As I didnt have any heaters at my house in University I used boiling water.
Once it was cooked I cautiously opened the pack, steam rose and the smell of beef stew, nothing rancid or foul smelling, place it into the bowl dipped the back of the spoon, gave it a smell and them tasted a little ammount. IT WAS GOOD!!!!, tried a little more, slowly and carfully just incase.
It tasted fine, slighlty metallic but probably just as good as the day it was made, reminded me of the British Hotpot in the 24 hour ration packs, the beef was fine, prehaps a little dry, I would gladly eat another; yes I did eat the majority of it.
Not bad for a ration thats probably older than me.

Another 2 will follow
Gaz