquet Turkey Dinner in quite a while. I used to find them at the grocery store and at my local 99c only Store from time to time for a buck These days they are in the $2 range from regular grocery stores.

The package cover actually matches the real meal, this time around.

I actually like this frozen meal -- occasionally. While the turkey has the texture of baloney and the stuffing amount is minuscule. If you close your eyes you would think you are having the real deal as all the holiday flavors are there.

There's an ample amount of gravy to swab about the mashed potatoes, and the green peas are firm and tasty. The gravy has a deep turkey broth flavor, although, it overpowers and drowns the stuffing.

The real weakness is the powdery instant potatoes. They dissolve once the gravy is mixed in. I don't know why the Banquet food scientists haven't figured out how to do it right -- after all these decades of frozen entree development. Their potato formula needs bulking up. And, a touch of butter (flavoring) wouldn't hurt.

The two turkey loaf slices appear to be white and dark meat. I couldn't tell any difference in taste. The mechanically separated turkey loaf doesn't compare to a fresh slice of steaming turkey breast, but for a buck, it will do.

The peas, of all the ingredients, are the real winner on the black plastic plate. They taste flash-frozen and are firm, not a typically mushy canned style.  They're as good as any name-brand frozen peas.

So if you are alone and broke this Thanksgiving, I would recommend Banquets Turkey Dinner. On a scale of 1 to 9, 9 being best, I give it a 5. You would not be to far off to think the Grinch left this small entree under your tree -- and, you would need to consume 2 or 3 of these minuscule meals to get that second-serving bloated afterglow.

Now, don't worry that The 99 Cent Chef is unhappy this holiday as there is a lot to be thankful for including a sweet lady.

But I do keep a frozen Turkey Dinner in the freezer just in case.....

The Saddest Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner

This Deal of the Day is the anti-Norman Rockwell holiday dinner. I've had my share of sad Thanksgivings. This can happen when you are single, or after first moving into a new city, maybe you are out of town on business, or just plain busted, penniless, and, on some holidays everyone you know may be visiting relatives.

While one does feel self-conscious eating alone during the holidays, there is something to be said about being out of the holiday family drama loop. And this Turkey Dinner by Banquet is a meal you do not want to share -- nor could you do so, with its small serving size.

This blog post was originally made in 2011. I haven't tried a Banquet Turkey Dinner in quite a while. I used to find them at the grocery store and at my local 99c only Store from time to time. The package cover actually matches the real meal, this time around.

I actually like this frozen meal -- occasionally. While the turkey has the texture of baloney and the stuffing amount is minuscule. If you close your eyes you would think you are having the real deal as all the holiday flavors are there.

There's an ample amount of gravy to swab about the mashed potatoes, and the green peas are firm and tasty. The gravy has a deep turkey broth flavor, although, it overpowers and drowns the stuffing.

The real weakness is the powdery instant potatoes. They dissolve once the gravy is mixed in. I don't know why the Banquet food scientists haven't figured out how to do it right -- after all these decades of frozen entree development. Their potato formula needs bulking up. And, a touch of butter (flavoring) wouldn't hurt.

The two turkey loaf slices appear to be white and dark meat. I couldn't tell any difference in taste. The mechanically separated turkey loaf doesn't compare to a fresh slice of steaming turkey breast, but for a buck, it will do.

The peas, of all the ingredients, are the real winner on the black plastic plate. They taste flash-frozen and are firm, not a typically mushy canned style.  They're as good as any name-brand frozen peas.

So if you are alone and broke this Thanksgiving, I would recommend Banquets Turkey Dinner. On a scale of 1 to 9, 9 being best, I give it a 5. You would not be to far off to think the Grinch left this small entree under your tree -- and, you would need to consume 2 or 3 of these minuscule meals to get that second-serving bloated afterglow.

Now, don't worry that The 99 Cent Chef is unhappy this holiday as there is a lot to be thankful for including a sweet lady.

But I do keep a frozen Turkey Dinner in the freezer just in case.....

The Saddest Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner

This Deal of the Day is the anti-Norman Rockwell holiday dinner. I've had my share of sad Thanksgiving. This can happen when you are single, or after first moving into a new city -  maybe you are out of town on business. And, on some holidays everyone you know may be visiting relatives.

