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Ragu - Praise for You! Plus, win a $100 Gift Card!

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Ragu

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My Favorite Dish of the ThreeWhen I learned that the BlogHer Reviewers would be trying out some Ragu sauces, I laughed because I had just bought several Ragu sauces to have in my pantry for those OMG-what-is-for-dinner emergencies.

Which is every day.

In fact, the three recipes I tried specifically for BlogHer Reviews I made on nights that I otherwise would have dialed the pizza parlor or gone through a drive-thru. Every. Single. Day. was one that I felt I had absolutely no time to create anything, and yet I did because I wanted to complete an honest review.

And honestly, I'm impressed.

Baked Double-Topped Mushroom PizzaThe three recipes I tried were Hearty Baked Rigatoni (with Ragu Old World Style Sweet Tomato Basil,) Chicken Parmesan Alfredo (with Ragu Alfredo,) and Double-Topped Mushroom Pizza (with Ragu Pizza sauce.) All three were fast. All three were healthful. And all three were tasty.

The time versus health equation is a tough one. I can honestly say that the Ragu recipes I tried were easy, delicious, and much more healthful than fast-food fare. The great thing about these meals is that they can incorporate fresh ingredients. (And hey, if you are going to the store to pick up frozen waffles, you can grab some vegetables.)

Thumbs Up! -- Chicken Parmesan AlfredoFor the Chicken Parmesan Alfredo, I used fresh tomatoes and newly-grated Parmesan. For the Double-Topped Mushroom Pizza I used green onions and portabella mushrooms. The calamata olives I used were in a tub from the deli and I selected these rather than the traditional black canned olives. The official pizza recipe on the Ragu website calls for canned mushrooms, but I decided I wanted to try fresh (and they were fabulous!) Most of the recipes can be altered to use canned ingredients for convenience, but I liked the idea of using the sauce as the convenience item, but then adding fresh ingredients. Even chopping fresh ingredients, the prep time was less than 10-15 minutes per recipe (just slightly over the time it took for the oven to preheat.) I was truly shocked at how easily and quickly these meals came together.

Splig Prepares Double Topped Mushroom PizzaThe taste was surprisingly terrific. I have visions of those over-cooked, soft, old-people-home food when I think of "easy meals." But the Chicken Parmesan Alfredo produced a moist, soft chicken with lots of flavor, and the Hearty Baked Rigatoni was so great I went back for seconds. My son and husband raved about both. My son said I could make the Chicken Parmesan Alfredo every day. "This is so, so delicious!" he told me. My husband was shocked that these recipes tasted as though I had made everything from scratch, "Wow, this is actually very good!" he remarked.

Chicken Parmesan Alfredo - Dressed with TomatoesThe Double-Topped Mushroom Pizza was admittedly a hard sell, but I knew that going in, because I selected a mushroom dish knowing that I'm the only one in the family who enjoys them. I liked the pizza, but I think I put a little too much sauce on it, and I've got to find a better pizza crust. We've always had trouble with homemade pizza because the crust does us in, whether it is premade or made from scratch. Every time it tastes "off" and that was the case here. The Ragu sauce itself tasted great and very much like what one would expect from a pizza joint; but, I definitely over-sauced the pizza, because it was the main ingredient I tasted.

Ragu Sauces for ReviewI am pleasantly surprised by the results of the three Ragu recipes I made. Although I originally thought I'd just be pouring Ragu sauce over pasta, it turns out there are many quick meals that use the sauces in ways I wouldn't have anticipated. I will revisit these recipes and will likely try more.

I am thrilled to report that thanks to Ragu, I have a $100 VISA card to award to a lucky winner who blogs about or leaves a comment below on one of two topics:

1) How do you feed your kids well in the midst of the hustle and bustle?

2) Which Ragu recipe on their website sounds most appealing to you or your family?

To enter, leave me a comment below and answer one of the above two questions - or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below.  The contest will begin at 10/1/2009 and will end 11/11/2009. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct. 

