field cooking nutrition

7/31/2019 Field Cooking Nutrition

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Inthepastthecommonsoldierwasnotfedbyhisunit,butwaslefttofendandforageforhimself.Whenanarmywasinthearea,thelocalpopulationsufferedgreatly.Theirhomeswereransackedandanythingoffoodvaluewasstolenalongwithallediblelivestock.Modernarmiesgotogreatlengthstoinsuretheirsoldiersaresuppliedwithsufficientnutritiousmealstokeepthemfitandreadytocompletetheirmission.

MilitaryFieldRations.Theobjectofmilitaryfieldrationsistoprovideplentyofnutrientsinaslightaweightaspossible.Whenhotmesshallmealsarenotavailable,soldiersareissuedfieldrationswhichcanbequicklyandeasilypreparedinthefield.Intrainingsituations,mostUnitedStatesmilitaryunitstrytoprovideatleastonehotmealperdayandissueMRE's(MealsReadytoEat)fortheothers.MRE'saren'tmuchdifferentincontentfromVietnamWareraC-Rations,butarepackedinlightweightplasticandfoilpouchesinsteadofheavytincansandsomefoodslikefruitsandvegetableshavebeenfreezedriedtosaveevenmoreweight.MRE'sarebalancednutritionallyandthereisacertainvarietyofmenus(solongasyoudon'tgetthesametypeforeverymeal),butarethoughtbymanysoldierstobeverybland.Troopsoftencarryhotsauceandspiceslikeseasonedsalt,cayennepepper,garlicorcurrypowderandsomealsobringcheese,drysalami,minuterice(acleanbootsockisgoodfor

carryingsomeextrarice)orramennoodlestothefieldtoimproveorsupplementtheissuedmeal.MRE'sgenerallyconsistofamain-course(likebeefstew,barbecuedbeefslicesorchickenalaking),afreezedriedfruitorvegetablesnack(likepeaches,strawberriesorhashbrownpotatoes,whichcanbereconstitutedwithwateroreatendryandcrunchy),densecrackersandsomekindofspread(likepeanutbutterorcheesewhiz),adessert(likechocolateorcookies),adrinkmix(likekool-aidorcocoa),salt,pepper,instantcoffee,creamer,sugar,chewinggum,matchesandtoiletpaper.Othermodernarmiesissuesimilarrations,butusuallywithcannedfood.TheFrenchArmyevenincludesasmallplasticbottleofredwineintheirfieldrations.

BritishArmyRations.AfterthefallofFrancetotheNazis,abookletonguerrillawarfarewasdistributedtotheBritishHomeArmy,theircitizen'sMilitia,advisinghowtoresisttheexpectedinvasionoftheirislandnation.Concerningrationsthisbookletstatedthat,inapinch,ahalf-poundofchocolateandahalf-poundofraisinsshouldsufficetosustainasoldierinthefieldforaweek.Trythatsometimeifyouwanttoloseabouttenpounds.TheBritishArmytodayhasamuchbetterfielddietintheformofa24-hour"ratpack"(rationpack)thoughtbymanyotherarmiestobethebestintheworld.It'susefultoexaminethecontentsoftheBritishratpackwhenplanningandassemblingyourownrationsforMilitiafieldduty.Eachratpackweighsabout4-1/2pounds,comesinacardboardboxwitharangecardprintedonthesideandisissuedwithafoldingstoveandhexaminesolidfueltabletsora

sternotypejelliedfuelcooker.Thereisamenucardshowingthesuggestedbreakdownforabreakfast,snackandmainmeal.Themealplanfortheratpackisnotverydifferentfromthemealsconsumedbymanybackpackers;aquick,easytopreparebreakfast,highcarbohydratesnackseatenthroughouttheday'sactivities,andamoreheartymainmeal.Breakfastconsistsofarolledoatsporridgemix,acanofbacongrillorbaconburger(whichcanbeeatencoldorfried),brownbiscuits(plaindensecookie/crackersnotunlikehardtackwithsomesugar)andpowderedcocoa.Thesnackisplacedinuniformpocketsoranequipmentbeltpouch(neverinanammopouch;inafirefight,reachingfora


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magazineandcomingupwithachocolatebarcangetyouseriouslykilled).Thesnackisconsumedthroughoutthedayasdesiredandasthemissionallows.Itconsistsofmorebrownbiscuits,asmalltinofmeatspread(chicken,ham,beef,orchicken&bacon),amilkchocolatebar,arollofhardflavoredsugarcandy,chocolatecoveredcaramelsandlemonororangeflavoreddextrose(glucose)tablets.Therearefourdifferentmainmealmenus,allincans;chickencurry,steak&kidneypudding,steak&onioncasseroleandmincedsteak.Themainmealalsohasfruitfilledbiscuits,instantsoup,asidedish(mixedvegetable,pre-cookedminuterice,spaghettiintomatosauceorbeansintomatosauce)andafruitdessert(instantappleflakes,apple&apricotflakes,fruitsaladormixedfruitpudding).The24-hourratpackalsocontainssix25-gramsugarpackets,fourteabagsandseveralone-cupservinginstantdrinkpackets(fourdriedskimmilkpowder,twocoffee,onebeefstockandoneorangeorlemondrinkpowder)andsundries(chewinggum,toiletpaper,salt,bookmatches,windproof&waterproofmatches,waterpurificationtabletsandaP-38typefoldingcanopener).Wherepossible,freshrationsareissuedtosupplementtheratpack,butitprovidesabalanceddietofexcellentqualityandhasenoughcaloriesandvitaminstokeepasoldiergoingonallbutthemostarduoustasks.

FoodforEnergy.Toperformyourmissionincombat,youneedtogiveyourbodyallthecaloriesandnutrientsitneeds.Tohumpyourrucksack

upamountainorkeepwarmonacoldday,yourbodyneedstoburnuplotsofdigestiblefood.Whetheryouareassaultingahillorlyingperfectlystillinyoursleepingbag,yourbodyisconstantlyexpendingenergy.Theenergyintakesuppliedbyfoodismeasuredinunitsofheatenergycalledcalories.Apoundofcheesecontainsabout1,800calories;apoundofmargarine3,300calories.Anindividualperformingtheheavyexercisecommontooutdooractivitiesinatacticalenvironmentrequires3,200to4,500caloriesperday.Incoldweather,morecaloriesarerequiredtokeepthebodywarm.Rationsfortheaveragepersonshouldbeplannedtoprovideabout3,700caloriesadayinthesummerand4,250caloriesinthewinter.Calories,however,measureonlytheheatenergyinfood.Itwouldnotbeadequate,orappetizing,forasoldierinwintertoconsumetherequired4,250caloriesbyeatingapoundof

margarineandhalfapoundofcheese.InordertoputtogetherarationplanforMilitiafielddutywhichwillencouragethebody'sefficiency,youmustalsoconsiderthetypeofcalorieyouwillbeconsuming.

Mostofthecaloriesyouneedinthefieldcanbeprovidedbycarbohydrates,thestarchesandsugarswhichshouldmakeupabouthalfofyourdailyration.Pasta,flour,rice,potatoes,driedfruit,cocoa,pudding,driedmilk,powderedeggs,nuts,honeyandbrownsugarareexcellentsourcesofcarbohydrates,andarethebackboneofagoodfieldration.Whilesomecarbohydrates,suchaspuresugars,assimilateintothebodywithinfifteenminutesofingestion,whichisidealforaninstantpick-me-uponapatrol,others,suchasthestarchinpasta,

takeuptofourhourstoassimilate.That'sfine;theextratimeallowsyoutoproduceenergytowarmyouthroughthenightortofuelalongmarch.Itshouldbenotedthatthenutritivequalityofcarbohydratescanbeseriouslyaffectedbyprocessingandrefining.Wheneverpossible,includewhole-grainandunprocessedfoodstuffsinyourrations.

