Knorr Stock Pots Leftover Challenge Feedback Thread: Anyone can share their thoughts for a chance to win a Knorr Hamper worth £50. Testers: £150 voucher prize draw for feedback NOW CLOSED

[MichelleMumsnet]

A couple of weeks ago Knorr challenged 30 Mumsnetters to take part in the Stock Pot Leftover Challenge and test Knorr products with their leftovers. This thread is for the 30 testers to share their feedback on the challenge, and for non-testers to share their experiences with Knorr & leftovers.

Here?s what Knorr have to say, ?As part of our partnership with Love Food Hate Waste, we?re committed to helping people get the most from their food, reducing the amount that goes to waste and saving them money at the same time. Christmas dinner is almost guaranteed to leave us all with lots of leftovers in the fridge, so we?re really excited to see how Mumsnetters use Knorr to give their Christmas leftovers a new lease of life.?

Non-testers: How are you using your Christmas leftovers this year? Are you churning out the good old turkey sandwiches or have you been more inventive? Have you used Stock Pots or Gravy Pots before when preparing meals with your leftovers? Whatever you?re doing with your leftovers, let us know!

Everyone who shares their thoughts will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a Knorr hamper (worth £50).

Testers: We?ve got a set of questions we?d like you to answer about using Knorr stock pots with your Christmas leftovers. Please feel free to add any other comments you may have.

1. Which of the Knorr products did you like best and why?
2. What did you make with your Stock Pots, Gravy Pots and Christmas leftovers?
3. Do you think that the Stock Pots helped you use up your Christmas leftovers and minimise waste? If so, why? If not, why not?
4. Do you think you?ll use Knorr products more often in the future to use up your leftovers with? If so, why? If not, why not?
5. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Knorr Stock Pots as a way to use up your leftovers to friends and family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Everyone who adds their feedback will be entered into a prize draw to win a £150 M&S voucher.

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

MNHQ

Non-tester.

We usually have turkey curry on boxing day but we had the whole family here this year so there were no leftovers!!!
We had a picnic tea instead :D

1. Which of the Knorr products did you like best and why?

the gravy pots - no more dissolving granules (which never work!) - really lovely gravy. Especially as we had beef on Christmas Day!

1. What did you make with your Stock Pots, Gravy Pots and Christmas leftovers?

vegetable soup - with the veg stock pot - delicious sausage and stuffing casserole - beef stick pot

1. Do you think that the Stock Pots helped you use up your Christmas leftovers and minimise waste? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes - made me think about something to do with the leftovers - instead of just eating them cold from the fridge! And they are so easy and very very tasty.

1. Do you think you’ll use Knorr products more often in the future to use up your leftovers with? If so, why? If not, why not?

Absolutely - yes

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Knorr Stock Pots as a way to use up your leftovers to friends and family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Definitely - in fact my sister helped with Xmas day - is a committed cook - and she made the gravy with them! She is now converted.

1. Which of the Knorr products did you like best and why?

Only used chicken gravy and chicken stock pot so far. Will be using beef tomorrow and report back then but so far strongly prefer the stock pot. Tried gravy one but it was just far too salty for my taste and we like gravy a little thicker but that would have meant leaving it more concentrated or starting faffing around with cornflour which defeats the point a little.

2. What did you make with your Stock Pots, Gravy Pots and Christmas leftovers?

So far used the chicken stock pot in a biriyani - bit of a bunged together affair so leftover chicken, rice, carrots, peas, apricots and sultanas and turmeric/garam masala/cumin and coriander. And of course the all important stock cube.

I wasn't going to use the stock cube but the meal needed something and the stock lot added more than I thought (other than just salt!), in that it seemed to bring all the flavours together I was surprisingly impressed.

3. Do you think that the Stock Pots helped you use up your Christmas leftovers and minimise waste? If so, why? If not, why not?

We use leftovers - they are ace- all the flavour and much less work. DH is happy with just reheated meat but I get bored of that and the pots encouraged me to make a new meal rather than the same type of meal twice.

I rarely re use meat into a soup but I'm going to try that tomorrow as if it's a genuinely better stock then it might carry it well.

4. Do you think you’ll use Knorr products more often in the future to use up your leftovers with? If so, why? If not, why not?

Not the gravy based on my experiences with the chicken but the stock yes. To be honest we use a low salt beef gravy and whilst I'll try the beef gravy tomorrow it will have to be pretty amazing to justify the extra salt. We also use low salt stock cubes. I generally try to cooK food the DC can have too but these stock cubes preclude that so I might save them for soups which I eat a lot of but can't persuade the DC to like!

5. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Knorr Stock Pots as a way to use up your leftovers to friends and family? If so, why? If not, why not?

