So far, Alpine Aire is the only one with any sort of offering.
![Image](http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l261/elandil/ration%20pics/20150824_132140_HDR.jpg)
![Image](http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l261/elandil/ration%20pics/20150824_132214_HDR.jpg)
As you can see by the destructions, it's an add water, wait, and eat. Or, add water, wait, fry, and eat. Contents include beef, onions, potatoes, and sauce/spices. It definately sounds rather good.
Opening the package did not quite yield what I expected.
![Image](http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l261/elandil/ration%20pics/20150824_132247_HDR.jpg)
For some reason, I expected cubes. So, the shreds threw me for a moment. However, the smell coming out of the package was rather enticing. Good, beefy smell, undertones of onion, spices adding harmonious notes... Had me looking forward to it.
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
So, added the 16oz boiling water...
![Image](http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l261/elandil/ration%20pics/20150824_132306_HDR.jpg)
(yes, measured and brought to a rolling boil)
...Stirred it with a long spoon, making sure to reach down in the bag corners, sealed the zip top, and waited for double the 10 minute suggested time. (it aint my first freeze-dried rodeo...
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
When time was up, gave it another stir for good measure, then dumped it on a plate.
![Image](http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l261/elandil/ration%20pics/received_897230423646677.jpeg)
Ok, a little residual liquid...not a deal breaker. Still looks rather good, so I gave it a try....
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)
Flavorwise, it was good. Strong flavor of beef broth, the onions and paprika added a hint of spice, the beef was really good. But the potatoes..
...those potatoes...
...
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
Sorry, but I've ate halfway cooked pasta that was more tender and less toothsome than those potato strips. Plus, there was still a feel of starch coating my tongue after the first bite. That coupled with how they tried to stick to everything....It was not a pleasing feeling.
So, I said to myself "Self, it also gave the option of frying. Lets see if that helps." Into the frying pan it went. And, to keep things in perspective, I used a non-stick pan of a size you would commonly see a camper or hiker carrying.
![Image](http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l261/elandil/ration%20pics/20150824_135408_HDR.jpg)
I cooked it until all the liquid was gone and I could hear sizzling. Then, back onto the wiped down plate.
![Image](http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l261/elandil/ration%20pics/20150824_140137_HDR.jpg)
So, how much did this help? None.
So, I went back to the old standby, doused it in tabasco, and started eating fast so I wouldn't have to chew as much. Managed to eat about 3/4ths of it before throwing in the towel. And, at the end it was almost just moving the potatoes around to get to the small meat cubes.
I think what depressed me about it was the fact that the potatoes seemed so underprepared. I know that it's easy to make good dehdryated/F-D shredded potatos. I carry then camping all the time, buying the big bulk boxes at the local warehouse store. So, I know it's not the potatos fault, instead its the fault of the company.
Luckily, this is not the end of my search. I have also procured both freeze dried diced beef, and some dehdryated cubed potatoes. Lets see if I can come up with something a little better on my own..
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)