Any dehydrator users here?

[robtattoo]

I just finally bought a good quality dehydrator & I'm looking for recipes.
Okay, jerky I know (  :D  ) but I'm looking for a few of y'alls backpacking/mountain hunting meal ideas.

I've tried Mountain House & other freeze dried, flavored sodium but honestly, I think I'd rather eat twigs & grass than have to live on nothing but for a week or more.

I'm looking really, for whole, balanced meal ideas: Chilis, stews, rice/bean ideas. Good balances of meat, veg & starches that don't taste like a chemistry set!

Whatcha got?

[Daz]

Rob,
Any meal you make can be dehydrated, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Ground meat dehydrates/rehydrates better than chunks in meals.
2. Meat has to be as lean as possible (turkey or venison before anything else).
3. Precook your meat, and then rinse at least twice with hot water to remove the cooking grease or any fat from meat. This will keep the entree from going rancid.
4. Never underestimate the awesomeness of Idahoan powdered potatoes (can be added to anything. Cheap. Readily available.

Experiment. I quit using MH and other freeze dried about five years ago, and would NEVER go back.

[bretto]

That's some good info Daz.

After drying are you using a vacuum sealer to store your meals?

[Stephen Spencer]

I've pulled several ideas from sites like this one:  http://www.backpackingchef.com/

[Daz]

Bretto,
I've used a vacuum sealer as well as plain old ziplock bags.
If i am going to use in less than a month, entrees into ziplocks in a  cool dry place.

I can't also stress the importance of experimenting before the season starts. Some entrees will need more-less water/soak time than others. Others will just kind of suck. Also don't be afraid to use grains like quinoa or couscous instead of rice/pasta/spuds.

[Quercus]

I would suggest getting your hands on a copy of The Well Fed Backpacker. It's a small book but is all you need. Read it more for the approach than the recipies (though they are good too).

[Quercus]

I would suggest getting your hands on a copy of The Well Fed Backpacker. It's a small book but is all you need. Read it more for the approach than the recipies (though they are good too).