Fatsareamoreconcentratedformofenergyandamorecomplexformoffoodthancarbohydrates,soitusuallytakesthebodyfromtwotoninehourstometabolizethem.Onegramoffatproducesninecaloriesofheat


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energy(morethantwiceasmuchascarbohydratesorproteins).Whilefatsdonotprovidetheinstantvigorthatcarbohydratescan,theyareagoodlong-termenergysourcetokeepyouhikingalldayandwarmallnight.Fatswillbeprovidingenergytoyourbodyaftercarbohydrateseatenatthesametimehavebeenusedup.Twenty-fivepercentofyourdailycaloricintakeinthefieldshouldbefats.Duringthewinterahigherintake,closertofortypercent,isrecommended,sincefatsplaysuchanimportantroleinmakingyourbodylesssensitivetothecold(nowyouknowwhyblubberissuchanimportantpartofthetraditionalAlaskanNativeAmericandiet).However,fatsrequireagoodbloodsupplyinthestomachfordigestion.Theyarelikelytobeunappetizing,andevennauseatingundercircumstanceswhencirculationispoor,likeathighaltitudesorwhenyouareverycold,dehydratedandexhausted.Ifyoudon'thaveaproblemdigestingfatsincoldweatherandifyouhaveatendencytogetcoldinthemiddleofthenight,putaspoonfulofmargarineinyourcocoabeforegoingtobed.Yoursleepingbagdoesn'twarmyouup,youwarmitupanditsinsulationkeepsyourbodyheatfromescaping.Youcancreatebodyheateitherbymetabolizingfoodorbyshivering;yourchoice.Othergoodsourcesoffatsarecheese,coconut,bacon,salami,nutsandpeanutbutter.

Proteinistherawmaterialwhichmostofthebody'scellsrequiretokeeponliving.Ifmoreproteinisconsumedthanthebodyneedsfor

buildingandmaintainingtissues,itisburnedforenergy.Theproteininourbodiesismadeupoftwenty-twochemicalsubstancescalledaminoacids.Theseaminoacidscanbearrangedinagreatnumberofformations,andeachstructureformsadifferentproteinthatservesthebodyinadifferentmanner.Allaminoacidsusedbythebodycomefromfood.Ifsomeneededaminoacidsarenotpresentinthediet,thebodycanbreakdownotheraminoacidsandmanufacturetherequiredtype.However,thereareeightaminoacidswhichthebodycannotmanufacturecalledessentialaminoacids,whichmustbeobtainedthroughtheproteininthefoodweeat.Somefoods,suchasmeats,poultry,fish,eggsandmilkproductsfurnishalleightessentialaminoacidsandarecalled"completeproteins."Otherfoods,suchasbeans,peas,lentils,peanuts,cereals,vegetablesandfruitscontainsome,butnotall,oftheeight

essentialaminoacidsandarecalled"incompleteproteins."Mostofthecompleteproteinfoodsarenotveryhandyforuseinthefieldbecauseofweightorspoilage,solearningthepropercombinationofincompleteproteinsisanimportantpartoffieldnutrition.Whenconsideringhowtocombineincompleteproteinstocreatecompleteproteins,trytoincludefoodsfromatleasttwoofthefollowinggroups,eitherinasinglemealoroverthecourseofaday:wholegrains(rice,flour,pasta),dairyproducts(milk,cheese),legumes(beans,peanuts,lentils),andseeds(sesame,sunflower,pumpkin).Themostcomplimentaryproteinrelationshipsarebetweenmilkproductsandgrains;grainsandlegumes;andlegumesandseeds.Tortillaswithbeans,ricewithnuts,orthecornbreadandbeansdietoftheConfederatesoldierareallexamplesofcombiningincompleteproteinstocreatecompleteproteins.Evenfoods

havingcompleteproteinscanbenutritionallyenhancedthroughcombination.Iftheproteininonefoodisrelativelylowinanessentialaminoacid,itcanbecombinedwithafoodthatisparticularlyhighinthataminoacid.Inthisway,essentialaminoacidspresentinthedietwillbeincloserproportiontothebody'srequirementsforthem,thusincreasingtheusabilityoftheproteinsyoueat.Fishcombinedwithrice,adietwhichfeedsmuchoftheworld'spopulation,isanexampleofthisprocess.


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Ifyourfieldrationscontainabalancedvarietyofcarbohydrates,proteinsandfats,youwillprobablyingestanadequatesupplyofvitaminsandmineralsforashortbivouac.Foranextendedstayinthefieldyoumightconsidersupplementingyourdietwithvitamins,particularlyvitaminC.Ifsupplementalvitaminsarearegularpartofyourdietathome,itisprobablybesttoincludetheminyourfieldrations.

Drinkinganadequateamountofwateraidsinthedigestionoffoods,keepscellshealthy,regulatesbodytemperatureandhelpscarrywastesoutofthebody.Strenuousactivityandhighaltitudeusuallyincreasetheamountofwaterlostfromthebodythroughsweating.Incoldweather,youcanalsoloseabouttwoquartsofliquidperdaythroughrespiration.Dehydrationcanmakeyoususceptibletohypothermia,frostbite,mountainsickness,heatstrokeandmanyotherproblems.Inthesummeryoushoulddrinkaminimumoftwoorthreequartsofwaterperday(strenuousactivityinthedesertsuncancauseafluidlossofclosetoonegallonperhour).Inthewinteraminimumofthreeorfourquartsareessential.Theeasiestwaytoinsureyoureplaceenoughfluidsistodrinkliquidsatallmealsanddrinkwaterwheneveryouarethirsty.Evenifyouarenotthirsty,itisimportanttodrinkwateratallreststopsthroughouttheday.Whenmovingthroughareaswherepotabledrinkingwaterisinshortsupply,planaheadandcarryan

adequateamountwithyou.Keepingtrackofyoururineoutputisagoodwaytomakesureyouaregettingenoughwater.Youshouldbeurinatingatleasttwoorthreetimesaday.Theurineshouldbeclearandlightunlessthereisaspecificreasonforcolorchange,suchastakingvitaminBsupplements,whichcanturntheurineadarkeryellow.Manypeoplehaveatendencytodrinktheirmorningcoffeeandthenhitthetrail.Keepinmindthatcoffeeandteaarediureticsandcancausedehydration.Beforeyoumoveout,drinkafullcupofwaterafteryourcoffeetogetofftoagoodstart.

Goodnutritionisthefirstcriterionforselectingrationsforastayinthefield.Anutritionallybalanceddietwillbeginwithwhole

grains,dairyproducts,legumesandseeds.Itshouldalsoincludesomemeatsormeatsubstitutes,fruitsandvegetables,andsweets.Thechartinthenextcolumnprovidesaguidelineforanutritionallybalancedsummerration(increasefatsto40percentinwinter):

Percentage(byweight;notincludingnon-nutritivefooditemssuchascoffee,tea,saltandspices)oftotalrationsineachmajorfoodgroup:

Meatormeatsubstitutes11%Driedmeats,eggs,soyproducts(3%)Nuts,seeds,legumes(8%)

Dairyproducts18%Powderedmilkandmilkdrinks(10%)Cheese(8%)

Fruitandvegetables13%Driedvegetable,potatoes(7%)Driedfruit(6%)


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Grainsandgrainproducts33%Flour,biscuitmix,cakemix(11%)Cereals,wheatgerm,granola(11%)Pasta,rice,barley,etc.(11%)

Margarineandoils8%

Sweets17%Sugarandhoney(8%)Fruitdrinks,Jell-O,puddings(9%)

FieldRationPlanning.TheMilitiatrainingmanual"CitizenSoldier"byRobertBradleyrecommendsafive-dayfieldrationofthreeone-quartNalgeneplasticbottles(oneeachofminuterice,macaroniandinstantmashedpotatoes),asmallbottleofsalt,somespices,amediumbottleofTangandaplasticbottleofsqueezemargarine,supplementedwithsomevitamins,cannedtuna,candybars,instantcocoa,coffeeortea.Thisplaniscertainlybetterthanthehalf-poundeachofchocolateandraisinsrecommendedtotheBritishHomeArmyduringWorldWarII,but

youcandobetterwiththefoodselectiontechniquesusedinmodernlightweightbackpackingwhicharedescribedinthenextsection.

