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?

Last nigth we tried the Mediterranean chicken pasta + crispy crumb topping

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

I'd give it a 3 out of 5. The kids would probably rate it as 0/5 as they hated it. DH liked it and has taken the leftovers from last night for his lunch today so he'd have given it more. I thought it was OK. Nothing special and I certainly wouldn't choose it over a quicker pasta and sauce meal. It didn't look all that appealing when it was cooked either.

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

The kids hated it. Both of them are usually big pasta fans but both disliked this and ate very little. DS complained that it was too spicy (the topping did have a kick) and DD just refused it all

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

It was a bit of a faff and used more pots than an average pasta dish but it was easy to follow the recipe.

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

I followed the alternative recipe as suggested on the pack so used tuna and sweetcorn rather than chicken and yellow peppers.

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

I don't think this one was easier. I could have knocked up a bowl of pasta and sauce in less time and more of it would have been eaten. Even as a pasta bake, I think I could have done something similar in the same amount of time without the pack.

• 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 wouldn't buy this one again. Only DH really liked it so it's not worth making for the whole family.

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

The kids definitely hated it. I wouldn't go that far but I wasn't impressed either. The topping was too peppery/spicy for the children. DH liked it but it would make far too much for him to eat alone.

An Update on the leftover Mediterranean Pasta Bake

As, during the week, we are a family of 3 - we had leftover pasta bake.

DH had it for h is lunch yesterday - and said it was much nicer cold. So is an option for a pasta salad.

Tried the Southern style crunchy chicken bites but instead of using chicken strips, I used bigger chicken breast fillets and it worked perfectly (just a little longer needed in the oven). Was really quick and easy to prepare which is vital when you've had a long day at work and you've got 3 hungry children to feed! The dip was absolutely delicious and disappeared very quickly. I'd definitely buy this one again and as there was absolutely nothing left on anyone's plate, I have to give it a 5/5.

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?
We really liked the Chicken Tikka Flavour, but thought the raita was a bit artificial

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

Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?
Followed it exactly - including the grating the cucumber with made the raita very watery, in hindsight we'd probably cube it in future, we also had it with the Schwatz Bombay Potatoes, which were a great compliment to it

Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
Definitely, it's nice to be able to make something tasty, without having to make sauces/spice mixes from scratch, especially during the week, when there isn't much time for food prep

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 we would, it improves the variety of dishes served

Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
I liked this one, it's got a way to go to beat the BBQ Chicken bites

Chicken Tikka and Mint and Cucumber Raita

Rating 1/5
Easy to use.
Overall flavour - 5yo hated the smell of chicked cooking and refused to even try it. We have an agreement when she at least tries new food, but this pushed her to her limits. 0/5
2yo - tried 3 pieces of chicken and declared them all to be 'horrible'. She usually eats anything. 0/5

Neither DC would go near the dip.

Me - it was OK. The flavour was mostly of uncooked spices, and I could have achieved a much better result with just a couple of more minutes labour (to add spices to some yoghurt for marinade). 1/5

Re the Dip, I did drain the grated cucumber to remove excess water, but still the raita was pretty tasteless. I don't see what the mix added to the yoghurt/cucumber/onion.

it would work better perhaps as a starter than a main.
I added chopped parsley to the dip.
It was nice to eat cold - nicer than it was hot.

I was really looking forward to this one, and it was a disappointment.

Unlike the other 2in1 packets, it doesn't seem to be so 'complete' a meal concept. I don't think convenience worked as a selling point here. The few extra minutes to make it from 'scratch' would have put my 2 chicken breasts to much better use.

Ok, we tried the Mediterranean pasta with cheese and herb crumb topping last night.

My initial impressions of the packets by the way were good. The nutritional information is clearly labelled and I was pleased to see that there weren't any additives or flavourings in there. It could do with a little less salt but I made up for this by cooking the pasta just in water, with no additional salt.

When I emptied the dried pasta sauce mixture into some water I was a little sceptical and thought that there would be some clumps of powder in the mixture, but actually there wasn't. It mixed well with the chopped tomatoes and the smell was lovely too, very aromatic and herby.

I baked the dish under the grill to toast the crumbs and then served it up. We all thought the same thing, that it was delicious but that the breadcrumbs were a little dry. We prefer a cheese topping on our pasta normally and whilst these had a lovely taste, it was a too crunchy and dry really.

