MetsFan5

Probably, but when steam ovens became popular I had a double oven, two refrigerators, a six burner stove and a big green egg my ex used a lot. I also wasn’t cooking for one.

After reading what I could find on Reddit and other various sites, I was not surprised today when, after cooking a meal, I discovered my oven is malfunctioning. I have been adding water— more than would seem needed for days now. Zero leaks, it seemed weird. After tonight’s meal I knew it had to be low as the steam function was being used and I could see the steam being released. so, I kept slowly adding water, and then the moment I took my eyes off the bottom of the oven to peer into the top, where I dispense the water, I had a flood on my counter. I’m not surprised as I said. The scanner doesn’t read, or at least my own doesn’t read, any of the cooking times for products that are supposed to be “Tovala friendly”. It quickly reads the code on the meals but it hasn’t successfully read a code on any other product. I view it as a somewhat higher end toaster oven. The meals are great to have on hand when I just eat because I need to and most meals are tasty enough. I have one more meal delivery I already paid for and then I’ll quit. I’m not about to haul this 30lb oven to be shipped in return for a new one. I’ll use it as a toaster oven. The meals create (as well as the oven did) a LOT of packaging to breakdown and that is a real pain in the ass for me as I have to walk everything out to various recycling and garbage receptacles and that involves stairs and lifting everything over my shoulder (I’m 5’7) to throw into the receptacles. I get enough online deliveries, I don’t like the huge box the meals come in with heavy insulation— one box is all I can carry with both hands and even with everything meal wise removed, it weighs a solid 10lbs. If the box was smaller and I could see where I’m stepping while taking it to the trash, it wouldn’t be so awkward. I’ll contact support tomorrow regarding this issue, they aren’t live right now and last time I emailed with an issue it took them two days to respond and by then I had figured it out. I’m pretty pissed about this water leak mess but, as stated, not surprised. Overall I would not recommend it. I’m glad I tried it, as I am the type the market to, and the meals were mostly good but I’m not the type of customer to send a product back and get a replacement when it comes to products like this. Also the “air frying” feature, which the oven should scan for products like Ore Ida fries, might work if the oven scanned the barcode, but since my won’t, it’s just crap. It burns everything, even when following the “airfry” instruction and using the “airfrying” tray.

I used my press for hotdogs and it worked well.

I love fresh radishes dipped in salt but I need to explore matching radishes with butter.

it’s a childhood comfort food for me.

Same! I was just re-reading your food blog, I really miss them

care to rent out that pool house? stunning.

The proteins are killing these meals. The meatballs (which aren’t raw when delivered) and the chicken breasts all taste the same. The “sauces” do little to help with variation. However the oven cooks the proteins well, so I’m going to cook my own preferred proteins in line with the instructions. But I’m not a fan of how the proteins come and how they’re precooked and or marinated. Shrimp is the only exception. I do like their taco style entrees. I also find meals mostly to be a bit too much and also very much one note in terms of flavors. That said, the recipes and meals have given me a bit of inspiration. I am still enjoying the oven— I’ve since “toasted” English muffins and they came out very well. So the original toast experiment seems to be a one off.

To be fair, I ordered more of a variety of meals that were delivered for this week. I have skipped future deliveries with the option to change my mind but by now I think the oven has paid for itself/ I have ordered enough meals. In all transparency, despite Tovala’s partnership with Omaha Steaks (which I generally am not impressed with) I won’t order steak entrees. I just cannot imagine they would benefit from being cooked in any type of oven, despite the settings. I also don’t like salmon or trout and those are the only non shrimp seafood offerings.

I’ve made a few other meals recently. Overall the variation of flavors tend to lack. There may be because I lean towards non Italian entrees, however all “marinated chicken breasts” receive the same “marinade” despite being used for different types of meals. Overall I’m not dissatisfied nor am I satisfied with the meals. I am happy to have this oven and its steam function and feel a lot more confident about using it outside of the meals to cook proteins. I can cook a protein in it quickly to slightly under temp then sear it in a pan. The Asian themed meals aren’t bad but they need some help with seasoning. I am offended that their version of “fried rice” and “risotto” always means brown rice. I find it inedible. I have yet to try a commercial product in the oven (aka TJs or Whole 365 etc) nor have I tried the air fryer setting yet. The jury is still out.

In my quest to avoid ordering take out, but make the least amount of effort and mess possible, the Fasta Pasta arrived at my door today. Orzo and pastina are generally my go to pastas and straining them is messy, so I will be trying this thing out (despite it lacking cooking info for tiny pasta).

I think they’re a totally different class of hot dogs. I personally view them more as concession type of treat for lack of a better term. I don’t think you can compare them. I love a McDonald’s cheeseburger on occasion. I appreciate my local tavern’s burger. I prefer grilling my own but I live in an apartment now. And my Tovala isn’t programmed to grill! 😆 everything has its place at times.

