Let's Raise A Cup... Part 1

Welcome to the first review of an actual mac n' cheese dish.  I'm sure that these will evolve over time as I realize that I wasn't thinking to include something as I complete these first reviews but I will try to make sure that the overall format stays the same.  Brand, Cost, Prep, Taste, Final Score.  For self prepared meals (stove top or microwave) I'll be sure to include the packaging preparation directions as well as any tips I discover that should be done to make it turn out better.  Unless something is just out and out wrong I will follow the directions on package to a T as to give all our subjects equal shakes based on what the brand says it should taste like.


Our mac n' cheese reviewed today is a daily meal snack of school and college kids across the country.  Almost instant mac n' cheese in a cup!  Kraft has their 'Easy Mac' line, and though this isn't quite that as today's meal is a Velveeta one (so it's cheese sauce and not a powder) it's in the same family as Kraft owns Velveeta.  If you've eaten the Easy Mac of years past, the stuff was just horrible.  I don't know what deal with the devil Kraft made, but this newer stuff is MILES better than Easy Mac of 6-8 years ago.  It's actually edible. 


The Review

Brand: 
Velveeta Shells & Cheese 'Original' flavor

Cost: 
$1.39 at Safeway

Packaging Description:
None

Preparation:
Directions for these are pretty simple. 
*You first take off the top and remove the cheese pouch.  You'll notice some powder on the pouch and pasta, leave it there as it's some kind of agent that helps in the cooking of the pasta. 

*You'll need to take this to the tap and fill it up with water to a visible line on the inside of the cup.  The directions say not to go over the top of the line and I strongly concur.  Excess water post cooking is used to blend the cheese, but if there is too much you'll end up watering it down which just isn't good eatin'. 
*Once you've got the water in it, take your fork and mix things up a little. 
*Toss it in the microwave and set it for 3:30.  Make sure to leave it uncovered.
*After your mac is cooked, you'll notice some left over water. Leave it there.  It's needed!

*Squish the Velveeta down to the bottom of the pouch and rip (use your light sabre, gnaw with your pointy teeth, whatever) a hole at the top.

*Squeeze all the cheese in, mix with fork and then let it sit for a minute or two.  Letting it sit is key, as it'll be very runny otherwise.
*Commence with the nomming!

Taste:
The pasta may come out a little al dente if you've got an older microwave, but thats how I like pasta so it's not a bad thing IMO.  This pasta was cooked just right and none of it was noticably over or under cooked.  Velveeta is something of an acquired taste (and was a favorite of mine when I was younger and stayed home sick) so this isn't like the blue box taste that many are used to and has more of that 'American' cheese singles taste.  My cup o' mac was reasonably cheesy but there was a noticeable watered down cheese taste that detracted from it a bit, especially early on.  Letting it sit longer helped some, but there was still a watery taste noticable to the end.

Final Score:
For a quick, no mess mac n' cheese fix, these bowls are fast and easy way to fill that  mac n' cheese craving.  However results can vary considerably because just a bit too much water or under cooking will dilute it down enough to make it a less than ideal meal.  I've had a few of these Velveeta cups that have been good and a few that haven't.  These could be so much better, but considering that they're coming from a microwave and all you do is add water it's hard to really fault it that much.
One further downside is these cups don't really give you all that much food and like those candy bars that say they "Hungry? Grab a..." you'll be hungry for more not long after you've eaten one of these.

Nutritional Facts:

Serving Size  1 package (68 g)
Calories   220  Calories From Fat  70

Total Fat 8g  (12% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat 2.5g  (13% DV)
Trans Fat 0g  (0% DV)
Cholesterol 10mg  (3% DV)
Sodium 600mg  (25% DV)
Total Carbohydrates 30g  (10% DV)
Dietary Fiber <1g  (4% DV)
Sugars 3g
Protein 8g