Rules:
* No duplicate comments.
* You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
* You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
* This giveaway is open to US residents, aged 18 and older.
* Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
* You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
* The prize will be provided directly from the sponsor

Good Luck!

For more information:
- The Ragu official website - For kid-friendly recipes, healthy tips and more!
- Recipes from Ragu
- Other BlogHer Reviewers who checked out Ragu (visit them for up to 10 chances to win!)
- My Flickr set about our Ragu-recipe adventures!

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Disclaimer: As stated earlier, this is a compensated review from BlogHer and Ragu. Although the Ragu people saw my entry prior to me posting it publicly, they did not edit it in any way. The opinions stated are my own, and reflect those of my family members. I chose to do this review because I was already a Ragu fan, so expected to give a positive report. I'm always on the lookout for easy ways to make healthful meals, and was honestly surprised at just how versatile the Ragu sauces are -- so I wanted to share with my readers - and provide them the opportunity for the contest as well!

This Contest is Closed -- Thanks to Those Who Entered!

Comments (153)

tawnda:

the QUICK & EASY CHICKEN CACCIATORE sounds very good

Michelle:

Love to give my kids veggies and Ranch. They also love yogurt and cereal on top. I would love to try the DOUBLE CHEDDAR CHICKEN BROCCOLI & RICE DINNER:)
Michelle
couponfreak at ymail dot com

The CHICKEN CHILI sounds delicious!

Annette D:

I think that my family would love the 1-2-3 CHEDDAR BROCCOLI CASSEROLE.

BarbS:

Biggest thing I do to feed my kids well: cook mostly from scratch. And to balance the time/health issue, I make a lot of things ahead of time, so that I can just re-heat or throw something in the oven at dinner time.

I think that the Braised Spinach and Polenta sounds absolutely phenomenal and applaud Ragu for the extensive veggie-friendly selection!

I try my best to disguise extra fruits and veggies into anything I make. My toddler daughter can't even tell the difference, but it is much better for her! That is how I feed my family well!

The hearty baked rigatoni sounds delish!

kstabler@cbizmmp.com

the chicken chili sounds awesome right now...especially with fall cooling things down. Perfect chili weather!
Jenny

April:

I love to make smoothies with fruit and vegetables.

April

I feed my husband well on busy night by making sure we have things for quick meals on hand. I freeze cooked chicken breasts that we can easily re-heat with veggies and some starch, or chop up and use on quesadillas (mine are like mexican salads, as one friend once stated). Healthy, quick, and absolutely delicious!

jessica:

I try and feed them home grown local items, but we drink plenty of water and eat lots of veggies and fruit

Tammy S:

I make an effort to keep a stocked pantry and freezer - full of things that can be quick or more involved if I have the time (hardly ever). Jars of spaghetti/pasta sauce are always a quick and easy standby.
Thanks

I would love to try the baked cheesy penne with veggies

mellisarock at yahoo dot com

I keep alot of frozen veggies like corn, peas, stew veggies, stir fry. Stock items like canned tomatoes, canned corn and of COURSE spaghetti sauces. Oh ya and course multi grain pastas, rice and cheese.

I make sure I have a least these items in case of emergencies.

Makes for less headaches in my life

I do things in casseroles so that I can get the meat and veggie in.

Belinda P:

I love to get my kids involved with making dinner and picking the foods we buy. They love to try new things and that is a blessing in itself. I also love to buy organic foods when I can afford them. Thanks!

KS Dallas:

I just try to keep everything balanced. Moderation is the key.

I would love to try the Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Recipe!!!

I try to feed my kids their fruits and veggies on a stick! Anything on a "kabob" they'll eat!!! It helps me sneak in healthy foods for them and they think it's a whole lotta fun!

The upside down pizza on Ragu's website looks delish! Lots of great choices! Great giveaway!

Hilary:

The chicken chili sounds really good!!

Mami2jcn:

I’d most like to try the upside down deep dish pizza recipe from the web site.

Mfalcon13:


I would like to try the Mama’s Best Ever Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe.

