Today for dinner I decided to try my first MCW. I recently picked up a 2014 DoP sealed case on eBay for a pretty good deal, so I've got extras to try now.
It was packaged by Wornick, and is menu #4. I actually went to the mountains a few days ago with the intention of doing the review in a more "expeditionary" setting with some great scenery, but lately I am cursed when it comes to the weather. The one day I had free to head into the mountains it storms. A little rain wouldn't have stopped me, but it was downright nasty. Oh well, you'll just have to settle for a review from the comforts of home.
Let's get started. . .
- MCW - Menu 4 (2014)
I opened it up and laid everything out to inventory. . .
- MCW Contents
Including the accessory packet. . .
- MCW Accessory Packet
The vacuum seal was intact on the entree, and gave a nice vacuum hiss when opened. The contents looked and smelled good.
- Entree Dry
I added the specified amount of water (16 oz) and waited about 10 minutes as directed, then got it plated on my fine dinner service. The mocha desert bar was interesting. There is no real difference between the inner and outer parts of the bar, it is the same consistency throughout. It reminded me of one of those breakfast protein bars. It was kind of so-so. Not great, but not horrible either. The cheese spread was. . . well, come on, it's always good
The crackers were fine, though I will forever miss the salted ones of the late 80's MREs.
- Contents Prepared
I forgot one of the golden tips for these dehydrated entrees, start small on the liquid. Since the directions called for 16 oz I should have added 13 or 14 and checked it. It was a little wet, but it was still quite good. I just poured off some of the liquid from the bag before putting it on the tray. There were ample pieces of white and dark turkey meat, green beans, and thin noodles. I see why they don't include salt in the accessory packet, it was plenty salty as it was, but not too much.
- Entree Close-Up
The beverages were good. The orange beverage was very similar to those "Emergen-C" type of vitamin drinks, and was actually pretty refreshing. It wasn't over-the-top sweet like so many of the US beverages. The mocha cappuccino drink was pretty decent too, and made a nice "desert" drink. With these, I usually add slightly more water than it specifies, which help make it not too sweet. Just my personal taste. The coffee was good for an instant coffee, and went well with the mocha desert bar.
- Beverages
Overall, I was pleased with this menu. I'm glad I've got some more to use, and I look forward to trying some in the Montana winter later this year (not that I'm in a hurry for winter in any way though
).
Thanks for looking!
