1. Building the Convenience Sandwich Foods I Obj. 2.04

2. Convenience Foods are: Those that have been completely or in-part commercially processed. CONVENIENCE FOODS (PROCESSED FOODS) Convenience Foods have been: Canned, frozen, cured, dried or freeze-dried Processing Helps: Keep perishable foods from spoiling by destroying or by slowing down the growth of harmful microorganisms.

3. Convenience Foods can be stored: At room temperature for longer periods of time than “fresh” foods. By following label directions: 1. Enables the inexperienced cook to quickly prepare tasty, nutritious meals with confidence. 2. Does not require special skills or equipment. 3. Gives clues on eating a healthier, balanced plan.

4. ADVANTAGES: 1. Saves time and energy 2. Shorter time and ease lets families eat at home more often. 3. Foods are sold year-round 4. Inexpensive way to add variety and creativity. 5. Can adjust for healthier options. DISADVANTAGES: 1. Higher cost. 2. Nutrient loss during processing. 3. Higher amounts of fat, sugar, sodium and calories. 4. May contain preservatives 5. May lack appeal of homemade 6. Packaging may not be good for environment.

5. Classification of label information: 1. Yield 2. Ingredients plus amounts 3. step-by-step directions 4. Container size and type 5. Temperature and time Following label directions helps: 1. Ensure successful food preparation. 2. Avoid frustration. 3. Avoid wasting ingredients and money. 4. Allows one to combine convenience with basic “fresh” ingredients for easier and quicker meal preparation.

6. Homemade vs Convenience  Homemade More creativity and freedom of ingredients in the dish More creativity and freedom of ingredients in the dish The quality and flavor can be improved by changing the ingredients The quality and flavor can be improved by changing the ingredients You know everything that is going into the dish You know everything that is going into the dish Usually ingredients from scratch are less expensive than mixes Usually ingredients from scratch are less expensive than mixes You can make the meal more nutritious by reducing the amount of salt and fat in the dish You can make the meal more nutritious by reducing the amount of salt and fat in the dish Deceptively DeliciousDeceptively Delicious  Convenience Takes less time to prepare the food You know what to expect— flavor stays consistent Preparation is usually easy Less clean up is usually involved You can add extra things to make it taste better.

7. Is it always cheaper to make things at home?  Sometimes! Hamburger Stroganoff Scratch--53¢ per serving Convenience--50¢ per serving But cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Taste Leftovers

8. Semi-Homemade  Sandra Lee Tortilla Casserole Tortilla Casserole Grilled Raspberry Chicken Grilled Raspberry Chicken