Product Review: Zip 'n Steam Ziploc Steam Cooking Bags

There's "a new kid in town", a terrific new product by Ziploc. It's Zip N Steam, a pleated microwavable vented steam cooking bag.

I received samples of Zip Loc Zip N Steam bags a few weeks ago. What a marvel! I cook for myself most nights and I'm not keen on trying to produce a healthy meal, too much work . I tend to end up eating breakfast cereal for dinner, one bowl, no mess. With the Zip N Steam you can throw some veggies, fresh or frozen in the steam bag, add meat, shrimp or chicken or not and put in microwave for about 12-15 minutes. . Toss your cut up food into these vented bags, season, zip close and toss into your microwave for about 15 minutes. You have a tremendously healthy meal in no time. Try corn or potatoes with butter and Rosemary, nice side dish. Add meat.

Want an easy pasta sauce?

1 pint of Cherry or Grape tomatoes
2T Tomato Paste
1T Oil
1 tsp Balsamic Vinegare
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Salt

Place in your Zip N Steam bag. Cook on high power for 1 minute. Open. Add Parmesan Cheese. Let stand one minute. Squeeze. Pour on your Pasta. Add shrimp or chicken if you want or just a little fresh basil.

This is excellent for cooking up healthy meals for your children especially when your pressed for time. The children can help by putting the food in the bag so they can feel like they're doing some of the cooking.These bags come in several sizes and can be used for fruits as well as meats and veggies. Try bananas in chocolate! You can do a fish meal, corn (corn , some butter and rosemary, yummy).Seafood or poulty works well in Zip N Steam. This is a great concept for anyone who is a Vegan.To fill the bag more easily you can fold the top down to create a wider opening. When you put your peices of food in the bag keep them in one layer with larger pieces in the center. Leave a little space between pieces,try not to overcrowd.

You can't beat this steam bag for easy clean up. Toss the bag out. You're finished cleaning! How easy is that?

You get 7 bags in the Large package. This gives you 3-5 servings. They measure 10 in x 10 in . There are 10 bags in the Mediumpackage they measure 8 in x 10 in and give you 2-3 sreving sizes. To use you lay the bag in the microwave with the side they indicate up and there are cooking guidelines on the bag so you coook according to the time indicated. You can go to the site for recipes. SO simple. If these aren't in stores near you you can get them on line at www.ziploc.com. 30 bags for $14.99 and they don't charge any shipping. I noticed them selling at Target.

Warnings : Do not overheat especially when cooking things like bacon (high fat content) or sugar (when using BBQ sauce as a seasoning). Do not use in your conventional oven, under browning elements on or on the stove top. Also the bag gets very hot, wait one minute at least after cooking before you handle the bag. When you do go to open it hold the top away from you to prevent scalding from the steam that comes out. There is a blue area near the zip loc closing which will remain cool to the touch. You also may notice some sound coming from the bag while your food is cooking. That is the bag expanding.

The one negative I have and you may have is the fact that these aren't biodegradable so you are adding to the footprint we leave.

Made by General Mills S.S.Johonson & Co

Call 800 428 4795