I have bought this for years and find it really makes one pot crock meals fast and easy! I use 1/2 a packet in the crockpot with the roast and a bit of wine- and let it simmer for 10 hours - melt in your mouth goodness! I often use the rest of that packet (about 1/2) to make a dip by mixing it with a 8 oz container of sour cream. It makes it nice to have a quick snack with a dip in the fridge to grab quick for kids when they come home from school. This also is a great base for starting soups - beef soup is made better with a packet of this and quicker too. Also - a simple way to kick up oven...read full review »