They're quick. Convenient. And require little clean-up.

Most companies that sell frozen and refrigerated food products have a line of ready-made biscuits, cookies or dinner rolls that only need to be heated up in the oven.

In a generation of fast-paced lifestyles these products are great for families who want something hot and fresh, but don't have the time to make.

The commercials for these products also are similar. They showcase families who are on the go. Or show the convenience of being able to heat up as many frozen rolls as you need.

The families have dinner. It's quick, but at least they get to spend it together.

Then there's the commercial with the mom who wants to make cookies for her children.

She takes the pre-made, pre-shaped dough and plops them on the cookie sheet and in minutes they are ready to eat.

The commercial cuts away to the mom and children laughing and eating. The announcer says the quick prep time helps the mom spend more time with her children.

Wait.

Couldn't she also spend her time showing the kids how to make cookies?

Wouldn't that create some better memories than eating baked pre-made dough for 15 minutes?

The products themselves do not totally bother me. Sure it's lazier to put dough on a pan, but most people do not have enough time to make everything from scratch.

But to imply that these products will help families spend more time together is ridiculous.

This goes for the grocery stores "offering" to cook your Thanksgiving meal. One ad said by not cooking, you'll have more time with family members.

You could spend time making the Thanksgiving meal together. Even the laziest members can do simple tasks. Those who don't want to participate would be the ones missing out -- not the cook.

My parents have a picture of me in the kitchen at 3 or 4. I'm wearing a checkered apron and rolling out dough as far as my little arms will reach.

Learning how to bake was one of the best things my parents could have taught me and it also produced some good memories.

Sure, not every batch of cookies was a Kodak moment to be cherished forever, but it was time spent together.

Baking a batch of cookies together is not a waste of time. It gives parents and children a chance to talk.

Children learn how to measure ingredients and know what it feels like to make something on their own.

Parents can pass on recipes for their children's families to enjoy.

And, of course, actually eating the finished product is the best part.

You can't get any of that from a package of refrigerated dough.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com