While one does feel self-conscious eating alone during the holidays, there is something to be said about being out of the holiday family drama loop. And this Turkey Dinner by Banquet is a meal you do not want to share -- nor could you do so, with its small serving size.

I always find them at the grocery store for around a dollar, and they show up at my local 99c only Store from time to time. The package cover actually matches the real meal, this time around.

I actually like this frozen meal -- occasionally. While the turkey has the texture of baloney and the stuffing amount is minuscule, and if you close your eyes you would think you are having the real deal as all the holiday flavors are there.

There's an ample amount of gravy to swab about the mashed potatoes, and the green peas are firm and tasty. The gravy has a deep turkey broth flavor, although, it overpowers and drowns the stuffing.

The real weakness is the powdery instant potatoes. They dissolve once the gravy is mixed in. I don't know why the Banquet food scientists haven't figured out how to do it right -- after all these decades of frozen entree development. Their potato formula needs bulking up. And, a touch of butter (flavoring) wouldn't hurt.

The two turkey loaf slices appear to be white and dark meat. I couldn't tell any difference in taste. The mechanically separated turkey loaf doesn't compare to a fresh slice of steaming turkey breast, but for a buck, it will do.

The peas, of all the ingredients, are the real winner on the black plastic plate. They taste flash fresh frozen and are firm, not a typically mushy defrosted entree --  they're as good as any name-brand frozen pea.

So if you are alone and broke this Thanksgiving, I would recommend Banquets Turkey Dinner. On a scale of 1 to 9, 9 being best, I give it a 5. You would not be too far off to think the Grinch left this small entree under your tree -- and, you would need to consume 2 or 3 of these minuscule meals to get that second-serving bloated afterglow.

Now, don't worry that The 99 Cent Chef is unhappy this holiday as there is a lot to be thankful for including a sweet lady.

But I do keep a frozen Turkey Dinner in the freezer just in case.....

The Saddest Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner

 

This Deal of the Day is the anti-Norman Rockwell holiday dinner. I've had my share of sad Thanksgivings. This can happen when you are single, or after first moving into a new city -  maybe you are out of town on business. And, on some holidays everyone you know may be visiting relatives.

While one does feel self-conscious eating alone during the holidays, there is something to be said of being out of the holiday family drama loop. And this Turkey Dinner by Banquet is a meal you do not want to share -- nor could you do so, with its small serving size.

I always find them at the grocery store for around a dollar, and they show up at my local 99c only Store from time to time. The package cover actually matches the real meal, this time around.

I actually like this frozen meal -- occasionally. While the turkey has the texture of baloney and the stuffing amount is minuscule, and if you close your eyes you would think you are having the real deal as all the holiday flavors are there.

There's an ample amount of gravy to swab about the mashed potatoes, and the green peas are firm and tasty. The gravy has a deep turkey broth flavor, although, it overpowers and drowns the stuffing.

The real weakness is the powdery instant potatoes. They dissolve once the gravy is mixed in. I don't know why the Banquet food scientists haven't figured out how to do it right -- after all these decades of frozen entree development. Their potato formula needs bulking up. And, a touch of butter (flavoring) wouldn't hurt.

The two turkey loaf slices appear to be white and dark meat. I couldn't tell any difference in taste. The mechanically separated turkey loaf doesn't compare to a fresh slice of steaming turkey breast, but for a buck, it will do.

The peas, of all the ingredients, are the real winner on the black plastic plate. They taste flash fresh frozen and are firm, not a typically mushy defrosted entree --  they're as good as any name brand frozen pea.

So if you are alone and broke this Thanksgiving, I would recommend Banquets Turkey Dinner. On a scale of 1 to 9, 9 being best, I give it a 5. You would not be to far off to think the Grinch left this small entree under your tree -- and, you would need to consume 2 or 3 of these minuscule meals to get that second-serving bloated afterglow.

Now, don't worry that The 99 Cent Chef is unhappy this holiday as there is a lot to be thankful for including a sweet lady.

But I do keep a frozen Turkey Dinner in the freezer just in case.....

