New for 2016 - and in a TOTM

Reviews of other US rations - MCW, LRP, MCI, FSR, etc.
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RockyRaab
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New for 2016 - and in a TOTM

Post by RockyRaab » Wed Jul 13, 2016 4:11 pm

The newest MRE/TOTM entree is Creamy Spinach Fettucini. I managed to snag one two weeks ago at my local AF base commissary and wanted to be the first to review it. So today, I made a picnic of it.

Wornick is the only supplier to pack this meal in a TOTM, as far as I know. It's their TOTM Menu #9 In the full MRE version, it is Menu 14. It is one of the four veggie menus, and appears to have replaced Ratatouille (much to my displeasure. I loved the Ratatouille!) Here's the package:

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The official menu list calls for the dreaded lemon/lime gunk, but I was pleased to see this TOTM had a Strawberry Shake. Here's the full contents, less the FRH and Acc Pack:

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Note the date code on the entree. Talk about fresh!

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I foolishly forgot to bring a bowl or plate to better display the meal, so this is as good as I can show it: (I didn't get the full macro setting, so this isn't quite in focus. Sorry)

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It seems to be about half creamed spinach and half noodles, with mushroom slices clearly visible. The noodles were not quite al dente but not mushy, either. Nice texture - possibly because it was so fresh. The spinach was good, if you like creamed spinach. I got nice mushroom flavor, a hint of garlic, and smooth creaminess. It could use a shake of Parmesan cheese, but hot sauce would be out of place on this one. In summary, I liked it and would definitely eat it again - but I wish they had dropped the cheese tortellini and kept the Ratatouille to make room for this one.

Oh, finally, my picnic spot. That's Ben Lomond peak in the background, with the Wasatch Front range on the right. It's right dern purdy here in Utah...

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rabidwolf
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Re: New for 2016 - and in a TOTM

Post by rabidwolf » Wed Jul 13, 2016 9:36 pm

Great catch and nice review Rocky!

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Re: New for 2016 - and in a TOTM

Post by parafireboy » Thu Jul 14, 2016 12:21 am

Nice review! I recently picked up a couple of these entrees at TheEpicenter, but haven't had a chance to try it yet. It looks pretty good! I would think it would be easy for them to include a small pack of Parmesan cheese with this entree, especially when they can include butter substitute when they include mashed potatoes. Being pretty dry, it wouldn't be hard to meet the requisite shelf life requirements. Maybe they'll get some feedback regarding this after it's been in service awhile.

Thanks for sharing! :)

rationtin440
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Re: New for 2016 - and in a TOTM

Post by rationtin440 » Thu Jul 14, 2016 12:29 pm

Great review Rocky! I've been a bit squeamish about trying the shakes in the MREs since the recalls, I'm not sure if the manufacturers resolved the issue or not.

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Name_not_found
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Re: New for 2016 - and in a TOTM

Post by Name_not_found » Thu Jul 14, 2016 1:22 pm

Nice review, thanks for the first look!
rationtin440 wrote:Great review Rocky! I've been a bit squeamish about trying the shakes in the MREs since the recalls, I'm not sure if the manufacturers resolved the issue or not.
Oh yeah its all good now, no worries
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Re: New for 2016 - and in a TOTM

Post by Delicious » Thu Jul 14, 2016 3:52 pm

I haven't tried the ratatouille , but this looks appetizing. And it's reeeeeallly fresh ! :)
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Re: New for 2016 - and in a TOTM

Post by sourwes » Fri Jul 15, 2016 8:05 am

Great review and awesome view! Lookin forward to tryin this entree.
it is what it is....

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Re: New for 2016 - and in a TOTM

Post by kwiklot » Fri Jul 15, 2016 4:17 pm

RockyRaab wrote:
but I wish they had dropped the cheese tortellini and kept the Ratatouille to make room for this one.
drop the cheese tort? how dare you good sir!! in all fairness it is the blandest of all of the veggie meals but it has so much in it, I don't have faith that they wouldn't strip the whole meal and it would be akin to veggie burger type sides.

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RockyRaab
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Re: New for 2016 - and in a TOTM

Post by RockyRaab » Fri Jul 15, 2016 5:45 pm

The blandness is why I could part with the cheese tort - albeit reluctantly.
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rationtin440
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Re: New for 2016 - and in a TOTM

Post by rationtin440 » Tue Jul 26, 2016 9:58 am

The photos look really appetizing, and about the only way I'll eat spinach is raw like in a salad or if cooked, in a lasagna or fettucini. I could never choke down cooked spinach by itself.

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