NOW CLOSED Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes reviewer feedback thread.

[KatieBMumsnet]

This thread is for the 250 Mumsnetters who have been trying out the new 2in1 recipe mixes from Schwartz.

Here's what they say: "The new 2in1 range offers two easy to use recipe mix sachets in one handy pack: one sachet flavours the main dish whilst the other contains a seasoning for a complementary side dish or topping. With five different varieties to choose from, and an easy recipe on the back of each pack, this is a great way to try out new dishes or transform an existing family favourite from ordinary to special."

Mumsnetters have been trying the following recipe mixes:

• Garlic & Thyme roast chicken + crispy roast potatoes

• Chicken Tikka + mint & cucumber raita

• Mediterranean chicken pasta + crispy crumb topping

• Southern style crunchy chicken bites + BBQ dip

• Garlic & herb crunchy chicken bites + cheese & chive dip

Below are some questions for you to answer but please do feel free to add any other comments you may also have. We'd like you to post at least 3 sets of feedback - answering the same questions for each recipe mix you try. Please also upload any pictures you take of your creations. Please note, photos and comments may be used on Schwartz's pages on Mumsnet and possibly on other marketing material.

Questions

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)
• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?
• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?
• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

Everyone who adds at least 3 sets of feedback to this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will receive a £500 John Lewis voucher!

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

First try: Garlic and Herb Crunchy Chicken Bites

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Garlic and Herb Crunchy Chicken Bites

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

3

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

3 Fairly average

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

2 It is a lot of trouble to go to for what it is.

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

I used the suggested ingredients

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Not easier, no. I often buy breaded chicken fillets/goujons, which are just as tasty and are quick to prepare and don't stick to the baking tray (the Schwartz recipe ones did!) I then use any available time thinking of new ways to use them.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Not this particular one, as I prefer the good quality ready made versions available, as they are less hassle and can be cooked from frozen.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

I liked the flavour, and the coating did stick better than expected and remained a good texture, but this is the kind of thing I make when I need something really quick which is adaptable for different meals (and can be used in wraps and sandwickes the next day for packed lunches).

Photo: Leftover tikka and dip used as part of a quick snack for a family member coming home late.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Chicken tikka with Raita

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

5

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

5 We really liked both the chicken and the dip.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

4, Easy. I could use what I had in the fridge. It did need to forward planning to marinade the meat in the spices beforehand though.

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

I used the listed ingredients for the tikka coating (but used only 1 tbs oil, not 3) and I used chopped red pepper instead of cucumber in the dip.

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

It had to be marinaded, so not that much easier but I felt I could have used more yoghurt for a milder dish, and then doubled up the chicken and had enough to keep for lunches or a second evening meal.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I will probably get this one again, as it is versatile and something different. It can be served as part of a buffet meal and what isn't used can be chilled and used in wraps or sliced in sandwiches or chopped into couscous for lunches. I like that a lot of different aromatic spices have been used in the tikka coating (it smelled wonderful) and I can make a milder version for my daughter who doesn't like spicy foods much. It is the sort of thing that goes with other food we like (naan breads, popodams, chutneys, rice, spicy potatoes with spinach and various other mild curries.)

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

We loved this one!

Tonight we tried Mediterranean chicken pasta + crispy crumb topping.

I would rate it 2 out of 5

I didn't really like the flavour, it was too herby and 'artificial' tasting - my OH agreed - but we did both eat it so it wasn't horrible. My 16 month old spat it out and refused it, and my 3 year old ate a few mouthfuls after a lot of persuasion - and they both normally LOVE any pasta/tomato combo.

The mix was very easy to use, each step was clear and the quantities of each ingredient were spot on (we do have a lot left over though!)

I followed the recipe except I swapped pepper for frozen sweetcorn as we didn't have a pepper.

I'm not convinced this mix saved me and time. I do make pasta bakes which don't require any more steps than this - and are nicer! So no, I'm afraid this one I wouldn't buy, which is a shame because I like the idea of it.

Overall, I'd say I (almost) liked it, but the kids didn't.

