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

"Garlic and thyme roast chicken and crispy potatoes - rated 5 - we all loved it really tasty and succulent. Really easy to use just follow the packet i didn't find it any easier than preparing a normal roast chicken but the flavouring was really delicious so I'd definitely buy it again - everyone agrees we'd highly recommend it :-))

- Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Bake

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

2

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

My elder DC loved the pasta but didn't like the chicken. he picked it all out but had 2 portions of pasta. My younger DC didn't like it saying it was too spicy. I thought it was OK but am not really a fan of pasta bakes. I like pasta with a lot of sauce, this was a bit dry.

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

It was very easy to make

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

I followed the recipe

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

It was slightly easier as all the flavourings were ready in one packet.

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

Probably not this one

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

Hate is too strong but disliked would be a more suitable description.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
The Chicken Tikka and Raita dip (I forgot to take photo's, sorry!)

How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)
4.5, it was really tasty, but I found the dip a bit too runny. I would squeeze some of the moisture out of the cucumber in future before mixing it all together.

What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?
My DP and I really enjoyed it. I used chicken thigh fillets instead of breasts for more flavour. The tikka was lovely and there was plenty of sauce to coat the chicken. My DD (1.9) didn't touch it, but she's really fussy at the moment. She normally demolishes curry. Maybe if I'd covered it in barbecue sauce!

How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
Really easy, I liked that I could prep the chicken in advance and just leave it in the fridge. The dip was really simple too, just a bit of chopping and grating!

Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?
I followed it exactly, apart from the different cut of meat. I'd like to try it with lamb.

Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
This one did, it was really simple, I added a couple of naan breads which went under the grill with the chicken and a microwave veggie curry to bulk it out as an 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?
I'd definitely buy this one again, it was a great flavour and I'd like to try it with lamb or maybe prawns. I'm not sure the raita dip is the best accompaniment? Maybe the spices for a curry to be mixed with a tin of tomatoes might be a better idea?

Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
Loved this one, would be a great store cupboard stand by.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try? Pasta bake (substituted with tuna and sweetcorn)

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)
  2

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?
  Myself, dh and dd disliked it, I didn't mind the crunchy topping but found the pasta sauce way too herby. Dd normally eats anything with pasta but I had to pick the crust off and even then she picked at it until I could bear it no longer and replaced it with beans on toast. Dh didn't like it. 18 month old ate half a bowl but he will literally eat anything

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

Well it was easy but not really easier than a normal homemade pasta bake.

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

Swapped the chicken for tuna and sweetcorn, in hindsight I think chicken would have worked better.

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
  No, pasta bake is simple enough.

• 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 one I'm afraid.

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

Um we strongly disliked it, sorry.

Final review!!!!

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try? Garlic and Thyme Roast chicken and crispy roast potatoes.
How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest) 2.5
What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product? Neither were hugely thrilled with the potatoes though I didn't use the whole packet of mix (scared they were going to taste too synthetic). The chicken went down well but DS (the 'skin' eater in our house) didn't rate the flavourings and because most of us don't eat the skin we didn't really get any taste 'benefit'. We wondered if using the flavouring on the chicken skin stopped the skin from crisping - the topping crisped but the skin beneath was still soft.
How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use? As with all the other sachets it was v easy.
Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients? Followed the recipe (except for not using all the potato mix).
Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?The potatoes were easier because usually I faff around rolling the blighters in flour or semolina. However given that no one was mad keen on the seasoned potatoes it was a false economy! :)
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 sure. I would buy the chicken tikka one as that was a huge hit but on the evidence of the other mixes probably not.
Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it? Neither - it was just a bit 'meh'.

That's my final review. Thanks for the opportunity to try the recipe mixes - it's been good fun even if the results were mixed. Off now to feed the children something other than chicken!

Am I right in thinking the last day for this thread will be the 12th July?