Fieldrationplanningbeginswiththeideathatinthebackcountry,youshouldeatwheneveryouarehungrythroughouttheday.Snackfoodsthatyoucanmunchonwhileonthemoveorduringbreaks(lunchisoftenjustalongertrailbreak),suchasnuts,granola,hardcandyandcheese,shouldbeapartofyourfieldrations.Thesefoodsprovideahandysourceofquickenergywhenyouarehikingandarealsoaquicksolutionforcoldorhungerinthemiddleofthenight.Extratrailfoodsalso

makeagoodemergencyfoodreserve.Ifyouareplanningrationsforagroup,youmighthaveeachindividualberesponsiblefortheirowntrailfoodtoaccountforpersonalpreferencesandbodyneeds;somepeoplelikeandperformbetterwithcheeseanddriedmeatsnacks,otherswithnutsandgranola.Ratherthanplanningrigidmenusforeachmeal,includeinarationawidevarietyofingredientswhichprovidegoodnutritionandallowforchoiceateachmeal.Ifyouexperienceacravingforacertaintypeoffood,yourbodycouldbetellingyouitneedsaparticularnutrient(oritmightjustmeanthatyoulikepepperonipizza).Basicfoodstuffscombinedwithalittlecreativityaretheingredientsforgoodbackcountryeating.

Foraweekendbivouacinthefield,rationscanbeinformal;justtossafewbigcansofbeefsteworchiliintoyourrucksack(Nalleyevenmakesthemincamouflagedcanssoldduringhuntingseason).Youshould,however,includeagoodsupplyoffoodthatyieldsahighamountofenergy,likecheeseormacaroni,whichyoucanprobablyfindinyourrefrigeratororpantry.Forlongerstaysinthefield,particularlywithgroupsoffourormore,rationingcanrequireconsiderableplanning.Likemostoutdoorskills,itmayseempainstakingandtime-consumingthefirsttime,butafteryouhavedoneitonceandbegintounderstandyourneeds,theprocesswillbecomequiteeasy.


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Therearesiximportantcriteriawhich,whencombinedwithanunderstandingofgoodnutrition,canhelpyoudeterminetherightfoodtotaketothefield:

1.YourMission.Themajoractivitiesyouanticipateduringyourmissionshouldinfluenceyourchoiceoffoods.Ifyouwillneedtodoalotofmountaineeringandcoveralotofmiles,youwantfoodsthatcanbepreparedquickly.Energycontentwillbeimportant,sopacksnackfoodstogiveyourselfextraenergyforlongdays.Don'tcountonrunningacrossediblewildvegetation,gameorfishinyourareaofoperations,butcertainlysupplementyourrationsiftheopportunityarisesandtimeandthemissionallows.

2.Weight.Foodisamajorpartoftheweightofyourrucksack.Yourrationsshouldweighabout1-1/2to2-1/4poundsperpersonperdayinthesummerand2-1/4to2-1/2poundsinthewinter.Eighttotendayssupplyoffoodisaboutasmuchasyoucancarrycomfortablyalongwithyourweapon,ammoandothermissionessentialequipment.Thisassumesthatmuchofthefoodwillbedehydratedordrystapleslikericeorpasta.Ifwaterwillbeinshortsupplyandyouneedtocarrycanned

foodandextrawater,therationyoucancarrywon'tlastaslong.Freezedriedfoods,inwhichonly2to3percentofthemoistureremainsarelighterthandriedfoods,whichoftencontainafull25percentoftheiroriginalmoisture.However,thefreeze-dryingprocessoftenremovessomeofthenutritionalvalueofthefoodandfreezedriedfoodsaremuchmoreexpensive.Freezedryingdoesnotalterthecellstructureoffoodlikeotherdryingprocesses,soitretainsitsoriginalshapeandbulk.Forexample,youcanpackmoreshriveledupdriedapplesinyourrucksackthantheequivalentamountoffreeze-driedappleswhichstaytheiroriginalsize.Tokeepweightdown,nevercarryfoodinglassbottles(whicharealsounsafe)andavoidcannedfoodsorselectthoseinaluminumcanslikesomemeatspreadsandViennasausage.Tosaveweightandeliminateunnecessarybulk,discardoriginalpackaging(save

theinstructions)andplacedriedfoodsinzip-lockplasticbags.Freezerbagsarestrongerthansandwichbagsandshouldbeusedwithitemslikespaghettiwhichcanpunctureaweakbag.Carryspicesandliquidsinreusableplasticbottles.Bagsandliquidcontainerscanspringleaks,sopackliquidcontainersorseveralsmallbagsoffoodinlargefreezerbagsandalsocarryafewextrabags.Peanutbutter,syrupsandhoneycanbecarriedinbackpacker'sreusablesqueezetubesandmanycannowbefoundonthegrocerystoreshelfinplasticpackaging.

3.Spoilage.Becauseoftheriskofspoilage,mostmeatsandfreshfoodsshouldbeexcludedfromsummerrations.Ifyoucarryalldriedgoods,

it'snicetothrowinacoupleofonionsorpotatoes,whichwillkeepforthreeorfourdays(toreducespoilage,useabrownpaperbaganddonotwashfreshvegetablesbeforepacking).Margarineorvegetableoilmustreplacebutteronlongerstaysinthefieldinthesummer.Fresheggscanbebrokenintoaplasticjarwithatightsealinglidandtheywillpouroutoneatatime.Fresheggsbrokenintoabackpacker'sreusablesqueezetubewillcomeoutofthespoutoneatatime.Theywillkeepuptofourdaysifkeptcool;carrythecontainerinthecenterofyourrucksackwrappedinclothingandimmersetheminastreamwhenincamp.Plasticcampingtypeeggcarriersaren'tsturdyenoughfor


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fresheggs,butcanbeusedforhard-boiledeggs;keepthesecoolalsoanduseonthefirstfewdaysinthefield.Store-wrappedmeatpackagescanbesafelytakenfromyourfreezer,wrappedinsomenewspaperandpackedinabrownpaperbagforconsumptiononthefirstdayofamission,butfreeze-driedmeats,jerkyorhardsalamiaretheonlypracticalformofcarryingmeatformorethanonedayinthefield.

4.AvailabilityandExpense.Thebestwaytoinsuregood,nutritiousmealsandkeepyourexpensesdownistoavoidfreezedriedfoods,whichcanbe3to6timesmoreexpensivethanbuyingingredientsforcookingfromscratch.Themoreboxdinners,commercially-mixeddrinksandstore-boughtgranolayouuse,thehigheryourfoodbillandthelowerthenutritionalvaluewillbe.Ifyouarerationingforlargegroups,buydirectlyfromgranaries,dairiesorwholesalestores.Whenincludingfreeze-driedfoodsfoodsinyourrations,trytobuyinbulkdirectlyfromanoutletratherthanfromretaildistributors.Investinginafooddryerisagoodwaytocutdownonthecostofdriedvegetablesandfruit(getonewithbothheatandcirculatingair).Mostofthefoodstuffsyoushouldcarrytothefieldarecommonstapleswhichyoucanfindinalargesupermarket.

5.Variety.Themoreyouknowaboutyourgroup'snormaleatinghabits,

thebetteryoucanplantheirfieldrations.Includevarioustypesoffood:trailfoods,bakinggoods,spicesforflavoringsaucesandinstantfoodsforrushedmeals.Takealongafewspecialingredientsandsurpriseyourcompanions.