Here's my photo of Garlic & herb crunchy chicken bites + cheese & chive dip which I forgot to upload when I posted my review. I used Pork instead of chicken.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

I tried the Garlic & Thyme roast chicken + crispy roast potatoes

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

Quite bland. I felt the chicken breast wasnt particularly flavoursome but the leg meat was as it had soaked in the juices. The potatoes were ok but I felt they were no real improvement on just plain potatoes. I quickly made gravy halfway through as DP and I thought the meal wasnt particularly appetising. DD who is 9 months ate it all with plenty of 'mmmm' noises. We think she liked it!

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very easy. Packet was great, the ripping at the side was very useful as it didnt tear through the recipe on the back. No additional ingredients apart from the chicken, potatoes and oil made it easy to shop for. I found it difficult to "shake" the potatoes in the oil though, i had to mix with a spoon. Very straight forward otherwise though. Would have found it useful to have a "takes .. minutes to prep, .. minutes to cook" as I had to work out how long it would be before tea was done.

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Followed it exactly. Wish id have basted the chicken in the juices before serving though as I felt the flavouring was lost in the breast meat.

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Not really, I would normally cook chicken and potatoes in the same way, just add my own herbs.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would not buy this one, no. I would perhaps buy another recipe.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

I didnt love or particularly like it so would say hate- although that is a strong word! I just found it a bit pointless.

Last night we had the Southern style crunchy chicken bites + BBQ dip. I tried to take a photo but it seems the camera on my phone is not working well and I couldn't get a clear shot! We had it with salad and half a baked potato each.

I would give this recipe 4 out of 5.

We all thought it was really tasty. The chicken was tasty and crunchy.

I found the 2in1 mix very easy to use again - before I made it I was dubious about adding the powder to ketchup as I thought it was a bit of a con but actually it made a really nice BBQ sauce!

Followed the recipe more or less, however I didn't have mini fillets so just used cut up chicken breasts and I think I probably had less ketchup in the BBQ sauce mix.

Again, the mix did make the meal time easier but it was because it took the thinking out of the cooking again! I like that! It did however make an awful lot of washing up, lots of different dishes etc used.

I think I would definitely buy this one again as we all really enjoyed it.

Overall I would say I like the recipe mix.

Last night I made for the family the garlic & thyme roast chicken and crispy roast potatoes and as a family we rate this 3/5. The recipe was very easy to follow, in fact it would be very easy to achieve the same results without buying this packet mix and just using our cupboard ingredients. We weren't really blown away by it and the children definitely prefer roast chicken and roasties without this seasoning. I don't really think this one is good value for money. I don't think I would buy it again, although I might consider it if it was on offer. Having said this, I would recommend this to others if they fancy a change.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Southern style chicken with BBQ house

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest) 5/5
• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product? We loved it, we were going to save some for our 1 year old son the next day however it was to yummy and we scoffed the lot. The BBQ sauce was amazing.
• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very easy and simple ingredients

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients? Followed recipe
• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes very easy

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes definitely we loved it

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

Loved it

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Garlic and Herb Crunchy Chicken Bites with Cheese and Chive Dip

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

4/5

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

DS (6) really liked this one. He ate the lot and was telling me how yummy it was. DH and I liked it too. DD is suspicious of anything new but managed to eat a bit.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

It was easy to use. The chicken was easy to coat and then was just bunged in the oven. The dip took a lot of stirring to get the lumps out but smelled good and tasted OK. I took a tip from above and made it before I did anything else so it had time to sit and I think that helped.

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

I left the cheese out of the dip as DS will not eat raw cheese so he would have refused it otherwise. It still tasted nice and smelt just like the sour cream pretzels I'm currently addicted to

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

It definitely made it easier to create something a little different. I can think of easier things to make that would require less bowls but they may not have been as interesting. This is definitely a good one to get the DC to help with assuming you are careful with hand washing after handling the chicken.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think I would buy this one again as DS liked it so much. It's the only one we've tried so far that hasn't been spicy which is important for him

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

We definitely liked this one.

*which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
= the first one we tried was the garlic+thyme roast
Chicken+crispy roast potatoes

*how would you Rate this recipe mix out of 5?
= we rated this one 5/5

*what did you/your dc's think of the overall flavour of
the product?
= I thought It was really nice and my children liked it as
Well overall it made Sunday dinner at a lot appealing
And tasty.