Overall we were all pretty impressed and the plates were all empty, which is a good sign!

I might try the garlic and crunchy herb bites with fish as we don't fancy having chicken all week. Will try and take some photos too.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Garlic and herb bites

• 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?

Very nice. DH initially turned his nose up when he heard it was cheese and chive dip and reached for the hot sauce to go with the chicken but after trying it the hot sauce wasn't touched - this is a major thumbs up!! Dip was v. tasty but makes up too much. I think I would turn the chicken half way through cooking next time as the bottom of the crumb was a bit soggy while the top was lovely and crispy.

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

Very easy, I could see my DD enjoying making this with me.

• 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. Very quick to make and tasty, perfect as I was running late that day.

• 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 a easy and tasty meal when pushed for time I would definitely buy this again.

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

Liked it

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Garlic and Herb bites

• 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?

It went down really well, DS (21 months) loved it

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

Really easy

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

Just followed the instructions

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

Definitely! We were running late and I didn't want to just throw something rubbish together

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

Will definitely have a look!

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

Really liked it!

Sunday we're having the chicken - can't wait

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Chicken Pasta Bake

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5

2.5

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

My dd (8) loved it, my son had one mouthful and wouldn't eat anymore but he is a ridiculously fussy eater.

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

Really easy

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

I added an onion

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

It was easier as it didn't require many extra ingredients

• 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 wouldn't be that bothered, it had a slight artificial taste that I'm not sure I enjoyed that much.

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

I'd say it was ok, middle of the road really.

Sorry for being late!
Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
We tried the Garlic and Herb bites

• 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?

My dd liked it and my ds was ok with it - normally he is fussy but he quite liked it. Wouldn't have the dip but he doesn't like things like that!

• 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 used turkey not chicken as it's better value.

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

Yes - a good 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?

Yes - like the 2 in 1 aspect - easy to prep during the day and then cook later on

• 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 Thyme Roast Chicken for Sunday dinner

- 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?

They liked the flavour and particularly enjoyed the crispy roast potatoes

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

It was very easy to use except as you can see from the picture I had the oven a little too hot!

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

I followed all of the instructions and served it with peas, carrots, cauliflower, bread sauce and gravy

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

Not really with this one as I would have all the ingredients at home to make a similar flavoured dish.

- 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 probably if there was something different I wanted to cook.

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

We all liked it. I am particularly pleased that it does not contain any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, just mostly things I always use but in one handy pack.

- 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)

3

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

When I tried the mix before putting it on the chicken I thought it might be a bit spicy for my younger son. When it was cooked I gave him some to try and he really liked it. Both DC really liked the BBQ sauce.

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

I found it 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 and used the ingredients as listed.

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

This makes coated chicken much easier, it is very handy having all the spices etc in one packet and great to have a sauce as well to save buying yet another jar of sauce to sit in the fridge. I thought it was great that it used ketchup as a base as there can't be many kitchens without a bottle of 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?

I would probably buy this one again as it made a quick and tasty meal.

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

We liked this one.

Tonight we were ready to try the second sachet. The reason we haven't tested another since Sunday is because we had enough leftover chicken and veg from the roast dinner recipe that we've had bubble and squeak for the last few nights! The bubble and squeak was very tasty, thanks to the seasoning from the sachet and we all enjoyed it very much.

Tonight's recipe was

• Southern style crunchy chicken bites + BBQ dip

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

We (DH, DD aged nearly 4 and I) would give this recipe 4 out of 5. It was very tasty and we all enjoyed it.

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

Very good. DH and I were particularly keen, DD ate it and enjoyed it, but said it was a bit too spicy for her tastes (I'm paraphrasing!).

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

Very easy, just a case of dipping the chicken in egg, then in the crumb coating. I didn't have a non stick baking tray, so I simply lined my ancient tray with grease proof paper, which did the trick and I had no problems with sticking.

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

I followed the recipe and made potato wedges and salad the accompany the dish.

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

It was an easier tea than I often make, as there was very little preparation involved. I am a big fan of meals that can be prepared in advance and bunged in the oven while I get on with other things. I prepared the chicken about 45 min before I cooked it, as this fitted in around the other things I needed to do this evening and it did not seem to have any adverse effects on the flavour of the 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 think we would.

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

We liked this one, thanks! I enclose a photo of the finished result!

