What Are Your Favorite Frozen ("TV") Dinners?

     For me, it would have to be the legendary Taste O'Sea Seafood Platters -- which featured a bounty of breaded delights, also favored by my oldest brother Brian. A generous fish filet, fish cake, shrimp and scallops -- were paired off with a side order of tater tots. The shrimp, however, always seemed a bit too crunchy or underdone -- and we never quite knew what those "black spots on the tots" were. But I distinctly remember splitting the dinners between two different meals, during my NIU apartment days in DeKalb. Unfortunately, these moist succulent selections have long since "bitten the big one" and no longer appear on store shelves.

     A number of years later, either Banquet or probably Swanson, came out with a "Fisherman's Platter" -- which was sort of a downsized, updated take-off on the original concept (in my opinion). These were also very tasty, but nowhere near as satisfying as the classic "Taste."

      Campbell's Souper Combo was another worthy entry in the frozen dinner genre -- their egg rolls were excellent, but these were also discontinued before they had a chance to catch on. Why do the tastiest and best products seem to suffer the same fate?

     I was also mightily impressed by the award-winning Kahiki oriental dinners, some of which featured oyster sauce. But then again, these have also become MIA (missing in action). Wal-Mart used to sell them, along with their chicken potstickers, but now I believe the company is focused on bigger restaurant-sized packages. So maybe the club stores (like Sam's) still sell them.

      There are definitely a bounty of other tasty TV dinner offerings to be had. Nestle's Lean Cuisine has been a strong contender for many years, and when their whole-grain-oriented Spa Cuisine meals invaded the grocery scene, they really jumped into the culinary stratosphere. Their Lemongrass Chicken is particularly tasty -- and there's another one with coconut worth picking up, among other succulent creations.

     In this case, for the more upscale selections, the regular price for their dinners is a bit steep -- so it definitely helps to find sales and coupons.

     Kashi has also created a commendable series of healthy dinners, which may be even more expensive. But their whole-grain commitment is also strong. However, sometimes you may find a smattering of unwanted ingredients (milk, soy, wheat) that appear due to their processing methods. But this may be a minor concern, unless you suffer from a sensitivity or allergy to those substances. Kashi also features a lot of freebies and coupons, so check those out.

      Some of the Yu Sing dinners (made by Michelina) have also been quite good -- especially their Kung Pao Chicken, which features black beans. But this particular selection may have also been discontinued, since I haven't found it lately in local stores. Thai Gourmet's Lemongrass Chicken is also excellent -- and well worth seeking out.

     Nowadays, even Amazon has online groceries, so we really do have a bounty of frozen dinner choices. Home-delivered selections, like Seattle Sutton's, are another grocery option -- as well as stores where you can put together your own combinations.

      Yes, it sure seems like we live in quite a "food-topia". With such a wide cornucopia of culinary wonders, it really pays to make wise choices. Also -- don't forget to take the dinners out of those plastic containers before heating. Glass or Lexan is preferable. And if you really want a healthy boost, trade in your microwave for a convection oven. Who knows what damage those other rays might do to your prized broccoli!