Trying out the Popular Mountain House Macaroni and Cheese
A few weeks ago while we were hiking in Waterton Canyon we had our first Mountain House taste test which actually surprised us and turned out to be a great meal. That same trip, our boys decided against their typical PB&J's and asked if they could bring the Mountain House Macaroni and Cheese they had picked out a few weeks previously at Cabela's. They are not adventurous eaters so we were surprised, but their excitement was worth the risk. Today we're sharing our preparation tips and what we thought about the meal:
When you open the pouch there isn't much surprise if you've been eating the boxed mac and cheese forever like us, except the powdered cheese is already on the noodles. Find the oxygen pouch and throw it away in the trash can.
When it comes to outdoor meals, convenience and ease of preparation are key. Mountain House meals are known for their simplicity and delicious flavors, which make them a popular choice among hikers, backpackers, and campers. The macaroni and cheese meal is no exception.
Preparation
The Mountain House macaroni and cheese is incredibly easy to prepare. All you need is boiling water and about 10 minutes. Simply add the specified amount of boiling water to the pouch, stir, and wait. The meal comes in a convenient pouch with a ziplock closure, so you can save any leftover portions for later.
Taste and Texture
When it comes to taste, we were pleasantly surprised by the Mountain House macaroni and cheese. The cheese sauce was creamy and flavorful, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. The dish had a good balance of saltiness and cheesiness, and it was not overly dry or sticky.
The texture was also impressive for a dehydrated meal. The pasta was not mushy or overcooked, and it had a nice al dente texture. The cheese sauce was smooth and did not have any grainy or clumpy bits.
Overall Quality
In terms of quality, the Mountain House macaroni and cheese exceeded our expectations. The meal is made with high-quality ingredients and contains no artificial preservatives or flavors. It has a long shelf life, which makes it a great option for long backpacking trips or emergency preparedness kits.
It's hard to tell in the picture, but there was plenty for our 7-year-old and 5-year-old twins to split. Being the great parents that we are, we made the kids try it first! We held our breath as they took the first bite and immediately "yummy" was mumbled times 3. There were plenty of thumbs up and a few suggestions for what to do differently next time. Mom and Dad even liked the taste.
Yeah, they really loved it.
TIP: Since this hiking trip the boys have had this meal again - we brought it camping with us in Ft. Collins and made a few changes - we used 1-3/4 cups water, stirred longer, and let it cook for 12 minutes. All these changes made for the perfect macaroni and cheese. Keep in mind these changes are most likely due to our altitude here at about 5500 feet.
Overall, we highly recommend the Mountain House macaroni and cheese. It's a delicious and convenient meal option for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who wants a quick and easy meal on the go. The taste and texture are impressive for a dehydrated meal, and the quality of ingredients is top-notch. Give it a try on your next camping trip or outdoor adventure and see for yourself!
