Broccoli and Cheese, they just go together. Warm and tempting this soup is just calling for a cool evening to be served. Continue reading
Category Archives: Powdered Cheese Sauce
Powdered Cheese Sauce
Powdered Cheese Sauce is not my first choice in the world for storing cheese for my recipes, but it does have its benefits. First, I purchased this can for $22.00. The can itself states that it is reconstituted in a water:powder ratio of 4:1. This can had 10 cups of powder in it. That would make 40 cups of cheese sauce for $22.00. BUT I found that a water:powder ratio of 2:1 was more appropriate when I was trying to add it to recipes. 4:1 was just too watery. It was hard to work with it that thin. So that makes 20 cups of cheese sauce for $22.00.
Now lets talk fresh for a minute. The local grocery store I shop at periodically has 8 oz. bags of shredded cheese or 8 oz. bricks of cheese on sale for $1.99. When it goes to this price I stock up my refrigerator and usually don’t have to buy again until I find it on sale again. 8 oz. of fresh cheese is approximately 2 cups shredded. That makes fresh shredded cheese $1.00 a cup.
Back to powdered cheese sauce. The price I paid for 20 cups of cheese sauce is very comparable to buying fresh. It has a long shelf life, and I could probably find it discounted if I watch the sales. So why is this NOT my #1 pick? I found it difficult to substitute in any cheese recipe. I have to do more than just hydrate and add. It doesn’t work just like fresh cheese. My family noticed every time I used it instead of fresh shredded cheese.
There were a few success stories in all my attempts. I will not lie to you. This is a great way to make macaroni and cheese. It is also good for casseroles and soups. So it’s not my #1 choice, but it is my #2, and I will continue to store this version of cheese as long as I have kids in my home requesting mac ‘n cheese for lunch.
Creamy Tortellini
Onion, carrots, peas and mushrooms all add to the mild flavor of this cheese sauce. The tortellini adds variety to the pastas I prepare normally. Continue reading