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November 19, 2010

Marie Callender's Multi-Serve Bakes + Giveaway!

I'm not big on processed or prepared foods as I prefer to plan weekly menus and make our meals myself but I was asked to review Marie Callender's Multi-Serve Bakes and I was curious to see how they compared to other frozen meals I had tried before.

It took a bit of searching but I was able to find two of the six flavors Marie Callender's offers (Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese and Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes) that are all in the comfort food category.  Other food options include- Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, Southwestern Style Chipotle Chicken Bake, and Chicken, Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna. Retailing at under $6 at most locations my local grocery store sold it for $6.29.  My free coupon was for up to $5.69 and these meals typically cost under $5 elsewhere. 

Finally having the meals in my possession I served up the Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes at lunch.  My mother was visiting and I wondered how she would like it.  We both found this dish to be hearty and filling. The pasta was cooked just right- a bit al dente while the carrots, broccoli and sun dried tomato bits were steamed and not mushy.  I was impressed by that factor and how the punch of the tomato was just right.  The cheesy Alfredo sauce had a nice flavor as well.  While my mother wished for more chicken in the dish I thought it was just right.  More vegetables would have been nice in my opinion.

Next, I served the Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese. I was unprepared for how rich this tastes.  As I took it out of the oven I noticed a few reddish looking pieces in it and looked at the ingredients again.  No vegetables in this dish. What was this red part?  Red pepper.  There is a bite to this mac & cheese that has a definite adult flavor to it.  My kids were not impressed deeming it too "spicy" for their consumption but I liked it.  It's creamy with plenty of cheesy sauce that has a nice flavor that rings with more than one note. 

I wish I could have tried other versions of Marie Callender Multi-Serve meals.  They make easy side dishes that heat up quickly in both the oven and microwave, but can also be used for two people as a one dish entree that won't blow your budget to bits.

GIVEAWAY- I'm giving away two coupons for you to try these meals for free yourself. One lucky reader will win them (chosen at random) just by commenting on which Marie Callender meal they would like to eat.  Contest ends November 27, 2010.  Good luck!

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR worked with Marie Callender's and TheMotherhood on this sponsored post. I was compensated for my time.  Opinions are MPR's own.

Congratulations to Nancy on winning the Marie Callender's meals!

11 comments:

Suburban prep said...

I love mac & cheese and the Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese would be my pick.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

Cynthia D said...

I would love to try the Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese from Marie Callender because I love anything Mac & Cheese related! :)

pinkdelight1@live.com

Gale said...

I'd like to try the Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes!

ecarian at yahoo dot com

Ashley said...

I'd like to try the mac and cheese.

hewella1 at gmail dot com

Nicole-Lynn said...

Great giveaway! I'd love to try the Southwestern Style Chipotle Chicken Bake.

Seasidesmitten@aol.com

Jacqueline in Atlanta said...

chicken alfredo w sundried tomatoes sounds yummy. I have a daughter in college who has an apt this year, but little time to cook. Would be great for her. Better than fast food!

Thanks for having the giveaway!

Wehaf said...

I'd like to try the Chicken, Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna.

urchiken at gmail dot com

Nancy said...

I'd like to try the Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Lasagna.

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

RaettigFamily said...

I would want to try the Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese!

Eminia said...

I really want to try it once..Closed Loop Recycling

Bob in JAX said...

I tried the Vermont white cheddar mac and cheese last night and was incredibly disappointed. I followed the microwave directions to the letter. It was TERRIBLE. Virtually no taste (other than the salt I had to put on it) and the consistency was that of overcooked pasta bound together by library paste. Perhaps it comes out differently if you bake it in the regular oven? I give this product an "F".