Schwartz Grill Mates - Smoky Texan Marinade

Freelancers snack time has become freelancers dinner time this month! I usually profile snacks I can munch at the desk, but when I am finished at the desk, or just want something different to do - I cook. I am by no means a foodie, but do enjoy cooking when recipes catch my eye, and of course it gives mum a break as well.

My target this time was Schwartz Grill Mates - I was itching for the chance to try a packet out as they sounded so yummy! There are 4 different flavours to choose from - Deep South Brown Sugar, Cajun Marinade Mix, Mojito Lime Marinade Mix, and Smoky Texan. What you get is a sachet of powder which you simply add water and oil to, to make your marinade.

I used the Smokey Texan Marinade Mix, and did deviate from the instructions a little, as I opted for a 15 minute marinade of my chicken breasts in the fridge (packet suggests 15 minutes, or the fridge overnight). Once my chicken was marinated, I set about making the rest of the meal - this time rice, with tomatoes and peas. I turned on the grill to full to start, then turned it down once the chicken had started to sizzle.

 I popped the chicken under the grill and turned and basted it every 4-5 minutes until it was cooked. Although the packet suggested using 2 tablespoons of marinade for basting, and binning the rest, I decided to use more to see what depth of flavour I got.

The instructions were clear, and I was confident cooking with this product. The end result smelt yummy as well, and I think using the extra marinade gave it a bit of a kick/heat to it which we all liked. A big thumbs up for the chicken, but I have to hang my head in shame, as I cook rice A LOT, but on this occasion it ended up as over cooked mush!

A rice fail, but the Schwartz Grill Mates were definitely a winner -and best of all Mum has gone off shopping so might come home with another one to try.

Do you have any new discoveries food wise? does cooking help you unwind? if you've any thoughts please share them below and lets all feel hungry together!

*this product was not sent for review, it's just one of my favourite new discoveries.