The stock pots yes. They seem a bit more expensive but not prohibitively so but the gravy was just too salty for my taste sorry.

Please do low salt versions and I'd swap for life!

I'll report back on the beef ones later this week just wanted to get my thoughts down while fresh in my mind. I will refer back to this post and compare them to the chicken, hope that's ok.

1. Gravy pots so far. I've used the chicken gravy with a chicken I did on boxing day. It was tasty and dissolved very well.

1. So far I've used the beef and chicken gravy with leftover meats. Today I used the veg stock to make a ratatouille and tomorrow my mum's using the same to do a carrot soup. I plan to use chicken stock for a curry soon.

1. Im good at using leftovers anyway but having the pots and recipe cards has made me think more about how. Im also really into my slow cooker at the moment which helps.

1. I usually have low salt stock due to DS but I would use these pots again if I know im cooking something he won't be eating. The salt is the only thing that puts me off.

1. My dad has previously recommended these to me! I would recommend as I think they're tasty and easy to use. I can't quite explain it but the little pots are quite pleasing on the eye too!

Non tester

I make grilled tortilla parcels with all the christmas ingredients in for snacks. Rather than a tortilla roll I do it in a flat parcel and grill them on a panini grill. I make the mash drier so it doesn't slop out.

If there's loads of meat then I'll do a curry for the next day. We used to do sandwiches but they are too wet to keep the parcels last longer (if not eaten)

non-tester: We all love a cold meat salad as leftovers. Also curry is great or an alternative shepherds pie. We often have other little bits and pieces in the house at Christmas like salamis, hams, cheeses, and leftover veg so you can sometimes be inventive with an 'anything goes' pasta bake.

1. Which of the Knorr products did you like best and why?

Gravy, very very tasty! Made much nicer gravy than I usually make, even DD ate it!

1. What did you make with your Stock Pots, Gravy Pots and Christmas leftovers?

Gravy as above. Also made a Turkey pie with left over Turkey and the chicken stock pot, Beef Stew using the Beef stock pot and Ham and Veg soup with the Veg stock pot. All were really lovely and very easy to make.

1. Do you think that the Stock Pots helped you use up your Christmas leftovers and minimise waste? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes definitely. We always have loads of leftovers and I'm never really sure what to do with them. Using the stock pots made it so quick and easy to make yummy meals!

1. Do you think you’ll use Knorr products more often in the future to use up your leftovers with? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I will. I'd never heard of them before but I'll definitely be buying more and stocking up. Sunday dinner leftovers will now be used instead of thrown out!

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Knorr Stock Pots as a way to use up your leftovers to friends and family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, as above, they are so quick and easy to use. I know lots of people who throw away leftovers because they cant be bothered to make soup etc. I'll be telling them how easy it is with Knorr Stock Pots. I'm very impressed!

Non-tester

I didn't buy or cook too much food, so I just meal planned as normal

Non tester

All veggies, turkey, pigs in blankets, gravy, bread sauce, cranberry & cheese into a casserole with a bit of water & stock I guess if you've not much gravy left.

Heat through

Mix leftover mash & cheddar

Use to top the pie & continue to heat til all done

Tester here.

1. Which of the Knorr products did you like best and why?

I liked the stock pots the best. Easy to use and easier than making stock from scratch.

1. What did you make with your Stock Pots, Gravy Pots and Christmas leftovers?

I made a turkey and veg pie with the left over turkey, vegetables and cream with a chicken stock pot. Also made soup with left over gammon and used a vegetable stock pot and added fresh vegetables.

1. Do you think that the Stock Pots helped you use up your Christmas leftovers and minimise waste? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes it did as usually just have sandwiches, the veg goes to waste and I normally end up throwing the meat away after two days.

1. Do you think you’ll use Knorr products more often in the future to use up your leftovers with? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes. I've always wanted to try them but found at the price they might be overrated. I was wrong and found them much nicer than stock cubes.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Knorr Stock Pots as a way to use up your leftovers to friends and family? If so, why? If not, why not?

More than likely as they are convenient and easy to use.

1. Which of the Knorr products did you like best and why?

I'm really impressed with the gravy pots. So much tastier than granules, and no more effort. I hate making gravy from scratch. I didn't find any of the products to be overly salty as previous posters have mentioned.

1. What did you make with your Stock Pots, Gravy Pots and Christmas leftovers?

Turkey soup with leftover meat and veg and a chicken Stock Pot. Also a vegetable soup with leftover roasted vegetables from Christmas day and a veg Stock Pot. It's all gone in the freezer, but I did taste them both as I was making them and they were both tasty and rich, and less 'packet soup' tasting than when I've made soups with stock cubes. I used the beef Gravy Pots for a roast on the Sunday before Christmas, and we all said it was a good taste and consistency.

