Review & Giveaway: Progresso Panko Crumbs & Broth

I recently received a gift set from the folks over at MyBlogSpark containing a box of Progresso Panko Bread Crumbs, and a container of Progresso Chicken Broth (as well as some kitchen goodies you'll see down below).


I've actually never used panko style bread crumbs before. (Was I missing out?) I usually use the regular Progresso Bread Crumbs, unless I have bread I need to use or lose, in which case I make my own. Apparently, Panko is Japanese style bread crumbs, and made from the inside bread, not the crust. It's supposed to make lighter, crisper breading texture. (You learn something every day!) Progresso's Panko Bread Crumbs comes in plain and Italian - I received the Plain to try.

I tested it out on some pork steaks for DH. Now when I use bread crumbs to coat my meat, I usually avoid the extra calories of flour and egg to do so. I found out this doesn't work so well with the Panko crumbs. You really do need to use the egg and flour method to use them. You'll see I added a little bit of Italian seasoning to give it some oomph, but this is how it turned out without extras:


DH says it came out great and would love it again, so that's good! Next time, I'll break down and use the egg and flour.

Now I've used Progresso broth in the past and love it. Available in chicken flavor, as well as reduced sodium chicken and reduced sodium beef flavors, I like to keep it on hand. If I'm not making my own broth, I like Progresso's, even if it's a little more expensive than several other brands. I use it to make instant mashed potatoes, to flavor my rice, and when I'm making stews in my slow cooker. If you've never used chicken broth to make instant potatoes, you're missing out! Switch out the milk (or water, if it's only made with water) and you won't want any gravy!

If you're looking for some new recipes to try, visit Progressofoods.com, where you cam find some from celebrity chef Michael Chiarello, who you might recognize from the Food Network (how I miss cable!). You can also print money saving coupons from Progresso, as well as other Betty Crocker brands here.


Win it! One lucky reader will win this Progresso prize pack, courtesy of MyBlogSpark. It includes Progresso panko, a carton of Progresso broth, a measuring cup, slotted spoon, soup ladle and a little sheet pan for baking. To enter, tell me how often you use bread crumbs or broth in your cooking at home. Do you have a special recipe you make often?

As always, you can receive extra entries for:

-Subscribing to my feed or following my blog
-Blogging about this giveaway with a link back
-Tweeting about this giveaway (leave the link or @psychotichouse me)
-Add my blog to your Technorati favs (leave your username)

That's five possible entries! Giveaway ends November 7th at 11:59 PM PST, and please leave your email address in your entry or have it available in your profile. US only, sorry :( Good luck everyone!! :)