6.Preparations.Whenplanningrations,considerthecircumstancesunderwhichyouwillcook.Whatcookingtoolswillyoubetaking?Willyoubeusingastoveoranopenfire?Ifyouwillbecookingentirelyonabutaneormultifuelbackpackingstove,mostofyourmealswillmostlikelybecookedinonepotandbakingwillbeverylimited.Ifyouonlyhaveapocketstoveandsolidfueltablets,yourrationswillhavetobelimitedtoreheatingalreadycookedfoodincansorpouches(likeMRE's

orvacuumsealedcookingbags)orfreeze-driedfoods.Incoldweather,avoidfoodsthatneedtocookalongtimeorrequirealotofpothandlingorintricateuseofknivesorfingers,sinceyouwillprobablybewearingheavyglovesormittens.

Thefollowingsamplerepresentsasummerrationplanfortendaysfortwopeopleat2poundsperpersonperday,andcanbeusedasaguidewhenplanningyourfieldrations:

Tea,10bags;orcoffee,1/2lb.Margarine,3lbs.

Powderedmilk,2lbs.Cocoa,2lbs.Raisins,1lb.Driedfigs,1lb.Driedcoconut,1/2lb.Driedpeaches,1/2lb.Shelledpeanuts,1lb.Toastedsoybeans,1/2lb.Roastedalmonds,1lb.Sesameseeds,1/4lb.


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Sunflowerseeds,1lb.Cheddarcheese,3lbs.Montereyjackcheese,3lbs.Gingerbreadmix,1/2lb.Grapenuts,2lbs.Oatmeal,1/2lb.Wheatcereal,1/2lb.Granola,1lb.Instanthashbrowns,2lbs.Instantfruitdrink,1lb.Brownsugar,1lb.Macaroni,1lb.Spaghetti,1lb.Whiterice,1lb.Brownrice,1/2lb.Instantpotatoes,1/2lb.Pintobeans,1lb.Barley,1/2lb.Tortillas,1lb.Flour,2-1/2lbs.Cornmeal,1/2lb.Soupmixes,3/4lb.Driedvegetables,1/2lb.Popcorn,1/4lb.

Bakingpowder,1/4lb.Yeast,1/4lb.Seasonings:Tabasco,salt,pepper,cayenne,oregano,garlicsalt,drymustard,nutmeg,cinnamon,onionsalt,currypowder,chilipowder,flavoringextracts.

Totalweight:40-3/4lbs.or20-3/8lbs.perperson

Buying,Packing&PreparingFoods.Generallythefoodstuffsyoucarryinyourrucksackshouldbepackedinplasticbagsorbottles.Avacuumsealingdevicecangreatlyreducethebulkofsomefoodsandhelp

preservethem.

Meats:Onalongmission,meat,duetoitscostandweight,willusuallybealuxuryusedonlyforflavoring.Forashortstayinthefield,thereareavarietyofsuitablemeatproducts,includingcompressedmeatbars,freezedriedmeats(groundbeefisusefulwithHamburgerHelpertypepastamain-coursedishes)anddrysausagesthatdonotrequirerefrigeration.Homemademeatjerkyisinexpensiveandsimpletomake.SmallcansofViennasausage,tuna,sardines,cookedbonedmeats(chicken,turkey,ham,etc.),cornedbeeforvariousmeatspreadsarealsogoodonshortmissions.Cannedmeatswithahighfatcontentlikecornedbeefortunapackedinvegetableoilwilllessentheamountof

margarinerequiredwhenaddedtoriceorpastadishes.Evenonalongermissionasmallamountofcannedmeatsshouldbepacked.Theycanbeeatencoldwhencircumstancesdon'tpermitcooking.

SoybeanProducts:Theproteininsoybeansisfairlysimilartothatfoundinmeat.Inadditiontoroastedsoybeans,whichmakegoodtrailfoodandprovideinterestingtextureformanycookedmeals,youcanbuysoyflour(usefulforit'snuttyflavor)forbakingorthickeningstewsormakinggravy(mostgravymixesarelittlemorethanmeatflavoring,


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saltandflour).Soy-derivativeproductssuchas"ham"and"bacon"bitscanaddflavortoomeletsandriceandbeandishes.

DriedEggs:Powderedeggsareavailableaswholeeggs,orwhiteandyolksseparately.Qualityvariesconsiderablyfrombrandtobrand,soitiswisetoexperimentathomebeforerelyingontheminthefield.

NutsandSeeds:Shellednutsaremoreconvenientforbackcountrycooking.Nutsmakegoodtrailfoodandaddtasteandtexturetobakedgoods.Tosavemoney,buyunroastednutsandroastthemyourself.

Legumes:Driedlegumes(splitpeas,lentils,beans,etc.)whencombinedwithbrownriceorothergrainsmakeacompleteprotein,andcanaddvarietytoameal.Theygenerallytakealongtimetocookunlessyouuseapressurecookeroryoupreparequick-cookingbeans(bypre-cookingandthendryingthemforfielduse).Quickcookingbeansareavailableinatsomebackpackingstores,butaremuchmoreexpensivethandriedbeans.Beanandpeafloursmakegoodsoupbasesorthickenersifyoucanfindthem(orgrindyourown);mostarenowsoldassoupmixes.

DryMilk:Severaltypesofpowderedmilkareavailable:instantwholemilk,instantnonfatmilk,regularwholemilkandbuttermilk.Wholemilkhasmorecaloriesandvitaminsthannonfatmilkandisabetteradditiveforbakedgoods.Instantpowdersdissolvemoreeasilyincoldwater.Awidevarietyofbreakfastdrinkswithmilkbasesarealsoeasytofindinmostgrocerystores.

Cocoa:It'seasiertousetheinstanttypecocoa,whichhasalreadybeencombinedwithpowderedmilk.Inthefieldallyouhavetodoisaddhot(notboiling)water.

Cheese:Sharpcheddarseemstobethecheesewiththemostversatileflavorforbackcountrycooking.Italsokeepsbetterthanmanyothercheeses.HardcheeseslikeParmesanandRomanoarealsogoodinthefield,asareprocessedcheesesnacks(leavethetypewithaheavycanfullofairathome).

Margarine:Butterspoilsrapidlyinsummerinthefield,somargarineshouldbecarried.Useaplasticsqueezebottleorremovethewrappersfromsticksandcarrytheminawidemouthscrew-topplasticjar(thelidsontubsofsoftspreadmargarinearen'tsecureenough).

DriedFruit:Driedfruit(suchasapples,prunes,raisins,apricotsandpeaches)canbefoundinanysupermarketoryoucandrythemyourself.Theymakegoodtrailfoodeatenastheyareoraddedtobreads.Theycanbestewedandeatenincerealsorfordessertatsuppertime(youcancooksomeextratobeeatencoldthenextmorning).Driedfruitretainsabout25percentofitsmoistureandisthusheaviertocarrythantheconsiderablymoreexpensivefreeze-driedfruit,whichhaslessthan3percentmoisturecontent.Sulfur-driedfruit,whichmustbesoakedbeforeusing,containmorevitaminsandmineralsthanotherdriedfruit.Whenproperlypackagedandstoredbelow60degrees,mosthomedried


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fruitwillmaintaingoodqualityforatleastoneyear.Fruitpackedinvacuumsealedbagslaststhreetofourtimeslongerandforevery18degreesdropintemperature,shelflifealsoincreasesthreetofourtimes.