1. Do you think that the Stock Pots helped you use up your Christmas leftovers and minimise waste? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I think they did. Particularly the leftover cooked vegetables which are usually put in a box in the fridge then thrown away a few days later . I could make a tasty soup for very little cost and effort.

1. Do you think you’ll use Knorr products more often in the future to use up your leftovers with? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think I will, because we found them to be tasty.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Knorr Stock Pots as a way to use up your leftovers to friends and family? If so, why? If not, why not?

I probably will. They're convenient and taste better than stock cubes and gravy granules.

I make Mexican Chicken/Turkey in super fast time w/ the stock gelatine things (chicken flavour). Simply saute fine diced celery, carrot, onion and garlic till softened. Add in big casserole. Then rouch chop carrots, onions and add to casserole. Add a pinch of chile if you like this- I often use Chipotle Chile paste.

Leftover chicken or turkey can be added. I then make the stock with enough water to cover.

Simmer for ten minutes very gently then add chopped potatoes and rice. Simmer until these are done and season to taste. It should have a thick consistency rather than soupy. Like a moist risotto.

This has been a central dish for three generations of my family. It is comforting, tastes great and keeps in the fridge for hungry teenagers coming in late. Ten mins reheating in a saucepan will do it.

If you want soup, simply blender stick it down and add a little more stock.

And of course when i have more time (and a carcass) I make the stock by simmering it with vegetables.

I'm a non tester too.

1. Which of the Knorr products did you like best and why?

Vegetable stock pots, they do taste better than the dried cubes & I can tell the difference in the finished dish. If you make very simple dishes like I do, then I prefer to use good quality ingrediants. Freshness is important to me. They can be quite salty so I didn't add extra salt.

1. What did you make with your Stock Pots, Gravy Pots and Christmas leftovers?

Mainly soup, I make a lot of soup :) I made a turkey noodle soup with leftover turkey & noodles, parsnip soup & a vegetable soup. I used beef stock pots in the spaghetti bolognaise & vegetable pots in my tomato sauce for meatballs. The tomato sauce is only an onion, fresh garlic, fresh chilli & canned tomatoes so the stock pot added some depth. I used a chicken pot in my turkey stir fry.

1. Do you think that the Stock Pots helped you use up your Christmas leftovers and minimise waste? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would have used them anyway, so probably not.

1. Do you think you’ll use Knorr products more often in the future to use up your leftovers with? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I will, I really can tell the difference & my recipes were improved by using fresher pots. I will continue to use the pots in my soups & will buy more gravy pots as & when the need arises.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Knorr Stock Pots as a way to use up your leftovers to friends and family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I already have done. I have told people how fresh they taste & that they are superior to dried cubes. My sister is unable to use the vegetable pots as they aren't vegan & I couldn't even make out whether they are vegetarian so I can't use them for vegan meals.

Non tester - I like to think I'm adventurous with the variety of sandwiches created - to me they are the best bit!! (Grilled with cheese, cranberry, stuffing, turkey, mayo, has been a fave this yr at 39 wks preg!! Other thing I've made is a carbonara with a stock cube/left over cream, apologies never tried a stock pot!

non-tester
I have used Stock-Pots for a little while now and find them much better than granules and as good as meat juices for gravy,I have used the leftovers this year to make a rich & thick veg soup for my elderly neighbours who are having a get to-gether at the end of the month to celebrate one of their birthdays,they are a bit strapped for cash so anything that is warm & hearty will be good & go down well.I make a concious effort not to waste food and find these little pots invaluable to recipes.

I use the left over turkey pieces to make 1) Soup and 2) a stir fry with all the left over vegetables !

This year we planned carefully so that there wouldn't be much food leftover. We had lamb Christmas day and beef boxing day. The meat that was left over was put into a curry and hubby and father-in-law had it with a jacket potato for lunch on Friday. As for gravy pots .....we had some with both of the above meals and with todays roast dinner too.

Non-tester here.

We had a chicken that serves 10 people as we had planned to have the family at ours. However, the early arrival of our newborn meant plans has to change. It was just the two of us for Christmas lunch (and baby) and then we ate chicken sandwiches for many days after Christmas!

Hi all - thanks for posting, Knorr would like to say the following,
"We’ve noticed that some of you are concerned about the salt content in our stocks. We’re sorry that you find some of our products salty, and would love to recommend our range of Reduced Salt Stock Cubes, which may be more to your taste, although these are not the products being tested in this product test. You can find out more about the Reduced Salt range here: bit.ly/16YVeq1 If you have any further questions, please let us know! www.knorr.co.uk/article/detail/622040/contact-us Many thanks, Knorr."

