Freeze Dried Meals

 I do not like processed foods.

I like raw food preferably organic.
Freeze Dried Meals are part of my nightmare, but there are times Freeze Dried Meals are the way to go.  e.g. on the International Space Station, antarctic expeditions etc.



I thought I would dislike Freeze Dried Meals produced for campers etc.  So I was very surprised when I tried one.  It was tasty, filling easy.

The zip lock packet can be reused, perhaps to store your refuse so can leave no trace.

I have got to recommend them for the Trangia, but for emergency use only.  They are expensive, highly processed and I am not convinced they are good for you.

I am inclined to purchase Freeze Dried Meals in the convenience food section in the local super market were the equivalent meals are 20% the price, rather than the camping store.

All you have to do is follow the instructions on the packet and you have something to eat.

Coffee (Cowboy Coffee)

Why Cowboy Coffee? 

Clearly freeze dried coffee in jars, sachets or repacked is the norm, but for some this is not enough.  Being a Limey Brit tea is my beverage of preference, but I can see the need for some to be able to make real coffee whilst out with a Trangia.  I had a boss who was like a bear with a sore head until she had two espressos in the morning.  So for some it is essential.



If you have a Trangia Pan Stand (part 612527) you would be able to use an espresso machine or percolator, but you can use less fuel and carry less kit if you make cowboy coffee.
I admit, coffee snobs may turn there noses up at this method, but you can make a strong cup of real coffee with this method without specialist kit.

Ingredients

25 grams Ground Coffee (finely ground preferably) per 250ml of water.
Optional, milk, sugar, cream, whiskey.

Method

Bring 500ml of water to a rolling boil.
Remember to use the fry pan as a lid it will be faster and use less fuel. 
When at a rolling boil add 50 grams of ground coffee to the water, keep boiling for 1 to 2 minutes.
Take off the heat. Extinguish the flames. Stir vigorously for a fews seconds. Add a splash of cold water to the center of the pan, and a splash on the side where you might pour from.  Now let it stand for a minute for the grounds to settle to the bottom of the pan.  Pour very slowly into your cups, taking care not to disturb the grounds which ought to have settled.

Going light

Freeze dried coffee is convenient and light, but if you want real coffee, this is fairly light.

Variations

Adding more, or less coffee to taste.
Milk, sugar, Cream to taste.

Not boiling the coffee once the ground coffee is added to the water. Just stirring the brew after the coffee is added, leaving it stand for two or three minutes, then stirring and then leaving to stand for a further minute before serving.  But some of the grounds will not settle if you do not boil.  Also the drink may not be as hot.

Porridge

Ingredients

Per Person

60 grms Porridge Oats

250 mls Milk

Salt

Sugar

Sultanas

Method

Pour milk into pan and bring to the boil.  Remove pan, place on simmer ring and add oats to the milk.  Return pan to the heat with the simmer the ring fitted and stir continuously until oats swell and cook through. (about 3 or 4 minutes).

Add sugar, sultanas or salt to taste

Going light

When going light you may want to use 50 grms of milk powder & 250m mlts of water.

Variations

Some people (often from Scotland) make porridge just with water and salt.

Options are to add some chocolate powder or fresh or dried fruit, like raspberries.