Ziploc Zip 'n Steam Microwaveable Bags - Product Review

I'm not a big fan of spending a lot of time in the kitchen on a daily basis. Don't get me wrong, I do get the occasional bug to cook up a storm, but as I prepare three meals every day, you can understand why I'm generally wishing to get in, whip up a great, healthy dish, and get out.

Healthy being the key word.

That's why the Ziploc Zip 'n Steam bag campaign had me from "hello, steamed food are better for your health."

So, I ordered a free sample offered (by Walmart.com, I think) and anxiously awaited its arrival.

What I found was a well-designed product well worth the wait, that made cooking and cleanup a breeze.

I decided to make chicken and potatoes in one bag and used the other for steamed carrots. Both turned out in record time and both were fabulously moist, soft, and delicious!

Bravo Ziploc!

Okay, now the drawback, I've since found is that these bags are not yet on the store shelves, but according the Ziploc website, they will be by mid-August 2007, which is fast approaching. If you are dying to try them now, Ziploc has a special offer up on their website you may want to check out: https://www.gfsglobal.com/zipnsteamoffer/default.aspx?src=hp

How do they work? The Ziploc Zip 'n Steam bags used a patented vent technology that steams food evenly. The vents, which are sealed and not easily visible, open during the cooking phase, once the steam pressure builds up in the bag.

What this really means is, you place your food in the bag, place it in the microwave, and the bag takes care of the rest by steaming your food to perfection.

According to the folks on the Ziploc website, the Zip 'n Steam bags will be available in two sizes: A large bag for servings for 3 to 5 people; and a medium bag for servings for 2 to 3 people. I hope they'll make a single serving bag too. That would be a bonus for lunches and for those of us who do not wish to store left-overs.

Each package comes with a recipe booklet to help get the user started, and the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price is: $2.79

A few more bonus points:

- These bags do not get soft or melt in the microwave like other plastic bags tend to.

- When you remove the bags, as long as you touch the blue area above the zipper, you won't have to deal with hot temperatures. The blue area stays cool for handling.

- The clean-up is a easy. Just remove your food and dispose of the bag.

In a nutshell: A product worth trying! Watch your grocery or mass retailer for this product and grab up a box or two.

For more information visit, www.Ziploc.com