Asian Style Rice Bowl - Deal of the Day Review

While not anything to write (email) home about, my latest Deal of the Day, Asian Style Rice Bowl by Banquet, is just okay. Banquet frozen meals are often more miss than hit. But this thawed entree has some tasty bits.

The cooked veggie pieces are a nice size, not chopped into pulp. And chopped broccoli, red bell pepper and sliced carrot retain a bit of crunch even after microwaving - often frozen veggies are mushy and flavorless.

frozen & zapped

They tasted like fresh frozen veggies you would get from the grocery cold case.

I was especially impressed with the white rice, not something I would usually comment on. The rice is cooked perfectly. The rice grains are fluffy without being a sticky lump or a soggy mash. The grains held up well to microwaving.

I liked the "Tangy Asian Inspired BBQ Sauce", although the "Tangy" part is mild, not spicy or acidic at all. BBQ sauce is is not too sweet, as is the case in manhy BBQ frozen entrees.

The BBQ sauce has a mild smokey undertaste and a dash of Worcestershire sauce flavor.


The cooked meat is a large lump, and fairly bland, but that's okay for precooked frozen ground meat. The ingredients say a combination of pork and chicken. For being white meat pork and chicken, the meat has an unnaturally dark brown hue.

The protein part of this frozen entree is good enough. The pork and chicken structure reminds me of a McDonald's McRib sandwich patty, but with a little more texture.

The meat is really  just a delivery device for the tasty sauce, veggies and rice,

It is light lunch - just over 7 ounces. The large loaf of meat and rice provide the heft to this cheap$kate deal.

Click on any photo to see larger.

The ingredient list is way too long, but I guess that's comes with frozen Banquet Meals in the cheap grocery section of your frozen deli case.

So on the 99 Cent Chef's Cheap$kate Dining Scale of 1 to 9, 9 being best, I give this Deal of the Day, Asian Style Rice Bowl by Banquet, a 5. It was an okay frozen meal, but I'm not sure I would get it again anytime soon. I think I will stick with my guilty pleasures of Turkey or Salisbury Steak Meals.

Thanksgiving Recipes Week - The Saddest Turkey Dinner

This Deal of the Day is the anti-Norman Rockwell holiday dinner. I've had my share of sad Thanksgiving. This can happen when you are single, or after first moving into a new city -  maybe you are out of town on business. And, on some holidays everyone you know may be visiting relatives.

While one does feel self-conscious eating alone during the holidays, there is something to be said of being out of the holiday family drama loop. And this Turkey Dinner by Banquet is a meal you do not want to share -- nor could you do so, with its small serving size.

I always find them at the grocery store for around a dollar, and they show up at my local 99c only Store from time to time. The package cover actually matches the real meal, this time around.

I actually like this frozen meal -- occasionally. While the turkey has the texture of baloney and the stuffing amount is minuscule, and if you close your eyes, you would think you are having the real deal, as all the flavors are there.

 There is an ample amount of gravy to swab about the mashed potatoes, and the green peas are firm and tasty. The gravy has a deep turkey broth flavor, although, it overpowers and drowns the stuffing.

The real weakness is the powdery instant potatoes. They dissolve once the gravy is mixed in. I don't know why the Banquet food scientists haven't figured out how to do it right -- after all these decades of frozen entree development. Their potato formula needs bulking up. And, a touch of butter (flavoring) wouldn't hurt.

The two turkey loaf slices appear to be white and dark meat. I couldn't tell any difference in taste. The mechanically separated turkey loaf doesn't compare to a fresh slice of steaming turkey breast, but for a buck, it will do.

The peas, of all the ingredients, are the real winner on the black plastic plate. They taste flash fresh frozen and are firm, not a typically mushy defrosted entree --  they're as good as any name brand frozen pea.

So if you are alone and broke this Thanksgiving, I would recommend Banquets Turkey Dinner. On a scale of 1 to 9, 9 being best, I give it a 5. You would not be to far off to think the Grinch left this small entree under your tree -- and, you would need to consume 2 or 3 of these minuscule meals to get that second-serving bloated afterglow.

Now, don't worry that The 99 Cent Chef is unhappy this holiday.  And, my next post will not be depressing --  because, my Mom is back with another holiday dessert recipe video: a sweet and luscious homemade Pumpkin Pie! 

