Finally tried those instant Idaho potatoes. (No point in stocking them if nobody will eat them, so we had them with dinner tonight.) YUM! About $1.29 at Walmart. Just add 2 cups of boiling water. So good. We usually do instant rice when we're living out of our packs but these potatoes may knock that off it's pedestal. Already added a few packs to the family bob and one to vehicle bib/bob.

What else have y'all been holding out on me about?

IIPs are great and one of my staples. I will mix in various cheeses, etc. and throw in jerky or whatever. It winds up as a sort of ersatz shepherd's pie. If I could get my hands on some haggis I would try that....

If you find a potatos au gratin box with the sliced dried potatos in two packs, I like to add a small pack of salmon (the aluminum pouch type), a 1/3rd cup of dried milk, Seasoning and herbs to taste to one potato pack in about 2 cups of boiling water and cook till the potatos are tender.

mmmm... those sound like delicious recipes. Thanks guys! I look forward to trying them out.

We had them tonight with peas and turkey meatloaf. Shepard's pie is right, hikermor.'It would be delish with haggis! (There's a sentance I never thought I'd say. LOL!) YUM!

I am partial to the Mountain House meals. I like the chicken and rice and teriyaki chicken the most. If I am going to cook something for several people, I take a package of the chicken in the foil bag, a package of Knorr rice and some basic seasoning and follow the rice directions, pouring in the chicken and broth from the foil pack. Actually tasty and will feed 2 to 3 people, depending on appatites.

The sky is really the limit, you just have to look at things on the grocers shelf and think,"how can I use that on camp?" The possiblities can fit all tastes.

My all time favorite backpacking meal is to get filet mignon, cook it almost to the desired state, take it off the grill and freeze it in foil, placed in a ziplock. Take rice and vegtables that are quick to make. I wrap the steak in some clothing to keep it cool on the trail and the first night make a fire, let it burn to coals and put the steak on the coals to let it finish cooking, in the foil. Make the veggies and rice while that is going on and then have a nice feast.

If I am trying to impress someone, I will take a pint of red wine, chilled, placed in a thermos and a few plastic wine glasses. I get some weird, hungry looks from other hikers

A very Quick MRE found at the local supermarket, just reheat in a few minutes.

Tilda Lime & Coriander Steamed Basmati Rice (250g)

John West Tuna Fillet in Sweet Thai Red Chilli (142g)

Some other product lines I find useful

http://www.ainsley-harriott.com/products/

http://www.lookwhatwefound.co.uk/Page/ProductsByCategory.aspx?CatID=1

And for freeze dried

http://www.expeditionfoods.com/expedition-foods/freeze-dried/high-energy-serving.html

And if desperate the infamous Vesta Beef Curry

http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/#/asda-co..._rice_236g.html

1000Kcal in a 236 gram package

I recently tried one of these on a recent fishing trip. One of my fishing buddies was amazed, thinking that it dated from the 1970s not knowing that these were still available.

Thanks Am_Fear_Liath_Mor! I'll have a look and see if I can find these.

I like instant taters too.I mix em 50/50 with corned beef shreds and fry like a pancake,potatao pancakes...very good.

That sounds delish, Spuds! Thanks!

summer sausage and boiled eggs. great trail food.