DriedVegetables:Vegetablesaddcolor,vitaminsandmineralstoanymeal.Youcanpurchasefreeze-driedordryyourown.Homedriedvegetablesdon'tkeepaswellasdriedfruitbecausetheyarelowinacidandsugar.Ifpossible,theyshouldberefrigeratedorfrozen.Ideallydriedvegetablesshouldbeusedinlessthansixmonthswhenstoredat60degrees(somevegetableslikesquashandcucumbershouldbeusedwithintwoweeks).Driedgreenpeas,onionsandflakedcabbagearegoodforstewsorsoups.Carrots,greenbeans,beetsandcornarealsogood,buttakesomewhatlongertocook.Flakedgreenpeppersandonionsmakegoodseasoningsandcanbeaddedtoalmostanything.Tomatoflakesmixwithwatertomakepaste,sauceorjuice,andareoneofthebestflavoringsforoutdoorcooking.

Potatoes:Potatoescomeinflakeorpowderedformandcanbeusedasaseparatedish,anadditiveorathickener.ThoughpotatoflakeslosemuchoftheirvitaminCwhenprocessed,theyareaversatilefoodforfieldcooking.Alongwithplainpotatoesyoumightalsocarryavariety

ofpackagedflavoredtypeswithsaucemixes.Throwawaytheoriginalpackagingandre-pack(alongwiththerightproportionofdrymilkifthereciperequiresmilk)inplasticbagsorbottleslabeledwithcookinginstructions.

Self-RisingBakingDishes:Forsimplicityandweight,it'simportanttobuymixeswhichdonotrequiretheadditionofeggsandshortening.Biscuitmixescanalsobeusedtomakecakesandpancakes.Afewspecialmixes,suchasgingerbread,cakemixesorspecialfloursmakeagoodchangeofpaceforalongstayinthefield.

WheatGerm:Wheatgermisusedprimarilyasanutritionalsupplementforcooking.Roastedwheatgermwillkeepforuptoamonthwithoutrefrigeration.

Cereals:Oatandwheatcerealsarenutritionallysuperiortoriceandbarleycereals.Bulgurwheat(alsocalled"ala"),awholegrainproductthatcooksrapidlyenoughforfielduse,canbefoundinthehotcerealsectionofsomesupermarketsorinhealthfoodstores(whichsometimesalsostockotherquick-cookinggrains).Itiswheatwhichhasbeenpre-cooked,driedandcracked;cookanduseitlikerice.Whileuncookedcerealsarethemostversatileandcanbeusedforhotcereal,granolaandbaking,theinstantcerealsaremucheasiertocook,usuallytaking

lessthanathirdofthetime.Whileitisusuallythebestpracticetocarryfoodstuffsconsolidatedinzip-lockbagsandmeasureoutportions,youmightwanttocarryseveraldifferentflavorsofinstanthotbreakfastcerealsinsingleservingpacksforconvenienceandtoaddvariety.

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Pasta:Pastacanformamajorpartofyourfielddiet(wholegrainpastasarenutritionallysuperior).Noodlesofvariousshapesandkindsmakeanexcellentstartforone-potmeals.Theycookinabout8-minutesofboiling(frequentstirringkeepsthemfromsticking)andarequitenourishing,sincetheyaregenerallymadewitheggaswellasflour.However,don'tmakethemistakesomehungrybackpackershavemadeofcountingonramennoodlesasacompletemain-course(mosthavelessthan200calories).RamennoodlescansupplementMRE'sorformthebasisofaone-potmealtowhichyouaddmeatandvegetables.Packagedmacaroniandcheesecanalsobemadeintoacompletemain-coursebyusingthe"15-MinuteDinnerIdeas"foundonaKraftbox.Preparethemacaroniandcheesenormallyandthenstirinahalfpoundeachofcookedmeatandcookedvegetableswithsomespicesorextraingredients.SomecombinationssuggestedbyKraftare:groundbeef,stewedtomatoes&1-tsp.chilipowder;chicken,broccoli&2-tsp.mustard;tuna,peas,1/4-tsp.Italianseasoning;Italiansausage,broccoli,1/4-cupchoppedredpepper.YoumightalsoconsidertheeaseofpreparationandflavorvarietyofHamburgerHelperorNoodleRonitypemain-coursepastadishes.Avarietyofsaucemixes(likeStroganoff,FettucineAlfredoorbroccoliandmushroomsauce)canaddawelcomechangetoamonotonousfielddiet.Discardtheoriginalpackagingandconsolidatethepastafromalltheboxesintoasinglecontainer.Emptythesaucemixpacketsintoseparatebagsforeachtype(alongwithinstantdrymilkifthe

reciperequiresmilk).Withapermanent(notwatersoluble)markingpen,writepreparationinstructionsonthebagoranenclosedslipofpaper.Writeinstructionsbothforsingleservingsandforthenumberofportionsthatwillfitinalargecookingpotsharedbetween3or4people.Carryasmallplasticdrinking/measuringcupandasetofplasticmeasuringspoons(notnecessarilythewholeset,justwhatyouneed)tomeasureouttherequirednumberofportions.

Rice,Barley,Buckwheat,Grits:Thesearehandystaplesforpreparingmanygooddishes,fromcerealstomain-courses(likewithpotatoesandpasta,saucemixescanconvenientlyaddvariety).Theinstantformsarelessnutritious,butaremucheasiertocook.Alightweightaluminum

backpackingtypepressurecookerreducesthecookingtimerequiredforthesestaples,andistheonlypracticalwayofcookingbrownrice(whichtakestwiceaslongasregularlonggrainrice)overasingle-burnerbackpackingstove.

SoupBasesandInstantSoup:Inadditiontomakingaquickcupofsoup,powderedbasesandbouillonarealsousefulasflavoringsformanydishes.Whenusingthem,rememberthatmostbasescontainaconsiderableamountofsalt;usethemcautiously.Don'tcarrysingleservingsofinstantsoup;consolidatethemintoseparatezip-lockbagsforeachtype.Instantpeasoupmixesarefillingandagoodsourceofprotein,especiallyifrice,noodlesorsomeothergrainisincludedinthemeal.

Sweeteners:Brownsugarismoreversatiletouseandeasiertopackthanwhite(putapieceofappleinthecontainertokeepitsoft).Honey,molasses,syrupsandjamshouldbeplacedinplasticjarsorbottleswithtight-fittinglids(forextraprotection,packtheminsideaplasticbag).

FruitDrinks:Instantfruitdrinksandgelatindessertsaregoodto


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drinkeitherhotorcold(nothingbeatsahotcupofJell-Owithalittlemargarineforsleepingwarm).GetmixeswithvitaminCandsugaralreadyadded.Moreexpensiveartificiallysweeteneddrinksdon'thavethenutritionalvalueofsugar,butweighless(lemonadeorlemonflavorediceteamixwithNutrasweetisgoodpreparedhalf-strengthtomaskthetasteofiodineafterusingwaterpurificationtablets).

InstantDesserts:Instantpuddingsandcheesecakecanbepackedinsmallzip-lockfreezerbags(withdrymilkifthereciperequires).Topreparejustaddcoldwater,mixitinthebag,chillinacoldstreamifavailable,andtheneatrightfromthebag.

Candy:Ifyouchoosetoeatcandy,makeitinadditiontoanalreadynutritiousdiet.Fruitcandiesaremorepracticalandofferagreatervarietythanchocolates.Nutcandiesarenutritionallysuperior.

Spices:Agoodspicekitcanmakethedifferencebetweensuperbcuisineandbland,monotonousmealsinthefield.Agoodbasicselectionincludessalt(carryextra,whichyouwillneedifyouareperspiringheavily),pepper,cayennepepper,cinnamon,nutmeg,dill,curry,oregano,sage,chilipowder,cumin,onionpowderandgarlic.Tabasco

sauce,salsa,soysauceandworcestershiresaucecanalsoaddadashofinteresttoasimplemeal.Spicesarebestcarriedinsmallplasticbottlesorcoveredshakerswithafewgrainsofricetoabsorbmoisture.Flip-toplidsareavailabletoconvertplastic35mmfilmcansintohandysaltandpeppershakers.