Non tester

We had beef for Christmas lunch. A whole extravagant fillet of beef for the 4 of us. We had steak tartare made from the tail of the fillet for starters, roasted the rest for main course, and DH and I added up and we reckon we had 4 more meals for 4 out of the leftovers (mostly thinly sliced cold beef with veg of some sort). DH was doing some dodgy maths to make it therefore seem like a bargain, but I think it will remain a Christmas treat only

We do use Knorr stockpots and gravy pots quite often with leftovers and otherwise (although not with our precious fillet!) - we did a big rib roast for 9 for New Year and we have loads left, so a cottage pie and/or beef rissoles are definitely on the horizon (and we may then be beef-ed out for a while - we have more visitors tomorrow, and were debating between fish and chicken) Incidentally, the fish stockpots are pretty good too - I use them for making fish pie (I make the sauce with half milk and half stock to make it less overwhelmingly rich)

Oh - and in light of Michelle's post - we do find the Knorr stockpots strong - the dilution they recommend is definitely the minimum - and the rich beef one is too dark/strong/salty for us, but the others seem fine as long as they are diluted and well stirred (they have a sneaky trick of not dissolving - why??) . That said, we don't have small DC any more, though, and probably eat too much salt

1. Which of the Knorr products did you like best and why?
I generally really like using the stock pots as they taste so much nicer than cubes and I do not always have the time to make real stock. I know people say they are salty but I quite like that! Also, the gravy pots are LOADS nicer than granules - if they are reasonably priced I will be buying them instead!

2. What did you make with your Stock Pots, Gravy Pots and Christmas leftovers?
We've had the gravy with roast pork. The stock pots have been used for a beef stew and many, many soups!

3. Do you think that the Stock Pots helped you use up your Christmas leftovers and minimise waste? If so, why? If not, why not?
I'm not sure the stock pots can really take the credit to be honest - but they did make it a bit easier and tastier to make the soups.

4. Do you think you’ll use Knorr products more often in the future to use up your leftovers with? If so, why? If not, why not?
I'm usually very good about using up leftovers but yes, the stock pots and gravy pots will definitely still be used.

5. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Knorr Stock Pots as a way to use up your leftovers to friends and family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Have done and will continue to do so.
BUT - I also agree that a lower salt range would be good - I would be worried to give something made with this stock to a baby so that would mean that for a year or two I would not be using these stock pots. I see the recommendation for the low salt stock cubes but surely the stock pots could be made lower salt too, as Knorr are trying to sell them as being better than stock cubes?!

1. Which of the Knorr products did you like best and why?

Both the chicken and the beef ones I like equally as they are the ones I would tend to use most in my cooking, although I found the vegetable pack good too

1. What did you make with your Stock Pots, Gravy Pots and Christmas leftovers?

Due to a tiny communication error both DP, DBIL and I bought onions so we had kilos of them! I used them to make french onion soup (beef stock) and risotto (chicken stock and vegetable stock for vegetarian friend), also used the chicken from Christmas and vegetable stock in soup

1. Do you think that the Stock Pots helped you use up your Christmas leftovers and minimise waste? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think so as I was conscious of being in this challenge so I was looking to use the stock pots/leftovers but I have seen its a good way to use leftovers/make meals go further and will look at trying to integrate it into the regular week

1. Do you think you’ll use Knorr products more often in the future to use up your leftovers with? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, probably, easy to use and taste good

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Knorr Stock Pots as a way to use up your leftovers to friends and family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, if it came up in conversation I would say I use them and that they are easy to use/taste nice and are good at making leftovers into meals

1. Which of the Knorr products did you like best and why?
I like the chicken stock pots best

2. What did you make with your Stock Pots, Gravy Pots and Christmas leftovers?
With stock pots and leftover veg , I made lovely thick soup , I used stock pots and leftover turkey for a risotto , and a turkey and mushroom pie
I froze some nice bits of turkey and ham in small bags for sandwiches

3. Do you think that the Stock Pots helped you use up your Christmas leftovers and minimise waste? If so, why? If not, why not?
Probably yes . Easy to use and tasty

4. Do you think you’ll use Knorr products more often in the future to use up your leftovers with? If so, why? If not, why not?
I was pleasantly surprised with the gravy pots ( I normally make gravy with out the use of granules , just meat juices , flour and veg water ) I used the chicken one for onion gravy togowith sausage and mash , and added one to tonight's bolognese sauce

5. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Knorr Stock Pots as a way to use up your leftovers to friends and family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would, they're convenient and tasty ( I don't find them too salty at all

Thanks for the opportunity to do this test . It's been fun !