Making Your Own MRE

We have all seen the prepackaged Emergency Survival Foods, you know MREs.  Here is my thing with MREs, most of them taste like crap.  I want to survive, but I would rather survive with tasty food than feel like I am eating dog food for a year.   They are also really expensive.  Being a super dork cheapskate, this goes against everything I am.  My solution, make my own with food I know is good quality and with an ingredient list I can understand.  It will require a small investment, but buy it right and buy it once.  A one-time investment for a long term savings is a win win.

Equipment:

Mylar food bags

Air sucking food saving device (I can't use the brand name) to remove the air

Dehydrator

Desiccant packs

1. Decide what recipe to use.  There are a number of soups, casseroles, one pot dishes you can choose from.  Choose recipes with high protein and calorie content.  If you are using MREs because you are bugging out, you are going to need the calories and proteins.  The only limit here is your brain.
• Here are some of my favorites:
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Mashed potatoes and meatloaf
• Chili
• Minestrone
• Chicken, rice and vegetables
• Red beans, sausage and rice
2. Measure out the ingredients for the number of servings you need.  (Remember, these are portable foods and weight is a major factor)
3. Use the dehydrator to dry all ingredients except for powdered spices and powdered dairy.  
1. Meat is cooked before dehydrating.  
2. Beans are cooked before dehydrating.
3. Spices are mixed and sealed in a separate small bag.  
4. For dairy, I use powdered organic choices.  (Powdered milks, powdered eggs and powdered cheese)  I use premade because I do not have the ability to dehydrate those items for a proper shelf life.  If you do?  Go for it!  It makes it even cheaper.
4. Place one-pot items in one bag along with the spices and seal.  One field-ready MRE.  For longer storage, include one desiccator pack in the bag.  Write directions or print recipe label and reconstituting directions to be included in the large bag.  Helpful hint, place an individually sealed water purifying tablet in with the recipe.  Water is too heavy to port, so you are going to need clean water to reconstitute your food.
5. For multi course meals, seal individual ingredients in smaller bags and then seal in one larger bag.  Write directions or print recipe label and reconstituting directions to be included in the large bag.  Helpful hint, place an individually sealed water purifying tablet in with the recipe.  Water is too heavy to port, so you are going to need clean water to reconstitute your food.

When you are packing a go bag and including MREs, remember to add some seeds.  If you are leaving for good, you still want to be able to grow your own.  Seeds are lightweight, and they are imperative for long-term survival.Making your own MRE takes some effort, but it is worth it in both cost savings and clean nutrition.

If you make your own MREs or have some recipes you like to use, please share.  Knowledge = Survival

Thanks,
Happy Homesteading!