Josephine:

MMMMM!!! The Pizza Primavera sounds sooooo yummy. My family would love that for dinner and the kids would love to pitch in to make the pizza with me (:. Thanks for a chance at such a great giveaway!

Geraldine:

1) I don't have kids, but if I'm in a hurry, I figure I can't go wrong with a simple pasta, salad, along with a fruit dessert.

2) SAUCY SHRIMP & CHORIZO SAUTE
My two loves: shrimp and chorizo together in a very delicious-looking dish!

Linda Kish:

Broccoli and carrots with ranch dressing is always a hit.

The heart baked rigatoni looks tasty..


lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Jeannette:

try to prepare healthy slow cooker meals for our very busy days, so dinner will be ready when we get home.

Jeannette:

Chicken Parmesean Alfredo... yummy

Jennifer:

Oh my gosh! We've got to try the Cheddar Broccoli Martians! So cute!

Beth T.:

The Baked Manicotti is the recipe for us!

Jolynn Rood:

#1 question I try to avoid fastfood as much as possible in the hustle and bustle, or at least find healthy choices that some of them now offer. Another thing I try to plan out quick
things to do, and have on hand when I'm in a hurry.

I would like to try the Microwave Scrambled Egg Pizza recipe. We are trying to make time for breakfast and this sounds like an easy and unique thing to try!

kary:


My kids are allowed to eat fruits (in moderation) & veggies whenever they want.
Offer them a "choice" between milk & water when thirsty... they almost always pick water, especially if they can use the ice dispenser on fridge!

Pizza bagels sound amazing!

mickeyfan:

Found all sorts of possibilities, but would love this one: SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS PARMESAN. And I have always used Ragu instead of buying pricier pizza sauce.

Mmmm upside down pizza! That would please my husband and son! They both love pizza and my husband misses the pizza turnovers from New Jersey.

Stephanie J:

I would try COUNTRY-ITALIAN CHICKEN & POTATOES

We eat only whole grains and fresh veggies/fruits...which we love. We drink mostly water, our girls have never had soda(6 year old and 2 year old twins), though I do drink it occasionally. I am currently doing Weight Watcher and have lost almost 30 pounds, I believe the whole family has benefited from the healthier cooking.

I feed my kids well even with all the hustle and bustle by meal planning. It really helps to make sure they get a good, healthy dinner and we don't give in the urge to eat fast food on busy nights!

Kristi Wells:

I have a 12 month old and am trying to squeeze in as many whole grains and veggies as I can, I don't want her to get used to french fries and sweets if I can help it. Lately she wants to eat what is on our plates, which makes us eat a little healthier too.
The pasta margherita with pepperoni sounds yummy!

I want to try the skillet chicken alfredo. This looks so easy and good!!

Linda:

to feed my son well, I make my own baby food and freeze it! would love to try the Chicken Chili!

Nancy:

I think the Upside Down Deep Dish Pizza would be a hit in this household.

I think the SKILLET CHICKEN ALFREDO recipe looks wonderful!

Sarah:

I try to feed my family as many fresh fruits and veggies as possible!! I also try to cook meals without lots of preservatives-as organically as I can!

jen b:

I meal plan each week, and make sure to plan what fruits/veggies we will have with each meal. This takes the thought and decision making out of the process all week- I just follow the menu!

Tammy:

Pasta Margherita looks really good. Can't wait to try it - Have been a Ragu user for several years & have never been disappointed in any of their products. Hope I win! Thanks, Tammy gordonfan@embarqmail.com

Jessie C.:

They are all so good! I'd like to try 1-2-3 CHICKEN CACCIATORE first!

Cecilia:

Chicken Chili

I would love to try the Chicken Margarita! Yummmy!

Jayne:

I grow and preserve veggies from the garden and fruit from our trees. The kids eat a lot more of these fresh and healthy fruits/veggies because they taste better and because the kids grew and harvested them.

emily :

i would like to try the pizza. but i would replace the cheese and meat with veggies since i am vegan.
emily

Laura Stewart:

mainly just trying to cook at all and avoid eating out all the time

I want to try the UPSIDE-DOWN DEEP DISH PIZZA - sounds good !

