First, my apologies for such a late review! My life was taken over by Hal-Con and Halloween food but I am back!
Second, this was a difficult product for me to review and I am glad I had some time to get some distance from the episode. I feel very close to my blogger friend Lindsay Wells who was up against Stephen Childs for the savoury snacks category of Recipe to Riches.
I appreciated having some time to distance myself from the competitive shenanigans that went on and to not be so moved by Lindsey’s disappointment.
The Product
You get 4 slams in one package for $4.99 which is a pretty fair price. The problem? Umm… Aren’t these supposed to be polenta bites made in a muffin tin?! They sure don’t look like the product I saw on the show…???!!!
President’s Choice Recipe to Riches Chipotle Chili Slams packaging is terrible. Light brown text on a dark green? I could barely read anything on the packet. I had to bring it to the window to really see the text.
I started by testing the microwave method by cutting off one end of the packaging and microwaving it for 1 minute and letting it sit for 3 minutes.
I personally did not mind the crust and the use of cornmeal but Reg hated even touching it because it was messy and he hates cornmeal. I find the presentation of the appetizer so boring and uninspired, not to mention absolutely different than the winning recipe. Now all it is, is a chili pocket they call a slam.
The Foodie Results
Mine was absolutely stone cold in the centre, it made me gag. Not a good first impression.
Then I baked them in the oven as directed and it made the crust crisp. After attempting to eat it Reg said, “A crappy crust and a boring filling. I am not going to finish that.”
I personally did not find the crust disappointing because I like cornmeal but I must admit, the filling just tasted like chipotle and nothing else. Certainly not complex in any way.
Also, the format of the show is kind of driving me crazy with its head-on competition to create “drama” and their decision to change the food so dramatically to make the product absolutely flabbergasting. Does the show not realize we watch the episodes and then want to try the products that won? I just don’t get it.
This product gets a two wooden spoon out of five rating from me and a total rejection from Reg. Needless to say that even though it is a less expensive that other winning products from the show, I would not spend the money.
I must add that I bet Lindsay’s Korean rolls would have had kick-butt flavour. Sorry, just had to say it.
I read another blogger’s review that was just as unfavourable. I believe she said the shell was like cardboard and the filling was too heavy on the beans with nothing else.