Mike Vischedyk, Wind River Trip, 2023
It was my first trip with this group, so of course I wanted to make a good impression (I’ve mostly tripped with my friend John, so it was always a low pressure situation. He could complain, but I probably wouldn’t really pay attention (sorry John). And, truth be told, I’m not much of a cook (that’s me talking. I’m sure my friends would vehemently disagree). In the end though, the group turned out to be extremely easy-going. I think I could have served them anything and it would have been “OK” (well…except oatmeal, about which I might have heard howls of protest from said editor of this fine publication). But I digress. At any rate, I started poking around the web and came across this. I did a practice run with John during a car camping trip (and let me tell you, the spouses were
thrilled about having rehydrated turkey, when there was a BBQ sitting right there). On the actual trip though, and to my delight, there were universal rave reviews (it was even requested again a year later, so that’s something).
==> Here is a link to the recipe – its about 1/4 way down the page.
At home, Package:
| Ingredient | 1 person | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Stuffing Mix | 30 g or 1/2 cup | 120 or 2 | 180 or 3 | 240 or 4 |
| Instant Potatoes | 25 g or 1/4 cup | 100 or 1 | 150 or 1.5 | 200 or 2 |
| Dehydrated Ground Turkey | 30 g | 120 | 180 | 240 |
| Dried Cranberries | 35 g or 1/4 cup | 140 or 1 | 210 or 1.5 | 280 or 2 |
| Celery Flakes or Celery Seed | 1 tbsp flakes, 1/4 tsp seed | 4, 1 | 6, 1.5 | 8, 2 |
| Gravy Powder (1 envelope for 4 servings) | 2 tsp | 8 | 12 | 16 |
| Water (approx.) | 1.75 cups | 7 | 10.5 | 14 |
* Oil or butter is optional.
My notes:
The recipe is per serving. I used the gram weights that they provide and just multiplied up, so I know how much stuff to buy (e.g. 30 g of stuffing per person meant that I’d need 240 g for eight people. So, I bought two 120 g boxes of stuffing. With some ingredients the amounts were approximate – but close enough). I boiled the water, like it said, and left it to sit for the 10-15 minutes. But I found the turkey wasn’t quite rehydrated, so, I put it back on the heat for another 5 minutes or so. This was also good to get it back up to temperature, and everyone gets a hot meal. Also, I found that the amount of water they specified worked out well, and it multiplies up well, too. For 8 people just use 8 x 1 3/4 cups of water. Don’t use MORE water than this though. If anything, use a touch less – but overall it’s pretty good.
On the Trail:
Boil about 1.75 cups of water (one serving), then turn the stove off. Add the whole mixture to the pot and stir to combine. The water should just cover the mixture. Put the lid on the pot and place it in a cozy (or fleece hat). Wait about 10-15 minutes to make sure everything gets thoroughly rehydrated. Then check and see if a little more water or time is needed. Stir it up, and if desired add a bit of oil or butter to replace some of the tasty fat perhaps lost in the dehydration process.
Notes: This hearty savory meal is fine as is, but if you want it to be a little less mushy you can set the potatoes apart and make them separately or in the same pot but to the side. You can also add toppings like french-fried onions or sweet potato chip crumbles for a bit of crunch.