I am not wishing to cook them all at once.

feedback 3:

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Southern style chicken with BBQ sauce

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

1

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

None of us liked it! The chicken didn't taste at all Southern Fried to me, it had a weird aftertaste. Really didn't like smell or taste of the dip (although to be fair I'm not mad about BBQ stuff anyway - I make a different type of BBQ dip/glaze which I'll put on next post)

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

Yep, easy peasy.

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

Followed to the letter

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

No as nobody liked it, but in terms of an easy procedure, yes

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

Definitely not this one. I will be buying the other chicken dipper one though as I loved that.

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

Hated

I hope putting pictures up isn't compulsory, BTW?!

My alternative BBQ glaze/dip is equal parts ketchup and brown sauce, splash of vinegar, sprinkle of brown sugar to taste.

second pack today

We tried the rosemary and garlic roast chicken with crispy roast potatoes. Which we gave 3/5 overall.

It was nice and the flavours complimented the food well, however it made the roast no easier as it would have been to chuck some oil and herbs on the chicken and potatoes and my roasties are a damn sight crispier than the Schwartz ones (I followed their recipe exactly).

Although we liked it we won't buy this one again as it didn't add anything to our roast we couldn't do with ingredients already in our cupboard.

No pic today as on my phone.

Dish 3. Feedback 3

Chicken Tikka + mint & cucumber

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

3/5

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

Enjoyed this one, its the first time he's tried spicy food but he liked 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 it exactly

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

Yes, but with this one I had to specifically buy quite a few of the ingredients at the back, some of which are ingredients I wouldn't usually buy.

• 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

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

We liked it

which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

• chickrn tikka & mint & cucumber raita

how woukd you rate this recipe mix out of 5?

• 5

what did you think of the overall flavour of the product?

• really good. we really enjoyed this one

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

• very easy and straightforward

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

• followed the recipe but we had no red onion, so missed that out

would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all?

• no didn't make it any easier, but made a nice change as was something we wouldnt normally cook

do you think you will buy a schwartz 2in1 recipe mix in the future?

• would definitely buy this one, we really enjoyed it

overall would you say you the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

• loved this one, really tasty

Tonight we tried the Garlic and Herb chicken bites. I would give this a 4 out of 5. It was very easy to follow again, I followed the recipe but I missed out the cheese in the dip as I thought it was cheesy enough.
We all liked the chicken bites- the coating was nice and crunchy. The dip tasted a bit synthetic, I wasn't very keen on it but my DCs liked it.
I would say we liked this, and I may buy it again, though I probably wouldn't use the dip.

Review 2

I tried Southern style crunchy chicken bites + BBQ dip

I would rate this recipe 4 out of 5.

I really like the flavour of the chicken. I'm not a huge fan of BBQ sauce although it went well with the chicken.

The mix was really easy to use.

I followed the recipe on the back of the packet.

This was nice and easy to make for a tasty supper so it made my mealtime easier.

I may not worry about buying this one again as I'd be paying for the bbq mix too, which I probably wouldn't generally choose to have.

I liked this mix.

Feedback no 3

I tried Garlic & herb crunchy chicken bites + cheese & chive dip

I would rate this 5 out of 5.

I thought the flavour was great. The coating on the chicken was really crunchy and a good flavour. I thought that the mix might have an odd texture with it containing grated cheese but I actually really liked it.

The mix was really easy to use.

I followed the recipe on the back. The next day I used the mix on a whole chicken breast which I'd flattened with a rolling pin. I preferred the first attempt more as the bites were more crunchy.

This mix made my mealtime easy.

I would buy this again.

I really liked this mix.

Thanks for choosing me for being a tester - I've never eaten so much chicken in a week! :-)

Tonight Matthew, we ate the roast garlic chicken. Twas good but tbh, not that different to my normal roast chicken. The roast potatoes were tasty too but took longer than the pack said. Not an especially overpowering garlic flavour which was good as I'm not too keen on super-garlic. I served it all with a stuffed courgette and some sugar snaps. Anyhoo, here's the verdict:

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try? Roast garlic chicken with roast potatoes
• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest) 3 out of 5
• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product? We liked it but it wasn't that much of a variation from my normal chicken
• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use? Very easy but tbh, a slight faff mucking about with the oil mix over the top.
• 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? Not much easier than normal as roast chicken is pretty quick!
• 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, will look again to buy some of them.
• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it? Weliked it; a nice change for a Monday night!

