Item: Trifoods' Spare the Ribs

What you get: 2 1/2 servings

Cost: About $4

Preparation time: About 2 to 3 minutes in microwave, 5 to 7 minutes on grill and 12 to 14 minutes in conventional oven (25 to 27 minutes if meat is frozen)

Review: The rib lover at our house wondered why anyone would do away with the best part of eating ribs: the mess. But if you prefer clean fingers, these are a fair alternative. The sauce is mild and the meat -- though sliced, formed and shaped -- surprisingly retains much of its texture. The recommended serving is a little suspect, however. This probably does make three or four sandwiches as the package directs. But as an entree, the 3 1/2-by-10-inch rack of meat only served one at our house. I had to find something else for lunch.

Pub Date: 6/03/98