AdjustingRationsforHighAltitudeandColdWeather.Thehigherthealtitude,thelessoxygenisavailabletometabolizefood.Complexmoleculessuchasproteinsandfatsmaybehardertodigestundertheseconditions.Fatscanstillbeaveryimportantsourceofconcentrated,long-lastingenergy,andsomepeoplearenotbotheredatallbydigestiveproblemsathighaltitude.Takeiteasythefirsttimeout,

andiftheygiveyounodifficulties,thenkeephighenergyfatsinyourrationsandevenincreasethemtoabout40percentofyourdiet.Highaltitudeincreasescookingtime,whichwillroughlydoubleforevery6,000feet.At15,000feetwaterboilsat184degreesandwillnotgethotterwithoutapressurecooker.At11,000feetfreshcarrotscansitinaboilingstewpotforhoursandallyouendupwitharehot,rawcrunchycarrots.Amealthattakesthirtyminutestocookatsealevelisnotpracticalathighaltitudes.Fryingisnotmuchaffectedbyhighaltitude.

Colddryairabsorbswaterfromthelungsandthebodylosesfluidswitheverybreath(visibleornot).Extrasoupanddrinkmixesshouldbe

addedtoyourrationsforcoldweatherorhighaltitude.Takingadditionalliquidswillincreaseyourbloodvolume,whichaidsdigestionandhelpspreventfrostbiteandhypothermia.Coffeeandotherdiureticsshouldbeusedinmoderationbecausetheypreventthebodyfromabsorbingwateranddehydrationmayresult.Anadequatesupplyofwateristoppriorityincoldweather,eventhoughitmaybemoredifficulttofind.Snowmustbemeltedslowlyoveralowflameoritwilltastescorchedandbeundrinkable.Ifyouhavetomeltsolidsnow,placeabitofwaterinthebottomofyourpotandstirconstantly.Snowcanalsobemeltedinaporousclothbagsuspendedoveracontainernearafire(no


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closerthanyoucancomfortablystandindefinitely).Aftereachmeal,meltanextrapotofwaterandfillwaterbottles.Awarmwaterbottlewrappedinamittenorwoolsockhelpstokeepyourfeetwarmwhileyousleep.Havebothfoodandwateravailableatnight;thirstandhungerarethemajorreasonspeoplesleepcold.Ahigh-fat,high-proteinrecipetomunchonandkeepwarmisthe"IronManMix";oneparteachofraisins,cubednonprocessedcheese,peanutsanddicedbeefjerky.Onsnowypeaksduringthesummer,youcanusethesuntomeltdrinkingwater.Ifyouarespendingthedayincamp,putadarkcoloredtarporrainparkainahollowinthesnow.Thenplaceasmallamountofsnowinthetarpandcontinueaddingsnowasitmelts.Thesun'senergywillmeltlargeamountsofwaterfairlyquickly.

PersonalFieldCookingEquipment.DuringtheRevolutionaryWar,mealsinthefieldwerecookedoveropenfiresincastironpots(oneforeverysixtotwelvemen;theofficer'spotshadlids).Eachsoldiercarriedacanteen,atinplateorwoodenbowl,andawoodenorpewterspoon.Seasonedveteranscarriedbigspoonssotheycouldeatfastandgetsecondsfromthepotbeforetheyranout.AsamoderndayMinuteman,howyouequipyourselfforfieldcookingdependsuponyourpersonalexperienceandthemission.Ataminimumyoushouldhaveanindividualmesskit(GIoracommercialnestingset),acanteenandcanteencup,alargespoon(GImesskittypeorheavydutylexanplastic),aP-38type

foldingcanopener,andapocketknife.Youshouldalsohaveafoldingpocketstove(theBritishArmytypeisbest;carryplentyofband-aidsifyougetacheapTaiwancopywithloadsofsharpcorners)oracanteencupstandwithsolidfuel.Suchacompactstovewillallowyoutowarmapre-cookedmeal,cookindividualservingsandpreparehotbeverages.Hexaminefueltabletsarerelativelyinexpensiveinthecampingsectionsofdiscountstores.TheUSmilitaryissuestrioxanefuelbars,whichcanbefoundinsurplusstores.Bothtypesofsolidfuelcanalsobeusedastindertogetstubborn,dampkindlingstarted;trioxaneisespeciallyeasytoignitewithaGerberStrikeForceemergencyfirestartingtool.Ifyougetacommercialmesskit,spendtheextramoneyforstainlesssteel;aluminumcampingmesskitsarequitethin,sofoodscorchesandburnseasily.AgoodvalueinmesskitsistheStansportone-person

stainlesssteelcookset(about$17atBi-Mart),whichhascopperbottomsforquickandevenheating,featuresfold-awaystaycoolhandles,nestscompactlyintoanincludednyloncase,andconsistsofan8-ounceplasticdrinking/measuringcup,a3/4-quartpotwithlid,a1-quartpotwithlid,anda5-1/2inchfryingpan.Inadditiontothecanteenonyourbelt,youmaywishtocarrydrystaples(likerice,pastaordriedpotatoes)inwide-mouth1-quartpolycarbonateplasticbottles(NalgeneandReliancearepopularbrands;Relianceisconsiderablylessexpensive).Whenempty,theycanbeusedasextracanteensorforsoakingdriedfoodinyourrucksackwhileyou'reonthemove(putdriedfoodandwaterinthebottleatnoonanditshouldbereadyforcookingbyeveningmealtime).Youmightalsoaddaninsulatedplasticorstainlesssteeldrinkingmug,topreventburningyourlips

andtokeepbeverageshot.A2-quartor5-quartGIbladdercanteencanbeusefulforcarryingwaterfromawatersourcetoyourcookingareaincamp.

CookingCannedRations.Therearethreebasicmethodsforyoutocookcannedrationsinatacticalenvironment.Theleastpopularmethodistoopenthecan,emptythecontentsintoyourmesskitorcanteencupandheatit.It'safterthemealthatyourproblemsbegin;tryingtocleanyourcookinggear,whichyouneverseemtohavethetimeorenoughwater


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todo.Ifyoudon'tgetitcleanenough,youwillwishthatyouhadthenexttimeyouuseitandthenhavetomakeanurgent"shovelrecon"ofthebushes.Acleanercookingmethodistopiercethelidtwiceandplacethecanhalfsubmergedinboilingwaterfor10minutes.Thisisslowandusesagooddealoffuelandwater,butisthemethoddescribedintheBritishrationpackinstructionsandistherecommendedmethodforheatingMREpouchesinacanteencupwithastandandsolidfuel.Waterusedforheatingcansbecomescontaminatedwithzincandshouldnotbeusedfordrinkingpurposes.Thethirdmethodofheatingcannedrationsistomakeashallowdentinthesideofthecanandplaceitonthestove.Whenthedentbulgesoutorresumesitsnormalshape,removethecan,holdingitawayfromyoupierceittoreleasethepressure,openitandeatthecontentsrightfromthecan.Heatunopenedcansslowlyandremovethempromptlywhenthedentbulgesoutortheymightexplode.Anadvantageofthisheatingmethodisthatifyouareattackedwhilecookingyoujustputthecaninyourpocketorrucksack(becareful,itwillbehot)andcontinuetocookitwheneveryouhavethetime.Also,unlikethefirsttwomethodsitproducesnosteam(visibleovergreatdistancesincoldconditions)orcookingodors.Whenfinishedwithcannedrations,topandtailthecans(removethelidandbottom),flatten,burntoremovefoodremnants,puttheminplasticgarbagebagsandcarrythemwithyou.Thisprocesskeepsdowntheamountofinsectsincampanddeniestheenemytacticalintelligencefromexaminingyourunit'srefusepile.

