Description: Two frozen stromboli encased in torpedo-shaped wheat rolls and filled with turkey sausage made from thigh meat, plus pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and crushed chilies.

Preparation summary: Microwave on high for two and a half to three and a half minutes or bake in 400-degree oven for 25 to 27 minutes.

Highpoints: If size matters for what you put into your mouth, then these weighty stromboli will incite a glint in your eyes before they even touch your lips.

Lowpoints: If we can send spacecraft to Mars, why can’t anyone figure out how to prevent bread products from becoming deathly spongy when heated in the microwave? As for the stromboli’s filling, the gravel-like turkey sausage is dry and the so-called “pizza sauce” is scant and gluey.

Average retail price: $3.99

Availability: Trader Joe’s

Description: A dark-brown confit of caramelized red onions, red wine, sugar, thyme, salt and pepper.

Preparation summary: Ready to eat. Spread over crackers, bread rounds, sharp cheeses or brie.

Highpoints: A must-have condiment for the cheese board! Tested at a recent holiday gathering, all of 10 samplers murmured notes of approval about the confit’s sweet and tangy essence, which leaves behind the offensive pungency of the onions.

Lowpoints: Looks like funny brown jelly.

Average retail price: $7.99

Availability: Taste Artisan Cheese & Gourmet Shop in Hillcrest

Description: Two envelope packets containing dried mushrooms, corn and potato starch, wheat flour, spice and additives. Product is designed for breading boneless, skinless chicken or can be used to make soup or gravy.

Preparation summary: For breading chicken (about 1 1/4 pounds), combine one envelope of the mix with 1/3 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Top chicken evenly with the mixture and sprinkle with two tablespoons of plain breadcrumbs. Bake for 20 minutes in 400-degree oven.

Highpoints: Effectively forms a crunchy, fried-like crown over the chicken breasts, which helps seal in their scarce juices during the baking process.

Lowpoints: Despite the extra ingredients you must add to the mix, or any other imaginative items you choose to toss in, that signature salty taste of Lipton instant chicken noodle soup still shouts through.

Average retail price: $2.39

Availability: Most major grocery stores

Description: Chunky green tomato salsa with bell peppers, onions and jalapenos in organic white vinegar.

Preparation summary: Serve with tortilla chips or tacos.

Highpoints: Preservative free with a heat level that is manageable for wussy palates.

Lowpoints: The salsa is too watery and infused heavily with cane sugar, which seeps deeply into the veggies only to render them mushy.

Average retail price: $4.99

Availability: Most major grocery stores