We first reviewed Packit Gourmet’s Cheddar-Jack Cheese Spread in September of 2008. I tucked it into my backpack for a trip up in subalpine on a chilly day at 6,400 feet. A protein-packed snack was welcomed that day. I paired the cheese spread with Triscuit crackers.
Back then, it weighed in at 3.3 ounces of packed weight. Until I looked closely, I had forgotten it came with even a hand wipe (which was cool as you could get your hands clean before making food).
Then, I reviewed another version, which was 4 ounces in weight and was a single serving. Oddly, at the same subalpine lake, on different trips.
Both of these versions came with mayonnaise packets to add in for a creamier spread. I will say the mayo did make it easier to spread on the crackers.
It was cold that day, with winter whispering it was coming up high at Mount Rainier National Park—a day for enjoying a tasty snack out of the wind by a subalpine lake.
A hiking partner was enjoying snack time. Preacher had flown out to marry two friends in our hiking group a few days before, out on the Elwha River Trail in the Olympic Mountains. He was here for a few days, so he hiked, especially in the mountains. And so I prepared a snack for us all.
The newer version of this snack spread is an ounce lighter, at 2.3 ounces. Pack what you like for the carb, crunchy crackers, tortillas, or bread.
The spread is $11.99. The package contains 420 calories and is a 2-serving snack.
Ingredients:
“Colby-Jack Cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, annatto), Cheddar Cheese Powder ([milk, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes], whey, buttermilk, salt, disodium phosphate [anti-caking]), Cream Cheese Powder (cream cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, carob bean gum], sodium caseinate, disodium phosphate, natural flavors, BHA), Red and Green Bell Peppers, Minced Shallots, Smoked Peppers, Garlic & Herb Seasoning (garlic, spices [oregano, rosemary, basil, red pepper], orange peel, onion, parsley, paprika, celery), Spices, Organic Chives”
As I went to photograph the dried goods, I found a painted rock on the tree stump. Peace, Pumpkin!
The Review:
Remembering the mayo versions, this was more of a sturdy spread, kind of “pile it on,” so use a sturdy cracker. We used Triscuits again. I noted that they now contain cream cheese powder to give it a creamier spread.
I prepared the spread using the warm water method. Due to the cold weather, I insulated the bag in an FBC Cozy.
I liked this version. It has a sharper cheese taste. Living your best mid-century life on the trail, eating canapes, and being all fancy with the pimentos. You can see the red peppers in the spread. If you want a Happy Hour in camp, this is the spread to bring along. It’s a wee bit spicy, too, so have the drinks ready.
This cheese spread would also be great tossed with hot rice or pasta for a lot of flavor.
The spread has been released as a limited-time run. If you want to try it out, use code “TRAILCOOKING” to save an extra 10%.
FTC Disclaimer: We purchased the product for review. All thoughts and opinions are ours.
~Sarah