How To Cook Freeze-Dried Foods So They Always Taste Good

Posted by Camp Trainer on Feb 2, 2009 in Featured, Tips and Strategies • No comments • 470 views

Freeze-dried foods are fickle. Prepare ‘em according to directions one day and they’re great. Repeat the procedure another time and… ugh.

Take heart. Here’s a foolproof cooking method that works regardless of the weather, zodiac or cranky stove.

Step 1: Read the cooking directions but don’t take them too seriously. What works at home on the range often fails on a flat rock in forest.

Step 2: Separate the component parts of the food. Generally, there are 3 parts - a meat portion; a noodle, rice, or vegetable portion and a spice packet.

Typical directions say: Add contents of all packets to x cups of boiling water. Reduce heat, simmer 15-20 mins or until noodles (or whatever are tender).

Step 3: Put 20 percent more water in your cooking pot than the directions call for, and add the meat portion only to the cold water. Bring the water to a boil and add a healthy dash of “all-spice”, in which you make by mixing approximately equal amounts of the following spices:

Oregano
Onion Powder
Marjoram
Thyme
Seasoned Salt and Pepper Mixtures (usually I buy a commercial blend)

Step 4: When the water is at a rolling boil, add contents of the spice packet (if there is one). Reduce heat to slow boil and let spices of and meat stew together for a full 5 minutes. If there is no spice packet, allow meat to stew together for 5 minutes before you proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Add contents of noodle, rice, or vegetables packet to the boiling water.Reduce heat, cover, simmer and stir occasionally for the amount of tume indicated in the package directions.

Step 6: Eat and enjoy. All portions of the meal are thoroughly cooked and the taste has been fully developed.