I have always been a fan of hiking and exploring the great outdoors. And just like any outdoor enthusiast, I understand the importance of having a hearty and delicious meal to refuel after a long day on the trails. However, eating well while camping can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and create my very own homemade version of Mountain House’s popular Chili Mac. In this blog post, I will not only share my tasty recipe but also compare the costs of preparing it at home versus buying the premade meal. So, join me as I delve into the world of cost-effective and mouthwatering outdoor cooking!
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Introduction
I recently purchased a Harvest Right freeze dryer for making my own copycat Mountain House Chili Mac recipe. In this article, I will be reviewing a video created by Survivalist Prepper that shows the breakdown of ingredients, cost, calories, and protein in my chili mac compared to the popular Mountain House brand. By using a combination of canned ground beef, chili, and elbow macaroni, I was able to create a delicious and cost-effective version of this classic backpacking meal.
Heading 1: Creating the Homemade Mountain House Chili Mac
In the video, Survivalist Prepper demonstrates the step-by-step process of creating the homemade Mountain House Chili Mac. Using the Harvest Right freeze dryer, I cooked and froze a mixture of canned ground beef, two cans of chili, and two pounds of elbow macaroni in Harvest Right pans. This ensured that the meal would be well-preserved and ready for future use.
Sub-heading 1: Freezing and Storage
After preparing the chili mac, I divided the mixture into pint-sized bags with the addition of oxygen absorbers. This step helps to remove any excess moisture that may affect the shelf life of the meal. I then sealed the bags using a Harvest Right impulse sealer, ensuring that they were airtight and protected from any potential contaminants.
Sub-heading 2: Rehydration and Taste Test
To test the rehydration process, I added one cup of water to a bag of the frozen chili mac and shook it vigorously. After letting it sit for 15 minutes, I opened the bag to find that the rehydration was fantastic. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the flavors of the chili were just as delicious as the day I made it. The video accurately portrayed this easy and successful rehydration process.
Heading 2: Cost Comparison
One of the key aspects of the video was the cost comparison between the homemade chili mac and the Mountain House brand. According to Survivalist Prepper, my homemade version costs $14.46 for approximately 22 cups of chili mac, while a Mountain House meal would cost $11 for the same quantity. This demonstrates that by creating my own freeze-dried meals, I am able to save money and have greater control over the ingredients and nutritional content.
Sub-heading 1: Nutritional Value
The video provided valuable information about the nutritional value of my homemade chili mac compared to Mountain House. According to the breakdown, my version contains approximately 5300 calories and 211 grams of protein, which is comparable to the commercially available option. This ensures that even in a survival situation, the homemade chili mac can provide the necessary energy and nutrients needed for sustenance.
Heading 3: Future Improvements
While the video showcased the success of my current homemade Mountain House Chili Mac recipe, I plan to make improvements in the future. Adding spices and making the chili from scratch will allow for more customization and a bolder flavor profile. By experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, I can create a truly unique and satisfying backpacking meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the video created by Survivalist Prepper effectively highlights the benefits of creating a homemade Mountain House Chili Mac recipe using a Harvest Right freeze dryer. The step-by-step breakdown of ingredients, cost, and nutritional information provides valuable insights for anyone interested in creating their own freeze-dried meals. With careful planning, cost-consciousness, and a touch of creativity, it is possible to enjoy the convenience and flavor of Mountain House meals at a fraction of the cost.