cooking instructions
free recipes
frozen tv dinners
gourmet chili
gourmet soup
gourmet spices
learn to cook
Do you always read the instructions on the back of the frozen TV dinner?
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
United States
September 7, 2007 6:39am CST
I've noticed that not all TV dinners have the same basic cooking instructions on the package. Not sure why they couldn't just be cooked the same way. But, they're not.
Today I was warming over a frozen TV dinner and tossed it into the microwave without even thinking about what the specific warming instructions could be. And, half-way through, I realized something was wrong. The dinner wasn't cooking.
And, after a quick scan of the back of the frozen dinner carton, realized that I was supposed to pierce the top of the plastic wrap over the rice, so that the dinner could cook properly. That was definitely different than how I'd been cooking it.
Guess I should have read the instructions first. Has that ever happened to you? Or, do you always read the microwave instructions on the back of the carton, first?
2 people like this
11 responses
@raychill (6525)
• United States
7 Sep 07
Yes and no. A lot of tv dinners require you to pull the plastic off completely, leave it on completely, peirce it or sometimes just remove it from the top of certain items. So I always look at the instructions just for that factor (which obviously you never thought about! ha ha) but as for how long to cook it or anything like that, I just stick it in...make a guess on how long is should cook... when it beeps I see if it's done. If it's not, I put it in for longer! most of the time when it says "Cook for 5 minutes" i end up having to cook it for 7 or 8 anyhow!
1 person likes this
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
7 Sep 07
And, the cooking time always varies, cause I only have a small 700 watt microwave. So, I have to cook everything much longer than stated or end up with partially frozen mashed potatoes (true story!) Yuck!
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
10 Sep 07
Not always. If I have a tendency to get the same sort of item a lot, I read it once or twice and I know what I'm doing, so I do it and I'm done. However, if it seems to be something new, or I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing, I'll read it again just to be sure. Then again, if I'm really bored, I'll go and read it anyway, just to be safe.
@carlaabt (3504)
• United States
7 Sep 07
I don't cook in my microwave very often, because I don't like the way stuff turns out, even if you follow the directions!
My husband and my son both like frozen TV dinners cooked in the microwave, though, so I do cook them that way sometimes. But I always follow the instructions. My microwave has a scanner thing, so I just have to pierce the plastic or pull it off or whatever, and then scan the barcode and it puts the time in for me. Then it beeps if it's time to stir the potatoes or something, so I stir, then put it back in and push the start button again. It works well.
@cmsk2005 (1770)
• United States
7 Sep 07
Not always but most of the time. For some dinner pack, i know how i have to do it but still just to make sure, i see the back and read the thing there. But if i buy one pack regularly and very familier with that one, nothing new to me i don't see the back. But yes, for a completely new one, I must check the instruction on the back if i miss something which can ruin my dinner in the end
@eachen2002 (889)
• United States
7 Sep 07
We've all made that mistake I forgot to take the cardbored off the pizza and burned in the oven.
@AmbiePam (86275)
• United States
7 Sep 07
LOL, I always read the instructions. I'd be afraid I'd blow up a microwave if I didn't! And the time always differs on each meal, so I don't want anything under cooked, or over cooked. Often I have to adjust the time it says to cook something because it is different for every microwave, but I always check the instructions first.
@mossjanicelynn (1240)
• United States
7 Sep 07
I stick frozen cardboard and all! I only read microwave instructions when it comes to my popcorn, then you still have to ruin one bag before you get it right. What a good question....
@lightningMD (5931)
• United States
7 Sep 07
I read the instructions first. My mom has ruined many things by not reading the package though. I tease her all the time that if all else fails,read the directions.My husband bought what he thought was a frozen chinese dinner yesterday for his lunch.He didnt read the package,there was no rice in the container. You were suppose to pour it over your own rice. Live and learn I say.
@3lilangels (4639)
• United States
7 Sep 07
yes i have done that before,but instead of poking holes i just ripped off the whole plastic part and cook it for less time,if it says 7 minutes,i cook it for 5.and it works out good.pattie
@mrpowless (17)
• Canada
7 Sep 07
dont ever use the microwave...you might as well eat dirt after it comes out