Chicken Tikka + mint & cucumber raita

I did follow the instructions for this one. This was much easier for me than trying to figure out how to make a nice curry, the whole recipe was very easy indeed.

I really really liked this. I am no good at cooking Indian style food so this was great for me. I would by this again, but maybe get something different in as well so everyone had something they liked.

My eldest and I rated this at 4/5, but the younger two didn't like it at all (they don't like curry full stop) so a family wide rating is just 3/5 :(

Full review: charliebeth.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/schwartz-2-in-1-recipe-mixes-review.html

This is my 5th and final feedback

Tonight we tried the Mediterranean Chicken pasta with crispy crumb topping but used Tuna instead as per packet options.

• Rated 5
• we all ate this myself, DP and the twins (aged 2.5) and it was completely finishes, I would say the 200g of pasta between 4 is not a lot though, I should really have done some side dishes or a salad
• I found the mix very easy to use
• I was going to use tuna and sweetcorn but didn't have any sweetcorn so cooked a yellow pepper and mixed it with some friarelli (Italian veg like mixture of spinach & broccoli) also I used tinned cherry tomatoes which are amazing, I do think for this to be good you need to use a good quality tomato not tesco value etc. also only had a time bit of cheddar cheese so mixed it with Parmesan
• Not really a time saver but I rarely menu plan so it was good not to have to think of anything.
• I might buy this in future as it was great
• Loved this one (with my variations)

Thanks for this product test :)

Sorry my photo's are upside down again

Tried both the chicken bites recipes out on DS and DN tonight. No pics (they are both teens so I'm lucky I got out of the way before they descended on the food)

My DS liked the BBQ chicken and dip - nice and spicy and smokey was his review - the other he found too bland (potato-y?)

My DN preferred the garlic and herb chicken and dip - found the BBQ too spicy.

Me cooking? I thought if you were doing both together one egg would have done (even if topped with a bit of milk) as two left a lot wasted. I found both a bit 'artificial' smelling and tasting.

Dip wise, I make a lot of my own dips and frankly they would have been as much, if not less, bother to have made from scratch with what I have in the house normally but taste wise were ok.

End result of the chicken bites here - probably wouldn't bother to buy again but if I did it would only be as a store cupboard for an emergency meal for teens.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Chicken Bites with bbq sauce

• 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?

My two dc liked it. Dh and I didn't really care for the chicken, didn't seem to have much flavour and didn't like the sauce at all. Sauce still tasted powdery after being well mixed.

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

Easy enough

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

Followed the recipe on pack.

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

Not really, it was more work than our chicken tikka we usually have and left dh and I feeling hungry afterwards.

• 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 so far, will see how the roast chicken goes tomorrow.

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

Hated this one.

Review number 2

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try? Garlic and Thyme Roast Chicken and crispy potatoes

• 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? Loved the roast potatoes - they were lovely and crispy. The chicken was really tasty too.
• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use? Very easy to use
• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients? I used the recipe on the back of the pack
• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not? Very easy way to spice up roast 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? Yes I think I will buy this mix again as we get bored of plain old roast chicken
• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it? Loved it

Other photo to follow - can't get it to attach 2!

Photo of the chicken!! A little browner because I didn't adjust for fan oven.... oops.

MrsMigginslovespies

3rd test

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try? Mediterranean Chicken Pasta

• 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? Found the topping too salty / strong - DD and DH really disliked it
• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use? Very easy to prepare
• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients? Followed the recipe on the packet added chicken but was tempted to try tuna
• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not? Probably would do if DD and DH weren;t quite so fussy
• 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 the recipe mixes in the future but probably not this one
• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it? I liked it DD and DH hated it - sorry.

BTW made it in a saucepan not a dog dish as it appears - realised I did not have a grill proof dish. Thought pyrex under the grill might not be a good idea!