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

• 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)

2.5/5

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

The chicken was a bit underwhelming for the amount of topping on it, the flavour was nice but didn't pack a punch. The potatoes had a good texture but not much in the way of flavour and required further seasoning according to DH.

• 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?

I followed the recipe, but not the method - mainly because I can do a chicken roast in my sleep so I didn't bother reading it. In retrospect it may have been better if I had covered the chicken with foil for some of the cooking time as the flavouring did go very dry during cooking. I chose not to score the chicken as I didn't want to lose any moisture from the meat.

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

Not. As stated above, I can do a chicken roast in my sleep and as very kindly opinioned by my family, mine is better :)

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

For crispying up potatoes the mix was very good, it just needed more flavour. I would potentially consider buying that if it were sold on its own. I wouldn't buy the chicken seasoning sachet.

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

It was ok. Not sure I'd look for it in the supermarket.

• 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)

4 out of 5.

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

DH ate this one alone as the rest of us as rubbish with spices. He says it had a nice flavour but could have done with more sauce in his opinion. The raita was refreshing and complimented the chicken well

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

It was easy to use though and DH enjoyed the meal.

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

I meant to follow the instructions but when I went to the fridge for the red onion, I realised we didn't have one. I made the raita with shallot instead

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

Having to marinade the chicken for so long meant that this one was a little less convenient that the others as it needed a lot more pre-planning. It is also the one that's needed the most extra ingredients so far. I wouldn't use it again mostly because most of the family wouldn't eat it. It also took a long time to make which would defeat the point of the pack for me.

• 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.

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

DH liked it.

I'll post the picture tomorrow. I can't do it from my netbook.

• 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)

3

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

Quite tasty, slightly underwhelmed by this mix.

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

Very easy to use and follow, requiring not many further ingredients.

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

I followed the recipe to the letter.

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

I did find it made preparing meals much easier, as the instructions were so clear with timing instructions. I didnt have to work out any times with the chicken/potatoes roast.

• 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 dont think that I would buy this particular mix again, I thought that left over chicken the following day didnt taste as good as ordinary left over chicken. It did have a slight burnt garlic taste.

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

In general I lilke the mixes, but dont think that I would buy this one again.

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)

4

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

I liked the overall flavour of this mix, but I was not concentrating when I was preparing it, as I poured the raita mix on the chicken. I then remade the raita with the ingredients as listed and a dollop of mint sauce. I would make that raita again, even though it didnt actually use the mix.

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

i ripped open the wrong end if the pack. it maybe good to always have the chicken mix at the top and the accompaniment mix at the bottom?

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

i wanted to, but then i had to create own raita mix. it was really nice though.

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

Not this time, as i wasnt concentrating. but i really like the clear instructions with clear timings.

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

Probally would.

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

Liked this one.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Mediterranean chicken pasta + crispy crumb topping

• 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?

Really good. everyone liked it. however, the packet said serves 4, but 200 g of pasta wouldnt serve 4 adults. it did serve 2 adults and 2 children.

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

very easy, great timings and instructions.

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

nearly followed it. i think i cooked the chicken initially for a bit longer, and i also skinned the pepper under the grill and pealed the skin off, before adding into dish.

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

yes, it did make it easier.

• 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. i can also see that these would be really helpful when staying away from home, so that you can create a meal without having a store cupboard full of herbs and spices.

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

Loved this one, but would have to buy 2 packs if it were to serve 4 adults.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Southern chicken and BBQ dip.

• 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 flavour of the product?

We all enjoyed it. Dd2 wasn't keen on the dip, however she doesn't tend to like anything like that anyway.

• 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?

We stuck to the recipe

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

Yes, this made a quick and easy supper. It would have been quicker to use ready made BBQ sauce, but we wouldn't use it very often so its more economical to use this added to ketchup.

• 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 would buy this one again, we all thought it was tasty.

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

I liked it.

1. Garlic and Thyme roast chicken and potatoes,
2. 3/5
3. It was nice, everyone enjoyed it. All dc's finished what they were given.
4. It was fairly straight forward just following it from the packet.
5. I did follow the packet, but was quite rushed when i did it so used ready made roasts and put mix on top.
6. I wouldnt say it made it any easier as normally the chicken we would choose would already have some sort of topping when we buy it already. And when making roasts i would normally leave them in longer to crisp anyway.
7. not this mix for the reasons above, it wouldn't or doesn't add anything new.
8. overall on this mix, we liked it!

(sorry we finished eating then i realised i didn't take a picture)

Should add that was my 3rd review too.

this is my second review;

Mediterranean-Chicken-Pasta-plus-Cheesy-Crumb-Topping

I rated this 3, we didnt really enjoy this recipe at all, the chicken was quite bland which was disapointing I ended up throwing most of this dish away

very easy to make up I followed the recipe with no extras although I think you could add other things such as mushrooms and possibly bacon

I wont be buying this particular pack again although I have already ordered other packs in the range

we didnt like this mix

Third review.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Roast chicken and roast potatoes.

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

4 for the chicken seasoning, 3 for the roast potatoes.

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?
  We really enjoyed the chicken, the seasoned skin was delicious and the chicken was moist. The potatoes were ok, I don't think I used enough oil to make the seasoning crispy. Dd loves roast potatoes but sadly didn't eat any with the seasoning.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
  It was 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, used less potatoes and served with roast veg, yorkshire puds and sage and onion stuffing.

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

Not particularly, it's fairly simple to throw some herbs on a chicken and we preferred our normal potatoes.

• 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 may buy the chicken seasoning again, handy in a rush.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it? We really liked the chicken bit but not the potato bit.