*how easy, or difficult did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
= I found it easy to use the mixes.

*did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet?
= yes I did I followed the instructions and used the
Ingredients as stated on the back.

*would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your meal time easier at all?
=I would't say easier but it did make it more tastier

*do you think you would buy Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future?
=yes definitely.

*overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you
Liked it or you hated it?
=I would say we all loved this one :-)

       Thank you for letting us take part in this trial

So on Tuesday we tried the southern fried chicken following the recipe on the back of the packet. It was very easy to do and the breadcrumbs managed to cover all of the chicken which was great as I was worried about running out.

The sauce mixed well and tasted lovely.

I served this up with chips and veg and everyone loved it, even my dh who doesn't normally like BBQ sauce gave it a thumbs up, he said the sauce had a lovely smokey flavour.

It made the mealtime easier because I had a plan and it literally just took minutes to do.

Based on the two recipes I've tried so far I would buy Schwartz 2in1 recipes for the times when I just can't be bothered to plan meals and need something quick and easy to rustle up that's still healthy.

*which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
=we have also tried the Mediterranean chicken pasta
And crispy topping.

*how would you rate this recipe mix out of 5?
= I myself would rate this one 4/5

*what did you/your dc's think of the overall flavour of the product?
=my children loved this one and have already asked for it again, I myself though it was OK.

*how easy, or difficult did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
= it was easy to use

*did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet?
=yes I followed the instructions and used the ingrediets on the back of the packet

*would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your meal time easier at all?
*yes this one did make meal times easier as all I had to do was make it up put it in the oven and serve it up with garlic bread and side salad.

*do you think you would buy Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future?
=yes I would buy this one again as my children loved it.

*overall would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
=I would say I liked it whee my children loved it.

        Thank you for letting us take part on this trial

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Chicken Tikka + mint & cucumber raita
How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)
5/5
What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?
LOVED this one. The chicken had a good amount of spice to it and the raita was a good balance. DS(4) finished up quicker than usual and asked for seconds, a rare day indeed! DD(14) wasn?t going to eat the same as us as she?d had food tech and made tacos but she snaffled some of the leftovers before DS got to them.
How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
Really simple, though I did end up putting the meal back a day because I forgot to allow marinating time for the chicken!
Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?
Followed exactly, served with pilau rice
Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
This mix definitely made a curry night a lot less hassle! In the past I?ve made from scratch marinades and they are a faff on a workday, this was so much easier and just as tasty.
Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
This one without a doubt yes! (In the words of DH, ?A++ Would Eat Again?) Though the volume of raita vs the quantity of chicken meant there was loads of that left so would probably tinker with the quantities of that next time.
Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
Loved it. All of us. A rare unanimous verdict

*which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
=we have also tried the chicken tikka and mint and cucumber raita

*how would you rate this recipe mix out of 5?
= would rate this about 2/5

What did you/your dc's think of the overall flavour of the product?
= didn't really like it to be honest and the children tried it and didn't really like it either but then I don't really like tikka

*how ready or difficult did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
It was quiet easy to use

*do you follow the recipe on the back of the packet?
=yes we did follow the instructions on the back also used the ingredients that it said to use

*would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your meal time easier at all?
=yes and it easy just to serve up with oven chips

*do yo think you wold buy Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future?
=yes I would but not the chicken tikka and mint and cucumber one again.

*overall would you say up loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
= I really didn't like it

        Thank you for letting take part in this trail

Hi, We couldn't test the southern style crunchy chicken bites and BBQ dip as we didn't get sent this one but got 2 of the garlic and herb crunchy chicken bites and chesse and chive dip instead.

Next one we tried was Chicken tikka with raita. Another big hit!! Again really simple to prepare - cooked it in the oven instead of using the grill but that worked very well. Don't usually make my own raita - it's always easier to buy a jar - but this was simple to do and tasted absolutely delicious.The only complaint I got from the kids was that there just wasn't enough of it. All in all, it has to be a 5/5.

