THE CHICEST TV DINNER YOU EVER SAW

GLM & MPB

All that we’ve ever wanted for this book is for it to inspire you to stop buying frozen meals. To bid adieu to shrink-wrapped frozen burritos, low-fat lasagnas, and anything else that requires you to poke holes in a layer of cellophane before nuking it into oblivion. But look, we’re realists, and we know that sometimes you are just too hungry and too tired to make something from scratch. Frozen meals are cheap, and we also totally get their appeal as take-to-work lunches—sometimes you just can’t be bothered to pack something you’re going to be interested in eating. And so Smart Ones, Lean Cuisine, and Amy’s make their way into your grocery basket. And stay in your freezer for nights when you’re super desperate. We get it.

On their own, they’re okay. But here’s a little hot mess magic to make them pretty damn good.

SEASON THEM TO YOUR LIKING.

Frozen meals typically come plenty salty (often with too much salt), so steer away from adding more sodium to them. Think instead of fresh herbs: those Amy’s enchiladas will be even tastier if you add some fresh sliced green onions and cilantro to them, and that lasagna will taste more Italian with some freshly snipped basil. We also love adding hot sauces, fresh lemon or lime juice, and plenty of black pepper to our frozen foods.

PUT THEM ON AN ACTUAL PLATE OR IN A BOWL.

After microwaving, use a spoon or scraper spatula to transfer your meal onto a real plate or bowl. Pour a glass of wine or sparkling water, and treat your meal (even if it’s in the break room at work or at your desk) like an actual meal. It’ll taste better, we promise.

ADD A FRESH VEGETABLE OF SOME KIND.

A crisp green salad, slaw, or even raw carrot sticks. The extra fiber will make you feel more full, and the whole meal experience will be improved by the added freshness.