Stop Looking at Me, Schwan

This is a sponsored post.

No, don't stop looking at me. Because you're delicious.

Let me explain.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try some food from Schwan's.

I mean, really, the only things I could think of (until now) when "Schwan's" was mentioned were the scene from Billy Madison and the trucks I would see in the neighborhood as a kid.

But mostly Billy Madison.

Because… Classic.

Anyhow, I ordered off their slick, nicely organized website (they even have AN APP for that) after talking to the supremely helpful, and funny and clearly food-loving, sales rep, Jason. He gave me a million recommendations for products to try. He also gave me a MAGICAL recipe using their Salmon Burgers. I thought maybe he was reading it off the website because he was VERY detailed about everything, but after looking around on the recipe section on their website, I couldn't find it. Therefore: Jason the sales rep = magic.

I was a LITTLE skeptical about a grocery delivery service AND frozen food. I mean, expensive, right?

Not so much! I did some cost comparison with similar foods I'd buy at Target or Aldi or whatevs and it works out pretty much the same, even with the delivery fee (which, btw, is only $1.75 PER ORDER). Plus, they seem to have coupons for everything: new customers, sort of new customers, featured products, seasonal stuff, etc. Food is coming to me at my house and it's not costing an arm and a leg? OKAY.

When they delivered to my house (you get a couple options of times and days), the very nice delivery guy let me pay him at my door. AND the total was cheaper than my original invoice, since something I had bought had gone on sale since I submitted my order.

But how's the food?

Just so you know, I ordered a semi-random assortment of things to get an idea of what worked: some pre-made meals, some freezer treats, some staples…

First, let me start with my #1 favorite buy. The Bomb Pops.

You might know, I'm a bit of a popsicle connoisseur. Each time I've been pregnant (and I'm on my fourth), I crave frozen confections. I've tried just about every brand and flavor of store-bought treats and these are by far one of my Top 3.

They have great flavor; I can taste the change from cherry, to lime, to raspberry (so many just are a color, but have a pretty generic flavor). They're low-fat (which most popsicles are, but it stills sounds nice). They're obviously frozen, but they're not TOO frozen, you know? I can bite them without my teeth freaking out… In other words, they have a pleasing texture. They're a great size; perfect of my kids for a treat, but if I have two (after they go to bed, of course), I don't feel bad.

Next up, the Salmon Burger and the Magical Recipe.

Fry up your salmon burgers in some sesame ginger dressing (I made my own, but Jason recommended Trader Joe's).

Cut a ciabatta bun in half and throw some horseradish sauce on it (note: I generally deny my Polish roots and do not love, or even like, horseradish, but it's GOOD here).

Layer some thinly sliced red onion and arugula on there.

When your salmon burger is nearing perfection, place a slice of smoked gouda on top of it and cover your skillet to melt it.

Lovingly combine your Asian-y fishy burger with the bun, sit down, and ENJOY.

I would order in a restaurant and LOVE. All with about 10 minutes of work? OKAY.

Vanilla Ice Cream? It's a bit of a no-brainer on this one – creamy, rich, and Vanilla. It's not super-thich like some of the premium brands or custards, but it's an old-fashioned ice cream that makes great sundaes, milkshakes, "a la" to pies and the like.

Chicken Enchiladas? I was a little disappointed when I opened the [deceivingly] large box and slid out the oven-safe baking dish.

"Humph," I thought.

THAT won't go very far. I prepared a salad to accompany my seemingly-meager chicken enchiladas.
I served three adults (my friend had stopped over for dinner unexpectedly) and three kids AND THERE WERE LEFTOVERS. Granted, it said there were 6 servings, but I was surprised. (Note: my kids basically split 2 enchiladas, which don't come out of the pan in the beautiful, fully-intact fashion that the picture shows, while us adults each had one full serving.)

The food itself was yummy. Really decent comfort food; perfect for a fall dinner; cheesy, chickeny, tortillay. Like something I'd MAKE, but without having to make it.

The potstickers were also very good. It seems like a lot of their snacks, appetizers, and bulk meat are pretty comparable to Costco and Sam's and the like. The quality is great, you get decent-sized packages (perfect for parties), and it's about the same price. But Schwan's delivers.

Boom.

Winning.

Even though I haven't tried everything from the first order, I already placed another go-around. Bomb Pops are def on the list.

Three years ago: Twofer, in which I make two things instead of one.

Riot and Frolic

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