I know what you are thinking. Did she really think that looked good? Well, no, I guess I didn't, but remember my goal for the year was to not waste food. Paul purchased this Green Giant bag of vegetables with seasonings before we were married. We ate it one Sunday while pet-sitting a dog for some friends. I was under the impression that he liked it then, but had not purchased it since. After all, there are so many frozen vegetable items out there.

The idea for this bag is good. It's so simple to pour the bag in a Corningware and microwave, not worrying that it will taste bland or that you added too much water. The collection of vegetables is colorful with a variety of flavors, not to mention mixing in potatoes that few people don't like. But unfortunately, the vegetables just didn't work for us. The bell peppers seem to overcook before anything else is cooked thoroughly. The potatoes come out spongy. The strings on the sugar snaps are rough and tough, and you have to be unladylike to pull them out of your mouth because you prefer not to floss at the table. Paul also doesn't like the herb mix.

Now, I'm sure it's a good idea to try something twice before giving it the boot off the grocery list. Well, I've done that. Publix had them for sale at buy one, get one free. I don't think the bag of vegetables is worth the $3.49 original price sticker, but the $1.75 on sale might be acceptable if you are really on a budget and need balanced meals for a low price. Still, there must be something else out there.

Fri-chik is a vegetarian alternative to chicken. It comes in dumpling shapes in a can from health food stores and sometimes from local grocers. I slice eat dumpling in thirds and lay them on a skillet on medium-low (I have a hot stove) and turn them regularly until brown. Half a can feeds Paul and I dinner and each can runs nearly $4.00, depending on the sale. It's a standby in our cabinet to add protein to an all vegetable meal.