*which 2in1 recipe mix did you use?
= last night we had the garlic and herb crunchy chicken
Bites and chesse an chive dip

*how would you Rate this recipe mix out of 5?
=I would rate this on about 4/5

*what did you/your dc's think of the overall flavour of the product?
=my children really liked his one and so did I!

*how easy or difficult did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
=I found it was easy to use and my oldest child loved helping me make this one as well

*did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet?
=yes we did and used the ingredients on the back as suggested

*would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your meal time easier at all?
= yes as its something different to have nice and easy to do and goes nice with oven chips, a side salad a perfect dinner for Saturday nights I think.

*do you think you would buy Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future?
=yes we will be definitely be buying the garlic and herb crunchy chicken bites and cheese an chive dip again

*overall would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
=I loved it especially the chesse and chive dip and I think my children loved it as well as when it all went last night they were asking for more :-)

Last night did the crunchy chicken bites with a cheese & chive dip. The kids didn't like the dip as much as the bbq one last week. Recipe was easy to follow.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try? Garlic & Thyme roast chicken + crispy roast potatoes

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest) 4

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavor of the product? DD1 did not like it at all. DD2 loved it.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use? Very easy

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients? Recipe on the packet

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes as we did not have to do everything individually as it was all in one packet. which also means not as much mess.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes as we enjoyed it. the flavors.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it? i personally liked it. However DD2 and DH loved it.

Southern Style crunchy chicken bites with BBQ sauce.

DCs loved the crunchy chicken, said they were the best chicken nuggets ever, but they didn't like the BBQ sauce at all (the look of it put them off I think). I liked the crunchy chicken as it was easy and is something I wouldn't normally eat but I found the sauce quite sickly and unpleasant. DH quite liked both.

I'd rate it 3/5. The crunchy coating was nice, but the BBQ sauce was a definite fail for our family. I wouldn't buy it again, unless the crispy coating was available separately - DCs love chicken nuggets and I'd like to buy a sachet of coating to make my own quickly.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try? The garlic and herb one with a cheese and chive dip
• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

4 out of 5, I really liked the idea and the chicken was really nicely done, but I think it could have done with a bit more flavour. DH loved it though!

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

I thought it was a little bit bland, but the texture was great, much better than shop bought

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Quite easy, the chicken coating went on really well and mostly stayed on!

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

As per the packet

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

It made it more fun, but its not easier than buying it pre-done

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, but perhaps a different flavour

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

Liked

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Mediterranean pasta

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

5 DC'S are all fuzzy eaters and they all had clean plates that never happens

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

Loved it

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very easy

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Followed the recipe

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes it was so simple usually I would make sauce etc fri
Scratch as DC'S are so fuzzy

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future?

Yes If so, why? If not, why not? Quality. Flavour etc all excellent

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

Loved it

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Southern style crunchy chicken bites and BBQ dip.

How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)
We gave it 3.5 out of 5.

What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?
DP and I liked the southern style coating on the chicken, I wasn't too keen on the BBQ dip but I'm not a great fan of BBQ sauce anyway - DP liked it. DS (3) said he liked it and it was 'tasty' . DD (7 months) had a couple of chicken strips. We preferred the garlic and herb crunchy chicken bites with the cheese and chive sauce which we had earlier this week.

How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
Again, as with the garlic and herb crunchy chicken bites, they were easy to prepare and a quick meal to cook - just a bit fiddly when coating the chicken.

Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?
We followed the recipe as per the instructions on the packet.

Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, as it was quick to make and cook. Also, as not many additional ingredients were required, as long as you had some chicken it was a store cupboard meal.

Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would buy it again on the basis that DP/DS liked the coating/dip, but I was not overly keen on the BBQ dip. We would buy the garlic and herb crunchy chicken bites recipe mix again though.

Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
Overall we liked it.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Garlic and Thyme roast chicken

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

Loved the toast potatoes, didn't really add much taste to the chicken so a 3

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

Everyone loved it and ate everything

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very quick and easy to add extra flavour to something

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Yeah followed to see what it would taste like how they recommend

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes. Great tasting done quickly

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, children loved it and have asked to be cooked again

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

I liked it, kids loved it.