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TacticalCookingTips.Keepeating.Undertraining,andcertainlyunderwartimeconditions,youwillreachalevelofexhaustionwhereeatingbecomesadifficultchore.Youmusttryanywayoryouwillveryrapidlybecomeacasualty.Bepreparedtoeatonthemove.BreakyourrationsdownintovariousmealsandstowtheminyourBDU(BattleDressUniform)pocketsorrucksackwhereyouoryourbuddycangettothemwithouttakingoffyourgear.Nevercookforone.Usethebuddysystemsoonlyonesetofcookinggearneedstobeunpackedandused.Takeonlywhatyouimmediatelyneedoutofyourrucksackandputitawaypromptlyincaseyouneedtoleavetheareainahurry.Nocookingshouldbeallowed

whileonanambushorwhileinanLP(listeningpost)orOP(observationpost).Cookinginaunitshouldbestaggered.Cookinpairsandthosecookingshouldstillwatchtheirfieldsoffirewiththeirweaponscloseathand.Theodorofopenlycookedfoodcangiveawayyourposition.Cookinginunopenedcansgivesofftheleastamountofodorofanycookingmethod.Tokeepyourcanteencupclean(importantforhygienicreasons),toavoidburningyourlipsandtoreducecookingodors,boilwaterinyourcanteencup,removeitfromtheheatandpreparehotbeveragesinaplasticdrinkingcup(likeaRubbermaidmugoranextraM258DecontaminationKitcontainer).Spicyfoodslikecurriedchickencanbedetectedbytheeducatednoseat40to50meters.Hexaminesolidfuelstovesalsohaveaverypungentanddistinctodor.Abutanestoveburnshotterthansolidfuel(lesscookingtime)andhaslessriskof

compromisingyourpositionbysmell,butmakesureyouuseisathalf-powersinceitcanbenoisy.Placesentriesatthelimitofsmellornoise,whicheveristhefurthest.Ifyouhavetocookatnight,concealyourstovessonolightisvisible,butbeawarethathexaminegivesoffnoxiousfumesandcanbeahazardinanenclosedarealikeabunker.Digashallowholeforyourstove(ahexaminestoveonlyneedsaholeabout6or8inchesdeep)andifyouneedtoputthefireoutinahurryyoucanremoveyourmesskitorcanteencupandpushthedirtbackintheholetoextinguishthefuelblock.


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EquippingtheFieldKitchen.Inabasecamporsecurereararea,youcanmakeuseofamorerelaxedgroupstyleofcookingthatwouldnotbepossibleinatacticalenvironment.Ifyouaresharingalargercookingpotwith3or4otherpeople,youcanuseasturdyplasticbowltoeatfrom;itwillbeeasiertocleanandkeepfoodwarmerlongerthanyourindividualmesskit.Abutaneormultifuelbackpackingstovecanalsobeshared.Youcansplituptheloadoffood,stove,fuelandcookingequipmentbetweenseveralpeople,butinsurethateverybodyhassomeready-to-eatfood.Awellequippedsetofgroupcookingequipmentforafewpeopleshouldinclude:

OnelargeTeflonorSilverstonecoatedskilletwithalidandfoldinghandle.Thiscanalsobeusedasadutchovenforbakingbiscuits;placethepanonabedofhotcoalsandplacecoalsorbuildatwigfireonthelid.

Twolarge2to3quartpots;goodforeverythingfromboilingwatertomixingandpreparingstewsorone-potmeals.Potlidsconserveheatandreducetheamountoffuelrequiredforboilingwaterandcooking.Somelidscanalsobeusedforfryingfoodsorasservingplates.Alightweightaluminumpressurecookercouldsubstituteforoneofthe

potsandgreatlydecreasefuelusage.

Afoldingpackgrillforcookingoveranopenfireorhotcoals.

Afoldingreflectorovenforusewithafire,oracompactfoldingaluminumreflectoroven,liketheOutbackOven,whichallowsbakingofitemslikebread,cobblers,casseroles,browniesandevenpizzaoverasmallbackpackingstove.

Cottonglovesandpotgripsorpliers,forsafelyhandlingpotsovera

fire.

Onewoodenspoon,aplasticormetalspatula,asmallwirewhisk(forthoroughlymixingpowderedingredientswithliquids),asturdyplasticmeasuringcupandasetofplasticmeasuringspoons.

Acollapsible2-1/2gallonwaterjugorapairofinflatableGI5-quartcanteensoftenwillallowallthewaterforamealorforwashingcookwaretobecarriedinonetripfromthewatersource.Ifwashingcookwarewithsuspect,unpurifiedwater,heatyourpansoverthefireorstoveafterwards.A2-1/2gallonnylonwaterbagthatonlyweighs

3-ouncesandcanfoldintoashirtpocketisavailablethroughcampingequipmentoutlets.Alsoavailableisablackplasticcollapsiblewatercarrierthatheatswaterwithsolarenergyandhasashowerattachment;perfectforcookingwaterorforfieldhygienepurposes.

Youmayfindafewotheritemsofcookingequipmentnecessarydependinguponthetypeoffoodbeingcarriedandyourpersonalcookingstyle.Forexample,aplasticslottedspooncanbeusedformixingbakedgoods,stirringapotanddrainingpasta.Somecooksmayinsistasmallflat


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cheesegraterisessential.Theonlylimitistheweightandbulkyoucancarryinyourrucksack.

Inafixedcamporifyouarevehiclemobile(orhavepackanimals)youcanaddmoreequipmenttoyourfieldkitchenforgroupcooking:

Additionalgrillsforopenfirecooking(foldingpacktypeorlarger).

Additionalcookware,likelargestockpots(forcookingorforheatingwaterforcleaningdishes)andcastironskilletsordutchovensareuseful.Aluminumcookwareislightweightandrelativelyinexpensive,butiseasytoburnfoodinandlosesheatquickly.Althoughheavy,castironretainsheatwellanddistributesitevenly.Enameledsteel(goodforstockpotsandroasters)andstainlesssteelofferexcellentcompromisesbetweenaluminumandcastiron.

A3to4quartenameledsteelcoffeepotcanbeusedforboilingwaterforeveryonetousetoprepareinstanthotbeverages,soupsorhotbreakfastcereals.Insomeunitsthesoldierwhomakesthefirstpotofcoffeebeforeeveryonerollsoutoftheir"fartsacks"(sleepingbags)

isconsideredtohavethemostimportantjobofall.Instantcoffeenowadaysisverygood(freezedriedcrystalswillevenreconstituteincoldwater,althoughittakeslonger),butasthenameimplies,acoffeepotcanevenbeusedtomakecoffee.Ifnotusinginstantcoffee,bringthewatertoarollingboil,dumpinthepropermeasureofcoffee,removefromheat,cover,setasideforafewminutes,thenaddalittlecoldwatertosettlethegrounds.

Propaneormultifueltwo-burnercampstoves.Propanestovesareeasiertouse(somewithelectricsparkignitiondon'tevenrequirematches).Abouttheonlypartthatcanwearoutistheon/offvalve,butthefuelisexpensiveandsteelpropanecylindersareheavy.Also,ifboth

burnersfeedfromthesamecylinder,thenthesecondburnerdoesn'treceiveasmuchpressureastheoneclosesttothefuelandwillburncooler.Multifuelstovescanburneitherwhitegas(naphtha,Colemanfuelorlanternfuel)orunleadedgasoline;eitherfuelischeaperthanpropaneandeasiertofindaresupply.Multifuelstovesgenerallyworkbetterthanpropaneinextremelycoldtemperatures,butexercisecautionwhenrefuelingthem;sub-zerotemperaturefuelonyourskincanmeaninstantfrostbite.Newmodelsdon'trequirepreheatingorpriming,haveself-cleaninggeneratorsandsomefeatureelectronicignition.Multifuelstovesburnhotterthanpropaneandaren'tasgoodforslowsimmeringofsoupsorstews.ATefloncoatedaluminumgriddlethatfitsoverbothburnersisausefulaccessory,asistheOutbackreflectoroven.

