The pandemic led Sasha Millstein, who had worked in finance, to pivot and start a company selling single-serve potpies that get popped into the microwave. (She was inspired and guided by her aunt Alicia Ethel Reinish, who was a professional caterer.) Recognizing that the bottom crust usually comes out soggy, Ms. Millstein eliminated it. The puff pastry top crust gets heated separately for crispness in a toaster oven or a regular toaster, then popped on top before serving. There are three flavors: tasty roasted chicken with vegetables; sumptuous coq au vin; and delicious vegetarian lentil chili that with a crisp tortilla chip topping instead of pastry. Microwave cooking time might require longer than the suggested five minutes.
Aunt Ethel’s Potpies, $10 each, auntethels.com.
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