Tamara B.:

I try to feed my family whole grain breads, rice, pastas with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. I also buy products that use natural or organic ingredients.
I would love to try their SKILLET CHICKEN PARMESAN recipe and I know the whole family would love it.

Kendra :

i do well to feed my kids in the hustle and bustle by cooking and freezing ahead of time. I also sneak extra veggies in any way i can, crushed, pureed what ever works.

Here's a pizza tip: Cook the crust without topping or sauce for 5-10 minutes. Then take it out, load everything on, and put it back in the oven, and wallah! Your homemade crust is cooked through.

I would like to try the Chicken in Citrus Sauce, because I've never had something quite like that. Plus the Sweet Basil tomato sauce sounds amazing!

I want to try the SKILLET CHICKEN PARMESAN.

Carrot sticks are the best veggie ever for picky kiddos...I always have cucumbers, carrots, oranges and apples on hand at every meal to supplement the main course.

Carmen:

The 1-2-3 CHEDDAR BROCCOLI CASSEROLE recipe sounds tasty--and really easy!

Angie L.:

I try to feed my little guy a fruit and a veggie at each meal. If I plan ahead, I usually do better at this!

Pleasant Boswell:

I really liked the Slithering Stromboli

Chels:

I would love to try the Upside Down Deep-Dish Pizza - sounds so yummy! Thanks for the giveaway!

I think the GARLIC TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE recipe from the Ragu website sounds easy and yummy!

I would love to feed my kids the Slithering Stromboli. What a cute meal!

I think my family would LOVE to try the cheddar broccoli casserole- it is right up my alley!

upside down pizza sounds very yummy in the tummy.

momznite:

The hearty baked rigatoni looks easy enough. I'll just have to add a salad.

I would love to serve the 1-2-3 CHICKEN CACCIATORE with mashed potatoes and corn,I made this dish many times and my kids loved it! Add a fresh salad a glass of milk and what a meal!
Thanks
matternu@aol.com

Margherita Pasta

The chicken chili looks awesome. I've been using some boneless breasts that I cut up awhile back and froze, and boy is that handy.

Kaitlin:

I want to try the cheddar broccoli casserole

Jamie:

We try to use variety - cooking everything from healthy salads to meaty pizzas, veggie meals and sometimes breakfast for dinner - protein!! I think variety really makes the difference!

I think the buffalo blue cheese chicken pizza sounds delish. We're big buffalo and blue cheese lovers.

I can't get over how good the CHICKEN MARGHERITA recipe sounds. I can't wait to make it! YUM!

Gina:

UPSIDE-DOWN DEEP DISH PIZZA LOOKS YUMMY!

Lynn:

My main way to feed the kids well is to let hubby cook. He's such a natural and the kiddos love his cooking.

JMom:

I just made lasagna so when I saw the slow cooker lasagna on the Ragu website, my attention was caught immediately. That will be my next recipe to try.

1) How do you feed your kids well in the midst of the hustle and bustle?
Prepare ahead. One night a week is fast food night. I do a lot of cooking on the weekends to try and prepare for the week. Quick favorites are also a dinner saver

Alexandrea M:

I want to try the chicken alfredo, I make a great one from scratch but it's SO bad calorie wise, and I try to avoid having cream in the fridge. I haven't tried a jarred cream sauce yet and I think I have to put it on my shopping list!

Braised spinach and polenta. Yum! I can't wait to try that one.

Linda V:

I have always searched for quick dinners with seasonal items, over the years I have a fairly good supply. The Margherita pasta dish looks like one the whole family would enjoy.

Rachel P.:

since I love pizza it has to be the upside-down deep dish pizza recipe!

Mindy:

We LOVE Ragu and our favorite is the deep dish pizza b/c it's easy, quick and delicious! We stock up on every style of Ragu sauce. we all agree on it, too. Thanks for the chance to win!