I also saw a post on Reddit that was an actual baguette where the crust of the bread was somehow preserved and coated in some type of polymer (I’m guessing) that is sold out in various countries for about $3500. I’ll keep looking for it. I like nice things but the day I would even spend a cent to make something like this? Sign me up! 🤣

This is a Fendi “bag charm”. It takes me back to playing the same game about predictions while laying on a jungle gym in the sun as a kid. I likely will not buy it, I have never bought a bag charm but it is tempting https://www.fendi.com/us-en/woman/accessories/shoulder-straps-bag-accessories/fendi-fortune-teller-charm-yellow-nappa-leather-charm-7as286k47f1ozu?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvunm0JXuhQMVFVpHAR1zxwWIEAAYASAAEgJR2_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I didn’t see any hotdogs with sugar added— the one that appeals to me is the corn dog with potatoes:

I made this meal the other day and it was good. I’ve learned by now to use about half the amount of water they recommend when cooking any type of noodles and that has been working. I enjoyed it and am still impressed with how flavorful and juicy the chicken was. I also didn’t cook the veggies because I like the contrast of textures with fresh crunch of raw vegetables better than I do when they are cooked.

I think the cheese dogs are essentially mozzarella sticks on a stick? I do appreciate a good corn dog, so I’m mostly curious about these snacks. has anyone actually tried one?

Not sure if this is the correct topic to post in, but I am curious about the trending mochi donuts and “Korean hot dogs”. The hot dogs seem like the ultimate late night weekend snack but I haven’t tried them or the donuts. Has anyone else? This small chain is local to me: https://www.mochimoly.com

However I think designers are getting a bit campy with the food themed accessories worn by people who are likely on the ozempic train. Instead of eating what you’d want, just wear accessories if the foods people deny themselves. It’s a conundrum.

You’re all right, it isn’t new aka the “Meat Dress”

Are these sold internationally? Some of them would be great to put on a luggage tag!

Thank you sharing this, her jewelry is awesome!

Is a “thing” right now in the fashion world. I just bought this key chain because it can hold a dog poop bag and is cute: https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/fortune-cookie-keychain?variant=40623520940114&_pos=2&_psq=fortune&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Judith Leiber is famous for her unique handbags, which are often food items such as this: https://judithleiber.com/collections/novelty/products/french-fries-fresh-and-hot More consumer friendly designers are also jumping on the trend: Kate Spade: https://www.katespade.com/products/slice-3d-pizza-crossbody/K5530.html Kate Spade shoes: https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/kate-spade-new-york-Soiree-50MM-Satin-Cork-Heel-Sandals-0400020358782.html?dwvar_0400020358782_size=7.5&dwvar_0400020358782_color=IVORY&site_refer=CSE_GGLPLA:Womens_Shoes:kate+spade+new+york&country=US&currency=USD&CSE_CID=G_Saks_PLA_US_Women's+Shoes:Sandals&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADO6JtSuSAjhN4Hh7bDUBG0sjwtHb&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk4Cxj4vahQMVP1FHAR3XIAQoEAQYASABEgLbufD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Not sure how to properly post these links, my apologies.

I knew I was pushing it with the “Italian” entrees. I live in an area with a large amount of Italian restaurants and have an Italian mother, etc. and as @blue_dolphin said, pasta is also my go to, easy quick meal— so I made poor choices. I’m sure if I pushed back about the quality of the meals I would likely get a discount, however, the proteins are really shining. Every protein has been cooked well and I have used a digital thermometer to see how the proteins are cooked to temp. It’s important to not let anything linger in the oven, and I was pleasantly surprised that a marinated chicken breast that was delivered vacuumed packed was very flavorful and juicy. At the thickest point it read 166 degrees F as a high. the prep was opening the sealed, marinated chicken breast and put it in a provided tin pan, use the small packet of mayo to coat the chicken and put the bread crumbs over the chicken. i have a pork cutlet I’ve yet to try. That should be interesting. The oven really uses the steam feature a lot. I haven’t gotten any type of notice that the water reservoir has been low, but I keep a 6oz water bottle next to the machine and add water after every use. The oven makes a sound when it’s full. It has also has a wide water spout so I haven’t been worried about potentially getting water on the buttons. Also, if in the off chance I did, I can control the oven directly from my phone. The oven appeals to me as a child of the 80s. It’s fun watching the various cooking methods that cycle and watching proteins cook. It’s like an adult version of my “easy bake oven”. Along that line I wish they offered more dessert, breakfast and side options.

Yes, in the app you can rate each meal and comment on any issues you’ve had. I’ve noticed some meals marked as “revamped” which I’m assuming means they changed something about the item to cook it better.