From time to time we receive products that companies want us to try in exchange for a review of some kind on our site. This is pretty common in the media world. I’ve been pleased with most things I’ve tried, but I’m willing to admit that I was a little skeptical when I was handed some samples from Shirley J. They specialize in making cooking simple and yummy and I’ve tried lots of other products claiming similar things. They even have a product called “Universal Sauce” and it’s name seems to sound too good to be true.
I’ll say right now, before I go any further, I’ve become a HUGE fan of all the Shirley J products I’ve tried – even and especially the Universal Sauce. One night I was standing in the pantry trying to figure out what to cook for dinner (ever happen to you???) and I decided to try a recipe that came with the Universal Sauce: Baked Macaroni and Cheese. It was SO SO yummy AND so easy. In an instant I became a little bit of a Shirley J freak. Became a fan on Facebook, spent long periods of time on their website going through other recipe ideas, bought five #10 cans of the Universal Sauce and I actually looked forward to cooking again (that’s saying something all by itself!).
If you are like me, days seem to go by too quickly. Between my work to do list and keeping up with the kids 5:00 rolls around and I’m scrambling to get something together. I often try to cut corners to get something on the table quickly, sacrificing taste, and I spend the rest of the night feeling culinarily dissatisfied.
With Shirley J, even if I wait until the last minute I can have yummy food, without a lot of fat, and my husband is even happy (he’s a serious food person, so pleasing him is really tough!) I can also plan ahead for some really yummy crock pot meals. They have a wide variety of seasonings and mixes and you could eat every day for a month and you’d never know these products came from the same company. Think soups and pizza sauce, casseroles and dutch oven meals, one dish crock pot seasonings and breads, sweet rolls and brownies and so much more.
I’m not really known for my cooking ‘round these parts – my friends make fun of me as I hate to try any recipe with more than five ingredients. Another reason I love Shirley J. Their recipes are simple, and I usually have everything I need on hand.
On another note, as I did some more research I found out some interesting things about Shirley J. This 30 year old company, recently did a a complete overhaul of their branding. From website to packaging and everything in between. Why? To change with the times? Sure. But it’s so much more. Not only did they change the way Shirley J products look, but they changed the way they do business. For years, they have provided products to restaurants around the country using the business to business distribution model. Now they have expanded to offer these products to you and me for use in our homes. And, they did it in a time when other companies are scaling back.
So, I’m impressed and I hope you’ll take Shirley J for a spin in your kitchen. Now when I stand in my pantry staring at my food storage sized cans of Universal Sauce, I look forward to making dinner!
Besides being the Business Development Director and Fairy Godmother for Startup Princess, Michelle McCullough is mom to a two year old boy and a brand new baby girl. She also runs her own startup, Doodads Promotional Products <http://www.doodadspromotional.com>, which has been in operation for over 10 years. Previously she worked in advertising and marketing.
Thanks for this info. It’s much appreciated! Cheers.