Thankyou very much for the opportunity to try the mixes, we look forward to trying our two remaining ones.

Second review- med pasta bake
Overall 5/5

Loved the flavour, very tasty indeed.

Very easy to make, still think packinging not great, not that easy to open and spilt quite a bit.

Followed recipes exactly for chicken bake.

A very easy mealtime, we had a play date and I could make it while popping in and out of the living room.

I would buy this if on offer.

We loved this one.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Garlic and Thyme roast chicken and potatoes

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

04-May

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

The Garlic and Thyme Chicken topping was quite tasty and the potatoes were lovely and crispy

• 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 followed the recipe totally

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

We do not usually put any flavouring with th chicken or potatoes so it made a tasty change.

• 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 this one again.

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

Liked it. Made a change.

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

• 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?

It was a lovely meal all enjoyed just a bit bland

• 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 receipe as stated but added grated extra cheese to the topping at the end

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

It was easy to make and did not need much attention

• 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 - lacked a little bit of flavour. Could add chilli next time

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

Indifferent. Nothing special.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Southern Chicken and BBQ 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?

Very tasty BBQ sauce and chicken caoting

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

Very Very easy

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

Yes

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

Didn't really make mealtime easier as it was an addition to what we would usually have.

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

Maybe but only downside is that there isn't enough for a family of four.

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

Loved it

Made my family the Mediterranean Pasta yesterday. Its very easy make and the instructions are very clear. Most importantly it was tasty and there were empty plates at the end of it which is a nice change :)

Oh P.S. it gets a 4/5 from me and my family :)

A bit behind everyone, sorry, needed to get chicken in!

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

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest) 4. I had been worried it would be a bit spicy, but once cooked it was a really nice slightly tangy coating.

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product? They 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 recipe, but only used a quarter of the BBQ sauce mix, it was incredibly strong even with a small amount so did not want to add any more

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not? Dead easy, and it seems 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? Yes, I might - depends on the price. I'd like to be able to buy a jar of it and just use as little or as much as I like depending on how much we are making that day. Also, the BBQ mix to come in a more flexible packaging

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

Dish 4. Feedback 4

• Southern style crunchy chicken bites + BBQ 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?

Loved it, even without dip.

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

Very easy but took an hour start to finish which included cutting chicken breast into strips

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

Yes, almost precisely. But used chicken breast and cut it up myself. Also it needed longer cooking time.

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

I think pretty much same. If you were to make crunchy chicken strips from scratch I think the process is pretty much the same every time in terms of coating the chicken. But it's all simple to do.

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

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

I think it's not exactly southern style chicken flavour but the flavour is pleasant enough. It's not spicy at all. The BBQ dip when you first try it is really odd and not very nice but actually I found it surprisingly went very well with the chicken strips.

My only comment is that I think the packet would feed a max of 2 people (with 4 and a bit pieces each) and a small child (2 pieces) and even then the coating didn't coat all the chicken pieces, a third of them were sparsely covered. Needs more mix!!

On the plate in the picture you can see I made 3 tiny kids pieces and the larger piece was the size of most of the others.

Review number 5!

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Garlic and Herb Crunchy Bites and Cheese and Herb 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?
Myself, DH and DS really enjoyed the chicken which was very cruncy and tasty. DH and I loved the dip too although DS wasn't so keen but then he can be very fussy!

How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
Very easy although I found the crumb mix started to clog together after having the eggy coated chicken dipped in it.

Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?
After reading other reviews about the dip tasting a bit artificial I made this up in the morning and left it in the fridge all day before using it with our meal that evening. I don't know if this made any difference but we really liked it!

Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
I found this easier than when I have made my own chicken dippers in the past and made the preperation quick and 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?
I will certainly buy this, the chicken tikka and the southern chicken and dip again.

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?
Mediterranean chicken pasta + crispy crumb topping

• 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?

They loved it and enjoyed the flavours

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

Pretty easy

• 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?

Yes, I like a recipe to follow

• 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 have enjoyed all of the sachets so far

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

Like it a lot

• 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)

2/5

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

-It added a subtle flavour. I liked it, Dh liked it, Dcs weren't terribly keen

-How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
I think it was overdone despite following the instructions - the oven filled with smoke about half way through as the herby stuff burned... I turned the oven down to 170 (which I think would be better in a fan assisted oven?) and turned the chicken upside down but it still smoked a bit and my oven stinks now everytime I turn it on! So not great!

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

Yes, I followed the recipe apart from reducing the temp as described above.

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

Nope - a bit of adjustment needed to the instructions for cooking in my oven.

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

No - as above

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

Liked the flavour, hated the smoke and mess I have to clean off my oven!

Dish 1 Southern style crunchy chicken bites + BBQ dip

• 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?

Everyone found the BBQ dip pretty horrible. However the crunchy chicken bites were more tasty and we found them more pleasant with the yogurt dip from the other crunchy chicken bites product.

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

Easy

• 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 back.

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

I suppose it was slightly quicker and convenient.

• 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 may buy one of the other mixes as a handy storage cupboard back-up. Certainly not this one.

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

I disliked this 2 in 1 recipe mix because of the BBQ sauce which no one in the family liked.

Dish 2: Garlic and thyme roast chicken.

• 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?

It was okay but I'd rather just do my own chicken with fresh herbs and have natural roast potatoes.

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

Easy.

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

Followed the recipe although our oven timings were slightly different as the chicken was 3.2 lbs.

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

Not really, would have been quicker just to put some garlic and thyme into the chicken and roasted the potatoes in a bit of oil.

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

Possibly one of the others for cupboard back-up.

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

It was okay but I'd just rather do my own.