Tomorrow, it will be pasta bake.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try? Garlic And Thyme

• 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? We really loved it, the potatoes in particular were delicious

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

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients? I followed the recipe, although I cooked the whole chicken for longer on a low temperature

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not? No, I normally chuck the spuds in with the meat and don't faff with the meat etc

• 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 wouldn't but I'm a lazy bugger, DH definitely would, he loved it.

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

• 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) 2.5/3

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product? We couldn't taste it, it was just like breaded chicken, tbh. However, we loved the bbq sauce. DS is artistic and finds the texture of sauces etc upsetting, but dh and I thought it was great

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

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

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not? No, the coating was a faff and, as I said, very messy

• 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? Didn't hate it, but didn't quite like it, iyswim

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Garlic Chicken Bites

• 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?

I cooked this for myself and my daughter. We both thought it was unpleasant.

• 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?

It was 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 won't be buying this one. The dipping sauce tasted synthetic and had a nasty aftertaste. It would have been nicer to just dip the chicken into mayonnaise.

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

I'm disappointed with this one. The picture on the packet looked lovely. I would have to say we hated this one.

- Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Garlic & herb crunchy chicken bites + cheese & chive 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?
tasty

- How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
19 yo ds made it, so it must have been fairly straightforward

- Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?
followed the recipe and served with salad.

- Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
easier, since I was able to delegate the cooking.

- Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
ds thought he might make it again at university as it was quick and easy.

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

2nd Packet try today

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)
3.5 out of 5

What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?
I really liked the chicken mix, it made the chicken lovely and crispy and had a really nice taste. The BBQ sauce was ok, it was a little grainy in places. My DH was less impressed, he felt that we could have made this ourselves by flavouring breadcrumbs.

How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
Really 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 and served it with rice and peas.

Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
This is similar to when I make breaded chicken, but I really liked the mix used with this.

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 again, it is a really nice change to just breaded chicken and has a really nice flavour. I am less bothered by the sauce.

Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
Loved the chicken, less bothered by the sauce.

3rd packet tried today!

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

the pasta with crumb topping

• 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?

both DCs actually ate it! Although DD clawed the crispy topping out of her mouth and said 'yerch' (or something along those lines), but DS, the pickiest eater in the family, yummed it up. I liked it, but it wasn't mind blowingly good. Clearly from a packet, but edible. DH hasn't tried it yet.

• 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 mostly - but added some wilting spinach I found in the fridge, and used twice the amount of pasta, and frozen peppers as I had them in the house.

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

this evening, yes, as I knew I was cooking it, and it was a very quick meal to make. It would be less easy on a whim, obviously.

• 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.

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

liked it.

Tonight we have tried the chicken tikka and raita sachet.

The dc found this too spicy (the philistines!) so dh and I ate it all.
Dh loved the chicken, gave it 5/5 straight away. He whinger about the dip, but then actually tried it with the chicken and enjoyed it.
I loved it all, 5/5 from me.

The chicken ends up nice and spicy, just the right amount of kick to it.
The raita is a perfect accompaniment, and oniony, which I love.

The recipe was very easy to follow.

I followed the recipe.

Using the sachet was no easier or difficult than other mealtimes.

I will definitely buy the tikka sachet again.

Loved it.

Will add a photo tomorrow.

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)

4/5 (hot) 5/5 (cold!)

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

I personally liked the flavour of the pasta it was a nice summer taste a bit bland BUT nice on a hot summers day. It was nice to have the crunch of the pepper and also the cheese topping was really tasty too but me and my partner both agreed it could of been a bit crisper. However it was still very nice and I even went back for seconds! Infact it cooked up such a large portion I had it cold again for lunch the next day and it tasted even better!! I just wish I didn't eat it all so I could eat it all over again haha. My son loved it too as he ate all of it and gave us a big "mmmmm" too haha.

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

My partner cooked this meal and he said it was very simple and easy to make.

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

He followed all the instructions on the back as it was written. I had some salad with mine.

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

As a family we are used to making pasta bakes so it didn't make it easier (espcially as we had to cook the pasta first, not that, that was a bad thing)
however it did make it different.

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 be looking out for this buy without a doubt!

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

Loved it espcially cold!

• garlic and herb chicken
• 4
• all of us loved the chicken, the DDs loved the sauce but I wasn't too keen on it.

-very easy

• followed recipe

-no easier, I usually buy ready coated chicken and use bottles of sauce. -I would buy it again, it is a handy thing to have as a cupboard staple.

-I would say that we loved it.