In keeping with our emergency preparedness theme, I decided to retool one of my favorite recipes using MRE ingredients. I did some research on this topic and spoke to a delightful guy from The Ready Store.com (See links below) who was very friendly and helpful. They carry some great items, so check them out. I found out you can even buy a product that produces heat so you do not need a camping stove.

This is an easy- to- make recipe and uses very few ingredients, perfect for camping or hiking and something different than regular chili.

White Chili    Serves 6

1 pack of MRE diced chicken. (You can also use  2- 12.5 oz. cans of chicken ).
2- 4 oz cans of green chilies. (The degree of hotness depends on you)
1- 14 oz  can, chicken bouillon. (Or 2 bouillon cubes & 2 c. of water if you are hiking or traveling light).
2 -15 oz cans of white beans: cannellini, northern, or similar types with juice.
MRE rice (optional)

SPICES 
Dried onion, 2 T or more
Dried garlic  1T or more    >     Amounts used according to your taste
White pepper                               You can make the spice mixture ahead of time and store in a Ziploc bag
Chili powder
Salt
Cumin
Tabasco sauce (opt)

*Prepare MRE chicken according to package directions. If using canned chicken you can skip this part. If you are using bouillon cubes, boil water and add the cubes. If using canned bouillon, put in pot. Add spices, to taste. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes until spices are blended. Add beans with liquid and green chiles. Bring ingredients to a boil and add MRE chicken* (See above). Simmer, uncovered for about 30 minutes or until sauce thickens or until done. While chili is cooking, make the rice. Divide rice into 4 servings and spoon chili mixture on top. Serve with tortilla chips.

If you do not like rice or would like to add to the menu, bring different kinds of taco and dipping chips. Try the one with lime or even the old  traditional fritos.

For dessert, try the many flavors of MRE ice cream!

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For more information about MRE recipes, here are some more links:

http://www.thereadystore.com/product-catalog-2009-summer/

http://www.nitro-pak.com/mre

If you want to use what the US military uses:  http://www.mreinfo.com/ 

If you have any recipes and/or camping stories you would like to send, I would love to share them with our readers. Please email to: Editor@ anmexponews.com.