My Grandma's Favorite Heat-and-Eat Side Tastes Better Than Homemade

At 100 years old (yes, really!), my grandmother has strong and steadfast opinions on food. Or, as she puts it, "I like what I like." She's quite picky and she prefers to cook for herself, so when my grandma gives a store-bought product her ringing endorsement, you know it's good. Because even grandmas aren't above store-bought shortcuts—and she's been buying this heat-and-eat side dish for as long as I can remember. Here's why you should give her favorite brand of premade creamed spinach a try ASAP.

My Grandma's Go-To Heat-and-Eat Side

My grandma's been buying the Peter Luger Creamed Spinach in the refrigerator section of her local grocery store, and all but swears by the stuff. Why? Because it's a fancy steakhouse-quality dish with the convenience of a heat-and-eat product.

If you don't know Peter Luger, it is a steakhouse in New York that dates all the way back to 1887, and is still one of the most sought-after tables to this day. Lucky for you and me, if you can't nab a table (or don't live near New York), Peter Luger ships its steaks nationally, but (even more exciting for me) the restaurant also has several products in grocery stores.

Peter Luger's steak sauce is a staple in my family's pantry, and its thick-cut bacon is the ideal splurge for a special Sunday brunch. But the creamed spinach is what my family reaches for time after time. It's decadent and rich, and though it is a bit of a splurge (typically $7-$10, depending on the store), it's worth it if you think of how much time you save (and how much spinach cooks down!).

This grab-and-go creamed spinach goes from fridge to table in minutes, and instantly elevates any meal to a restaurant-level dish. It would be more than welcome on any holiday table alongside baked ham or prime rib, and could easily pass for homemade (if you hide the packaging quickly enough).

Now for the bad part: it's not available nationally as of right now. According to a representative for Peter Luger, this product is available in the greater New York Metropolitan area, including Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey. If you do live in those areas, you can find it at the following grocery stores: ShopRite, Kings, King Kullen, Key Food, Gristede's, Foodtown, and Stew Leonard's. It's typically located in the refrigerated section by the bacon, meat, or other premade sides.

If you do find it in stores, stock up—if you don't, my grandmother might just come in and buy the whole lot out. And you do not want to come between my grandma and her favorite creamed spinach.