Plasticjerrycansforwaterarehandy.Inanemergency,ajerrycancanbestrappedtoapackframeifit'snecessarytocarrywateronfoottoaremotesite.Reliancebrand6-gallon(23-liter)jerrycansaresoldatWal-MartandK-mart.A10-quartgalvanizedpailisusefulforbothcarryingandheatingwater.

OrganizingtheFieldKitchen.Organizationisthefirststeptogreatoutdoorcooking.Establishadistinctareaforfoodpreparationand


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anotherforcooking.Inthefoodpreparationarea,keepyourutensilsinorder.Afteryouusesomething,putitbackandyouwon'thear"Where'sthesalt?"or"Hasanyoneseenthespatula?"It'seasytolosesmallutensilsatacampsite;ifyoudon'tsetthemdowncarefullytheyarelikelytodisappear.Oncetheyaregoneinthefield,youcan'tjustrunouttothecornerstoreforareplacement.Allowyourself360degreesofunclutteredspacearoundthefireorstove.Ifyourwayaroundisblocked,youwillbetemptedtoreachacrossthefireforaneededingredientorutensil.Withacampfire,youwillwanttomovearoundtoavoidthesmokeasthewindchanges.Asimpleruleistohaveafive-footclearareaaroundafire.Inacookingareayouareparticularlyindangerofaccidents.Youcouldtriparoundafireorstoveandspillascaldingpot.Attheleastamealcouldberuinedandatworstyoucoulddamageequipmentorseriouslyburnyourself.Abadburninthefield,milesfrommedicalattention,canevenbealifethreateninginjury.Wearyourbootsaroundthefireandusepotgripsorcottonglovesforpickinguphotpots.Removeapotfromthefirewhenyouaddanewingredient.Thisprotectsyourhandsandmakesitlesslikelyyouwillspillorwastefood.Sparksfromafirecanseriouslydamagenylontents,ponchos,sleepingbagsorrucksacks.Makesuresuchequipmentisagooddistancefromyourfire.Becarefulwhendryingclothingaroundthefire,anddonotdrybootsinthisfashion.Naturalfiberslikewoolorcottonwillsmolderbeforeigniting,butpolyesterornylonblends(likethematerialusedinGIfieldjacketsandsome

BDU's)canburstintoflamewithoutwarning.Ifaspotnearthefireistoohotforyoutoholdyourhandthereindefinitely,itistoohotforanyitemofclothing.Asyousetupyourfieldkitchen,remembertoorganizeforconvenienceandsafety.

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PuttingthePotontheFire.Ifusingastove,youshouldcookoveralowtomoderateflame.Ifyoucookoverafire,thecoalsshouldbehot,butthefirecontrolled.Sinceafireprovidesalargercookingarea,it

alsogivesyoumoreflexibility.Youcanarrangethefiresothatoneareaisusedforbakingandanotherforcooking,oryoucancookamaindishandmakecoffeeatthesametime.Thefirstruleforbackcountryculinarysuccessis"avoiddisaster."Therearefourlikelydisastersthatanewoutdoorcookshouldwatchoutfor:

Thefirstisburning.Alwayscookonlowheat.Makesurethereisenoughwaterinthepot,andcheckoftentoseeifmoreisneeded.Asyoursaucesbegintothicken,stiroften.Alwayscookinacleanpotwhichhasnooldfoodstucktothebottom.Whenbaking,carefullyregulatingyourheatsourceisparticularlyimportant.Topreventburningwhenusingacoveredskilletdutchovenstyle,itisimportanttocheckthe

temperatureofthecoalsbeforeplacingapanonthem.Bakedfoodsaremorelikelytoburnonthebottomthanonthetop.Holdyourhandaboutsixinchesabovethecoals;theyshouldbehot,butyoushouldbeabletokeepyourhandinplaceforeightseconds.Thecoalsandburningtwigsyouplaceonthelidshouldfeelhotterthanthoseonthebottomandshouldcovertheentirelid.Whenbaking,checkthefoodandthecoaltemperaturefromtimetotime.Ifyouarebakingsomethingproneto"falling,"don'tlookinduringthefirstfivetotenminutesunlessyousmellsomethingburning.Otherwise,whenyoucheck,removethehotcoalsfromthelidandlookinquickly,tryingtokeepthecoldairout.When


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youarefinishedchecking,replacethecoalsonthelid.Replacecoalsastheycooloff,bothunderandontopoftheoven.Don'tletastovediscourageyoufrombaking.Usealowflameunderthepanandbuildasmalltwigfireonthelid.Maintainconstanttemperaturesunderandoverthepan,andyou'vegotanovenenvironmentforyourfavoritebakeddelicacy.Whetherbakingapieorcookingachowder,youcanavoidburningbypayingconstantattentiontoyourfireorstove.

Theseconddisasterisoverspicing.Spicesshouldbeusedcreatively,butalsoexperimentedwithcautiously,alittleatatime.Add,stir,thentaste.Lettheflavorsettleinfullybeforeyoudecidetoaddalittlemore.Neveraddthespicedirectlyfromthebottletothepot.Shakeitintoyourhandfirst.Anunexpectedloosecapcanturna"hint"ofspiceintothemaincourse.Beawareofthesaltinessofflavorbasesbeforeaddingsalt.Ifyouarecookingwithabouilloncube,rememberyoualreadyhaveagoodamountofsaltinthedish.

Thethirddisasterislumpyfood.Powderslikeflourordriedmilkshouldbemixedwithliquidbeforeaddingthemtoadishorsprinkledalittleatatimewithconstantstirring.Withfreeze-driedfoods,letthemboilfortentofifteenminutesbeforeaddingotheringredients.Thickeners,suchasmilkorcheese,shouldalwaysbeaddedlast.

Thefinaldisasterisoverdonefood.Thisdisasterismoresubtle,butcanbeavoided.Keeptastingasyouarecooking,andremember,evenafteryoupullapotfromthefire,itwillcontinuetocook.Itisbettertoerronthesideofundercooking,whichiseasilycorrectable.

Aswithothermilitaryactivities,tobeagoodfieldcooktakestherightattitude;acombinationofcautionandboldness.Cautioninthoroughlyunderstandingthenutritionalneedsofyourunit,andcarefullyplanningwell-thought-outfieldrations.Cautionalsoinfollowingnewrecipesstepbystepandusingspicesartfully,with

moderation.Yourconfidenceasanoutdoorcookwillgrowquicklywithafewsuccessesbecauseappetiteisalwaysworkingforyou.Foodtastesgreatafteraharddayintheoutdoors.Onceyou'reproperlyequippedwithfieldcookinggearandhavelearnedhowtopreparenutritiousoutdoormeals,youwillbemorereadytocompleteanyMilitiamissioninthefield.

Hereareafewrecipestogetyoustartedasafieldcook(althoughtheLoganbreadiseasiertoprepareathomeandtheneatonthetrail):

LoganBread

5cupswater4poundswholewheatflour1poundsoyflour2-1/2cupsrawordarkbrownsugar,firmlypacked1-1/4tsp.bakingpowder1-1/2tsp.salt1-1/2cupshoney1-1/2cupsdarkmolasses2cupsmeltedshorteningMixallingredientsthoroughly.Donotuseaweakspoonortrythiswhen


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1/4poundcheddarcheese2tbsp.ParmesanorRomanocheesesalt&peppertotasteMixthefirstthreeingredientsinadvance.Cook15-minuteswith2-1/2cupswater,andthenaddthecheese,saltandpepper.

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field cooking nutrition

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