Reynolds Oven Bags ~ Making Cooking A Little Bit Easier
Written: Nov 25 '06 (Updated Nov 25 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: easy to use for those who might be more challenged cooking a Turkey/Other Meat
Cons: Bag is very light and can break through easily, hard to cut for releasing air
The Bottom Line: Reynolds Oven Bags make the job easier when cooking various meats like a Turkey but may not have the moisture you are used to when basting it yourself.
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| kparsons13's Full Review: Reynolds Oven Bags |
When it comes to cooking ham, turkey and chicken I am not exactly a a chef. However, when the holidays fall upon us every year I try my best to prepare the best meal I am capable of.
When I was doing some last minute grocery shopping a couple days before Thanksgiving, I noticed a sale for Reynolds Oven Bags. They were 2 for $3.00 or 1 box for $1.50. I decided at such a low price I would pick up a box and read about it later since the store was in major chaos.
~The Packaging~
Reynolds Oven Bags come in a small box and are hard to miss. The words "Oven Bags" are shown in bright yellow. They come in two different sizes, Turkey Size and Large Size. (For my experience I used the Turkey Size for obvious reasons.)
There are 2 bags included in each box for Turkey Size. Each bag is 19" x 23 1/2" (482 mm x 596 mm) for meats and poultry 12 to 24 lbs.
For the Large Size there are 5 bags within a box. Each bag is 16" x 17 1/2" for meats and poultry up to 8 lbs.
The bags are clear and thin to work with, which I had to find out the hard way.
Anyways, for $1.50 I believe that I received a decent deal.
~Product Description by Reynolds~ (taken from website)
Reynolds® Oven Bags are heat-resistant nylon oven bags for cooking warm, hearty dinners without basting or tending. Simply put chicken or meat in the oven bag along with your favorite vegetables, sauce or spices, place it in a baking pan and pop it in the oven. Dinner will come out juicy and delicious with no messy pan to scrub.
~Directions~ (taken from back of packaging)
There are five steps for successful results when using the Reynolds Oven Bags and they are as follows:
1. Preheat Oven to 350F (for roasts use 325F and never exceed 400F.
2. Add 1 tablespoon flour to bag and shake to avoid bag bursting. Place bag in roasting pan at least 2" deep.
3. Place food in Bag. Remove ties from cooking chart insert; close bag with nylon tie. Cut 6 1/2 inch slits in top of bag for steam to escape. Tuck ends of bag in pan.
4. Place pan in oven, allowing room for bag to expand during cooking without touching heating elements, walls, racks. Oven bag should not hang over pan.
5. Bake according to recipes or chart. To Serve, carefully cut open top of oven bag. Always support bag with pan.
There is also a Cooking Guide inside to help you time your turkey, beef, lamb, or pork. There are also a few recipes on the other side of it.
~Contact Information~
Website:
www.reynoldskitchens.com
Telephone:
1-800-433-2244
Write:
The Reynolds Kitchen
P.O. Box 85583
Richmond, VA 23285-5583
~My Experience with Preparation~
I wasn't sure what to expect when I decided to use the Reynolds Oven Bags Turkey Size. However it seemed like it would make clean up much easier for me and due to schedule constraints, also have the benefit of not having to constantly baste the turkey.
I found that putting the turkey in the bag was simple and there was plenty of room left to add vegetables and stuffing. I had room to add extra celery and onion as well as stuff just a little bit more stuffing than I thought I would be able to.
The nylon ties (two included with Turkey Size) were easy to use. You just had to wrap it around and pull it through. The bag was sealed easily.
The bags are incredibly thin as I found out trying to lift one out of the sink and it broke through immediately. You have to handle them with care. I had a turkey that was a little over 21 lbs that I was working with for a reference point.
It was not as easy as I thought it would be to cut slits in the bag. The scissors seemed to catch in an odd way and ripped the bag more than but it. However I was able to have enough room to put the 6 1/2" slits that were required.
~What were the final results?~
When I took my roasting pan out of the oven at the proper time for my Turkey, I was very happy with the results. There were juices at the bottom of the bag that had accumulated but there really was no fuss anywhere else on the pan itself.
The turkey was not as brown as I thought it would be when I looked at it. I wanted to put it under the broiler or keep it in the oven longer but I was afraid that I would dry out the turkey doing that. However it was cooked and smelled delicious.
I cut the bag down the center and opened it up. I took the rack out with the turkey on it. The stuffing was not burned but just an even crisp on the outer edges. The rest of my roasting pan was free of anything else and looked dry and clean. The bag had not leaked at all. I was pleased with the results.
How did it taste? I was a little disappointed that it was not a bit more moist like it is when you baste it throughout the cooking time normally. However with a little gravy, I was satisfied.
If you like your turkey or meat very moist then I wouldn't recommend this alternative bag to you. You might not be happy with the results. However if you are like me and can just add some gravy to it and want an easy clean up then this would fit great in your cooking needs.
Overall the Reynolds Oven Bags did the job that they promised. There was a lack of moisture but I didn't have to worry about the turkey like I did last year. There wasn't a mess and I threw out the bag.
I would say this was a positive experience but just average. There is nothing to rave about and nothing to really complain about either. I still would recommend it to family or friends but would just add that you may want to baste it throughout the time it is in the bag a little.
Reynolds Oven Bags made the job easier but it isn't the end all be all in cooking meat.
Thanks for reading!
kparsons13
Recommended:
Yes
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Member: ~Kimberly~
Location: Sunny Arizona
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