[Traildoggie]

I've experimented with a recent recipe from Backpacker called Farmer Mash. used half a 5.25 oz package of scalloped potatoes. their version calls for a package of vegie soup plus some instant mashed potatoes and a can of chicken. Way too salty for me. WAY. Second try eliminated the soup. Still too salty. I tried the "house brand" of scalloped potatoes because it was the right size but when I looked at the sodium content the betty Crocker version weighed less and had even more sodium. I think this has potential for a dinner because it's easy and light but how to get it less salty??

[Allison]

You could try messing around with dried hash browns instead.

[Traildoggie]

the nice thing about this was that the potato slices remained slices and the mashed potato flakes were used as a thickener. It's simple and light weight Boil water, simmer potatoes 5 minutes, add potato flakes and chicken. cooked way less time than the package said. There's a packet of sauce powder with the potatoes. I'm thinking about using less of the powder and subbing dried milk. I don't think hash browns would hold up to simmering. Ive never seen dried hash browns before. Part of me is stunned that this amount of salt is palatable to anyone.

[Allison]

I think they would, which is why I suggested them. http://www.cabelas.com/camping-hiking-food-nonpareil-homestyle-dehydrated-hash-browns-150-eight-pack-2.shtml I've bought the same ones at grocery stores before.

[Traildoggie]

Alison, thanks for the link.. I will check them out and see if they work. I don't carry a frying pan when backpacking but they might work for car camping, and for who knows what else.

[Allison]

You don't necessarily need a fry pan to make use of these.

[MtnGoat]

[Traildoggie]

alison, what do you do with the hash browns without a frying pan?

[Allison]

They are just shredded dried potatoes, so they can be used any way you would use a shredded (or sliced) dried potato. Don't think of it as a hash brown. Best of luck!

[Traildoggie]

onto the shopping list as we speak....

[Allison]

Let us know if you find them anywhere locally. I would look at places like Winco. The cookbook women on this forum may know for sure and they'll turn up on this thread at some point.

[Traildoggie]

found them at amazon but it's a 12 pack. $17.97 but that's a LOT of potatoes. I'd prefer one box to test them.

[LandRover]

I Believe I've seen dehydrated hash browns at Costco and Cash & Carry. If I remember right they come in a 1 gallon milk carton. No idea on price though.

[Traildoggie]

I'll be going to costco on thursday, will check. thanks.

[Dalekz]

Betty Crocker makes hasbrowns and they are in you local grocery store. Are they good?? that is the question. When they repackaged them a few years ago, they added onion salt etc. to them and the flavor is just different. Use to take them all the time, now go for the mashed potatoes and fry them like a potato pancake. I have tried to dehydrate the frozen ones but they turn to a mush when rehydrating them. Costco years ago use to sell a couple pound carton and they were good, so getting a different manufacturers variety might taste better.