And I usually keep a frozen Turkey Dinner in the freezer just in case.....

Orange Chicken by Banquet - Deal of the Day

Banquet are up to their old tired tricks in my latest Deal of the Day, that features Orange Chicken. Even with "Natural" plastered all over the box, the chicken nuggets taste anything but.

The main attraction is a big fail. Nuggets are a good size, but it mainly breading and not much chopped pulpy white meat.

Starting with the breaded coating you are sucked in. The coating is seasoned well and, surprisingly, stays somewhat crunchy. It was a good start.

They might as well just used ground chicken, as the "chicken breast" is pulverized - no solid chicken that I could detect. The chicken meat could have been white or dark, as any meaty flavor is barely there.

If you are going through the trouble of using 100% Natural Chicken Breast with Rib Meat, then don't grind it into pulp - at least leave it somewhat flaky? The pieces looked nothing like the back label photo.

Click on any photo to see larger.

The Orange Sauce is more sweetness than orange flavor. The Orange Sauce around the chicken nuggets became a sticky puddle of syrup when heated through. It was okay, and mixed well into the rice.

The best part of this meal is the rice and veggies. Usually frozen dinner rice comes out soggy, but this was cooked almost perfectly - a firm texture, but still cooked through. The red bell pepper pieces were very thin, with a tiny amount of veggie flavor.

This latest cheap$kate Deal of the Day from Banquet on my Cheap$kate Dining Scale of 1 to 9, 9 being best, gets a lowly 3.

Any earned points are for the the rice part of the meal. With the "Natural" hype, my expectations were indeed dashed; so this meal gets deducted points in that regard. Truth in advertising should be paramount - I got suckered again.

Banquet Chicken Fried Beef Steak Meal - Deal of the Day

I didn't want to like it, but I kinda do. You'll get your weekly salt requirement in this one frozen meal by Banquet. And, too much ground black pepper here is welcome -- that I can easily handle.

I get this Deal of the Day, Banquet Chicken Fried Beef Steak Meal, at my local Ralphs for a buck apiece, with my grocery store card. I've also seen a Banquet Chicken Fried Chicken Meal made with chicken, instead of beef.

It's a schizoid meal, tasty sweet corn and so-so mashed potatoes; nice crust with a too-thin beef  patty; and rich creamy milk gravy that's too salty. I have a recipe here, that's easier on the taste buds, and lighter, too, as it's made with low fat ground chicken.

Biting into this meal for the first time is like chewing on a salt lick. It satisfies the paleolithic part of the brain's sodium craving. (Although after a couple of  these meals, the salt is less noticeable.) The fresh frozen corn is there to help balance this out. It's sweet and tender and is a highlight to this meal.

The potatoes are dull though - no texture, just a mushy tasteless carb. It's main function is to sop up the tasty cream gravy. Maybe a little veggie texture, with butter flavoring, would help?

The way too long ingredient list may put you off, but if you can look past it, it's an okay meal -- every once in a while.

click on photo to see larger

While the meat patty is thin, the crust is thick and quite tasty. It even holds up after micowaving. While over-seasoned, that's normal for many Southern recipes and frozen fare. Chicken Fried Steak is a staple there, like fried chicken, except with a cheap slab of round steak, that's been pounded and fork-poked to tenderness. And the cheapest substitution is using ground beef or chicken, like here.

Chicken Fried Steak is believed to have originated with German and Austrian immigrants to Texas in the 1800's. If you've had Wiener Schnitzel before, then you'll notice the similarity. 

And it's always topped with cream gravy and there's plenty of it here. The gravy is over-salted, but flavorful. You'll dip the potatoes and battered steak in it, to get every last drop.

I wouldn't eat this too often, especially, if your salt intake is restricted.

So, how does Banquet Chicken Fried Beef Steak Meal rate on my cheap$kate dining scale of 1-9, 9 being best? Well, I give this Deal of the Day a guilt-ridden 7. There are problems, but I will probably be back for seconds - at least, until the heart doctor warns me off it!

If you are an ex-Southerner missing Chicken Fried Steak, then try it out; but if you live in Texas and have access to the real thing, then this meal will have you taking up arms in front your local grocery frozen case, crying foul, shouting "Remember the real Chicken Fried Steak!"