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Betty Crocker Adds Flavors To 1996’S ‘Dish Of The Year’

Rick Bonino Food Editor

In case you missed it, mashed potatoes are back so much so that they were named “Dish of the Year” for 1996 by Restaurants & Institutions magazine.

But we’re not talking about the plain spuds you remember from Mom’s Sunday dinners. We’re talking flavors like Butter & Herb, Sour Cream & Chives, Roasted Garlic - which just happen to be the three new varieties of Betty Crocker’s boxed Seasoned Mashed Potatoes.

The Sour Cream & Chives version sampled by The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel had a nice texture for processed potatoes, and decent flavor. Maybe Betty’s bucking for “Box of the Year” honors.

Betty Crocker Sour Cream & Chives Mashed Potatoes

Price: $1.52 for 7.6 ounces (makes 4 cups).

Nutrition: 160 calories (38 percent fat calories); 390 milligrams sodium in 1/2 cup.

Taste: ****

Value: ****

Comments: “Good texture and flavor for boxed, and much quicker than real potatoes. These even already have flavor in them!” - Christie Coleman

“Nice buttery color and creamy texture. Tastes yummy; way to go, Betty!” - Jan Robison

, DataTimes MEMO: Products sampled by The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel are prepared according to package directions. Panelists are not aware of a product’s brand name or price until after they have tasted it. Products are rated from one to five stars for taste and for value, based on quality compared to price.

Products sampled by The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel are prepared according to package directions. Panelists are not aware of a product’s brand name or price until after they have tasted it. Products are rated from one to five stars for taste and for value, based on quality compared to price.