re: Using frozen chopped veggies as a shortcut

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I think it depends on what you're cooking as to how well they will work. There are texture differences in frozen versus fresh. If the dish requires any caramelization, you're not likely to get that. If you're looking to add chopped onions to a pot of beans, they're probably fine.

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Gris Gris - You typed what I was thinking. Are you a computer mind reader? On another note..... I am sure that the OP knows that the longer you cook veggies, the less healthy they are for you.

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the texture of frozen veggies

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This is why if I don't have time to cut them, I eat something else.

I use the microwave for fresh vegetables a lot. So much better than boiling or even steaming them on the stove. I haven't boiled corn in years. I just cook it in the husk in the microwave. Silks steam right off and it's crisp and not over cooked. Takes a while for a large amount, but it works well.

I like to steam frozen corn and peas...seperated from the water in the colander section of my pot.

I always use frozen okra in my gumbo when I can't find fresh or trappeys in the can. Never had a problem until the last gumbo when they had the hard stringy pieces. It was awful.

What a WASTE of a smoked turkey neck gumbo.

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Let me know how frozen asparagus works roasted.

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Meh. I spread it out on a small sheet pan, but it took longer to defrost than I thought. So I just threw it in the oven at 350 with some olive oil, S&P, and a little parmesan. I was hoping the oven would dry it out, but it was just too soft. Next time I'll make sure to defrost for longer and just steam.

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Don't abuse the frozen veg by boiling and they won't be mushy.

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Yeah I never boil vegetables. My wife asked me the other day why I always eat broccoli at home, but I tell her mother that I don't like it when I'm over at the in-laws' house. I (rather emphatically) said that she boils the shite out of it until it's this soggy brown repulsive mess.

The thought of frozen asparagus is not a very good one to ponder. Canned asparagus made me dread the veggie til I had access to fresh, now I just seek out new ways to cook them.

I covered it earlier in the thread

I've never had an onion smell or taste in my fridge when I've pre-chopped onions a day or so before needing them. I do it all the time for gumbo...chop everything the day before when I'm making a lot of it. I keep them in ziploc bags sealed.