Candace:

I checked out ragu.com (I didn't even know they had recipes) and was pleasantly surprised. I would like to try the Ragu Sloppy Joes with the Margherita sauce. It is super easy to make and sounds really good!

Laurie Murley:

i would like to try the sweet and tangy meatballs

Laurie Murley:

I would like to try the Tomato Chicken Noodle Soup

I'd love to try the chicken parmesan stromboli!

Patricia Treskovich:

I have meals prepared in the freezer for a fast meal.

Patricia Treskovich:

1-2-3 cheddar broccoli casserole sounds good

Patricia Treskovich:

tweeted Latest: http://bit.ly/al2hRless than 5 seconds ago

I love to feed my kids lots of fruits and veggies. When we are in a hurry or need a quick meal, we always have salad fixings in the fridge including deli meats for a satisfying and healthy meal. I also like to put pork chops and veggies in the crock pot or make chili to simmer all day so when we finally get home, we have a meal all ready for us. The Unstuffed Peppers recipe on the Ragu site looks really delicious! Thanks so much for such a wonderful giveaway!

furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net

JEANETTE HUSTON:

I want to try the 1-2-3 CHEDDAR BROCCOLI CASSEROLE.

Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com

Anonymous:

I blogged about this giveaway here

http://myentries79.blogspot.com/2009/11/visa-100-gift-card-sponsored-by-ragu.html

Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com

JEANETTE HUSTON:

I blogged about this contest here

http://myentries79.blogspot.com/2009/11/visa-100-gift-card-sponsored-by-ragu.html

Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com

JEANETTE HUSTON:

I tweeted you here!

http://twitter.com/gijeanie/status/5547185874

Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com

Cynthiia M.:

The most appealing to me is the 1-2-3 Cheddar Broccoli Casserole and the Upside-Down Deep Dish Pizza!

Cynthiia M.:
Elizabeth R:

I'd like to try the CHICKEN MARGHERITA.

Vegetable bowtie pasta sounds good to me

www.icoulduseadeal.blogspot.com

1. By having everyone take a part in the outcome, with everyone having 'ownership' for part of the meal, everyone is more concerned about the outcome and then everyone really wants to sit down and eat together.
2. The upside pizza looks like fun

Lauralee Hensley:

Bacon Bagel Pizza's sounds yummy if you're going to have a sleep over for your kids friends and you know they'll want a snack before bed.

megs:

I would like to try the Chicken Margherita. I’m a vegetarian, so I would substitute the chicken with a veggie chicken patty. It looks delicious!

I think my family would LOVE the cheesy calzones! So easy too!

The Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie looks good.

Leah:

I'm all about the fiesta chicken nachos! My kids would absolutely love it!

Anne G:

I think the CHICKEN MARGHERITA recipe sounds good. My secret for getting dinner ready in the midst of a busy schedule is my 16 year old. She makes dinner a couple nights a week, while I carpool her siblings around.

I just pile on the veggies- raw, cooked, in sauces, hidden in baked goods- any way I can.

Tracy Robertson:

I don't have to feed my kids well because I don't have any, but I still have to feed myself decent meals to keep up with the hustle and bustle of my workdays. I would like the 1-2-3 Cheddar Broccoli Caserole.

Amy L:

The Chicken Cacciatore sounds yummy. I love trying new chicken recipes.

Debbie:

The deep dish pizza looks especiall good!

Jennifer Barr:

Chicken Margherita looks good

The Vegetable Bow Tie Pasta sounds good to me.

Kristin Wehking:

I want to try the veggie pizza cupcakes!

Grace:

These Ragu recipes are making me drool a little!

Kelly:

Chicken Margherita

Deborah Anderson:

Chicken Chili sounds yummy!

Deborah Anderson:

I try to cut back on fried foods by using my crock pot more often. In fact, the other day I used Ragu with some chicken. I just dumped it all in the crockpot on my way out the door to work. Came home and dinner was ready. After cooking all day, the chicken was SO tender and the sauce had really soaked in nicely. Yum!

i'm totally trying the Chicken Margherita.

and my crock pot is a LIFESAVER for those crazzzy nights!!

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