Description: A one-pound, precooked meatloaf made of beef, pork, finely minced veggies, dried jalapeno (chipotle) and savory herbs. Loaf is contained in a boil-safe bag.

Preparation summary: Boil in medium saucepan of water for 10-12 minutes and then serve immediately. Product can also be heated in microwave for six to eight minutes or outside its bag in a conventional oven for 20-25 minutes.

Highpoints: Zesty, gourmet flavor and non-fatty texture leaves you in disbelief this meatloaf is pre-manufactured. An appealing fruity undertone laces the spicy sauce contained in the bag, due to the apricots included in the ingredients. A perfect meal for two.

Lowpoints: Your mother’s cherished meatloaf recipe gets downgraded to a yawn upon biting into this one.

Average retail price: $6.99

Availability: Ralphs

Description: Single-serving brownie with hot fudge sauce that cooks just under a minute in the microwave.

Preparation summary: Empty brownie “powder” into plastic bowl included in the package and mix in one tablespoon and one teaspoon of water. Microwave uncovered on high for 30 to 45 seconds. Squeeze packet of fudge topping over brownie and let stand for two minutes before eating.

Highpoints: Gives compulsive eaters the instant gratification they need when those urges for hot, freshly baked brownies cloud the brain. Cooks in less time than a slice of bread in the toaster!

Lowpoints: Miserable gummy texture tells you this brownie was “baked” in the most unnatural, quickest way possible.

Average retail price: $2.49

Availability: Most major grocery stores

Description: Four individually wrapped egg rolls stuffed with cabbage, celery, bok choy, water chestnuts and bamboo shoots.

Preparation summary: Place egg rolls on baking tray and cook on top oven rack at 425 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes, or microwave for one and a half to two minutes on high.

Highpoints: When cooked in conventional ovens, the shells turn crispy and the excess water lurking in the vegetable filling evaporates appropriately. Also, the egg rolls are about twice as big as their size pictured on the package.

Lowpoints: Wonton shells become leathery and incorrigible when cooked in the microwave. Yet no matter how they’re cooked, the filling cries for more flavoring, so be sure to keep buckets of soy sauce handy.

Average retail price: $4.39

Availability: Most major grocery stores

Description: Two frozen bone-in pork chops, uncooked and stuffed with brandy and caramelized onion stuffing.

Preparation summary: Lightly brush chops with vegetable oil and bake on foil-lined cookie sheet or baking tray for 45-50 minutes at 325 degrees. Let stand five minutes before serving.

Highpoints: The stuffing offers a few surprise ingredients not mentioned on the box: apple chunks, diced carrots and cranberries, all of which add a homey flavor to the pork. The chops brown evenly and each one yields plenty of tender meat.

Lowpoints: A salty, generic-tasting marinade runs deep beneath the surface and mars the natural succulence of the pork.

Average retail price: $9.97

Availability: Costco