For his birthday, Foodgoat got just what he wanted: a case of military MRE's, or Meals Ready to Eat. 
MREs are self-contained, individual rations in lightweight packaging designed for field conditions where organized food facilities are not available. They're designed to last 3 years in 80-degree weather; longer if stored in more optimal conditions.
Why would he want this? Peace of mind: we are set for at least a week should disaster strike. That can of Wolfgang Puck soup is just not going to cut it for us if we are hit by gamma rays from an exploding neutron star or Canada attacks Cleveland or if a volcano blows up in New York. (34 is apparently the age when paranoia strikes).
Plus, MREs have apparently come a long way from their days of being known as Meals Rejected by Everyone, Meals, Rarely Edible, or Three Lies for the Price of One (it's not a Meal, it's not Ready, and you can't Eat it). Nowadays, they are reputed to be quite palatable. The military changes up their menu of MREs every year based on feedback as well.
Typically, each MRE has:
- Entree - the main course, such as Spaghetti or Beef Stew
- Side dish - rice, corn, fruit, or mashed potatoes, etc.
- Cracker or Bread
- Spread - peanut butter, jelly, or cheese spread
- Dessert - cookies or pound cakes
- Candy
- Beverages - Gatorade-like drink mixes, cocoa, dairy shakes, coffee, tea
- Hot sauce or seasoning - in some MREs
- Flameless Heater - to heat up the entree
- Accessories - spoon, matches, creamer, sugar, salt, chewing gum, toilet paper, etc
Since we have not actually been hit by gamma rays recently, we haven't yet tried eating any of the meals. But stay tuned for the next time the power goes out!!
If the power goes out you won't have internet access and hence we'll never know.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby (former Marine) and I carry a few in our cars in case the apocalypse hit while we were on the road. I actually eat the chicken and rice one out of curiosity once. Not too bad once you hit it with the little bottle of Tobasco provided.
ReplyDeleteYou should the face of a bum who asked for change so "I can get some food" and my husband handed him a pack of this. Heh.
reminds me of my childhood.
ReplyDeleteloved and bragged about the omelettes and yes, the little bottle of tabasco. that was the time when the Americans had to leave Clark Air Base in Pampanga.