[gyngve]

dinner for two for two nights: 2 Trader Joes Indian meal (sealed in foil): $1.99 each 1 box TJ's couscous: 1.29 1family-size (12 oz) foil pack of Tuna (from Safeway): 3.75 total: about $9.00 (4 MtnHouse meals would be about $25 at REI?) 1. boil 3/4 to 1 L of water (I tend to make it soupier to help myself rehydrate), letting an Indian meal in foil heat. 2. put in half box of couscous. 3. add half the tuna. 4. put in the contents of the Indian meal. 5. optional: perk up with extra olive oil / red chile. For one night, you can also use half-box couscous and two packs of TJ's tuna Thai curry pouches ($1.39 each) and not have to add in any more tuna.

[sarbar]

Couscous from the bulk bins at WinCo...way cheaper 3 ounce tuna pouches at WinCo..less than a $1 each-perfect for a 2 person meal

[gyngve]

I'm sure you could find cheaper prices. But TJ's is a five-minute walk from my crib. The TJ's cous-cous is a 17.6 oz box, which puts it at slightly over $1 per pound. The tunafish from Safeway is under $1 per 3 oz.

[Dayhike Mike]

Why not just pick up a Backpacker's Pantry Pesto Salmon Pasta for two. It's only $12.95 per meal. I'll stick to my Mountain House Lasagne, Spaghetti, and Polynesian Chicken, thanks. Add some Idahoan potatoes and bacon bits if you're still hungry. There's nothing wrong with paying $7-8 for a dinner for two.

[gyngve]

Those "dinners for two" always end up being just a dinner for one. Though you can probably make it for two with extra potato flakes, as you mention. But I've had problems with the dried stuff before with dry spots despite mixing well. I don't have time to do my own freeze-dried crap either. Anyway, I've been impressed by the cheapness and flavorfulness of the TJs stuff, so just sharing...

[Tom]

If you're not worried about weight, the TJs stuff is good. I like to bring the thai curry packets (tuna) for dayhikes. Not really practical for extended trips though (due to weight).

[sarbar]

[whitebark]

A jar of Trader Joe's Sun Dried Tomato Pesto mixed in with your favorite cooked pasta, topped with grated parmesan. Not super light, but easy and yummy. For more flavor, use TJ's dried pesto-filled tortellini as the pasta.

[RayD]

My latest favorite is Top Ramen. *hey!! You there at the keyboard! Quit yer laughin'....Let me finish!* To continue.....A pack of Top Ramen, some fresh tomato, fresh bell or banana pepper, fresh jalapeno, fresh garlic, summer sausage or that foil pouch salmon or chicken, a half packet or so of Knorr's soup mix, and a healthy glug of olive oil. Bring to a boil and then let sit a few minutes and then dig in! I guaroooontee that your hiking partners will be willing to trade multiple swigs of their precious liquid libations for more of this stuff!

[Allison]

And then there's the Superbowl of ramens: Shin Yum Spicy Korean Ramen. Now you're talkin'.

[jenjen]

This is heavy, so it's a first night out meal: Backcountry Primavera 2 packages ramen noodles - kinda crunched up 1 foil pack tuna (regular, not flavored) 1 small bell pepper, chopped handful green beans, chopped couple sprigs brocolli, chopped couple cloves garlic, slivered 1 tupe concentrated pesto paste splash of extra olive oil small chunk parmesan cheese Chop the veggies at home and bring them along in a baggie. Put a pot of water on to boil and stand the tuna pouch in the water so it heats up along with the water. When the water reaches a simmer, add the veggies. When the water reaches a boil, pull the tuna pouch out and add your ramen noodles (just discard the flavor packets). When the noodles are done (a few minutes), drain out the water and add the tuna, the pesto paste, the amount of olive oil you need to make the pesto the right consistency (varies according to taste), and toss it all well. Slice up the parmesan cheese and add to taste. I also like to add chili flakes. Vary the veggies according to taste. Makes 2 good sized portions.

[jenjen]

I was going to mention, Ramen noodles make a great stand in for pasta in general on long backpacks. I've used them with dehydrated spaghetti sauce and landjaeger (dried summer sausage) with fantastic results. They're quick, they're easy, and after day 3 my metabolism has usually kicked into overdrive and I'm scrounging for every calorie I can get.

[Eric]

[Nisquaww]

Just another Top Ramen wonder recipe. Cook the noodles like normal. Strain. Then fry in a pan with brownsugar and soy sauce. Sounds funky, but its an excellent mixture. The noodles carmalize from the sugar, and the soy sauce counters the sweetness to make a nice sweet n sour type yakisoba noodle. Add whatever spices. I usually add the top ramen packet since I'm packin it anywho. Garlic salt. Chili powder. Pepper. Toss in some cashews and a packet of tuna. Bam...a tasty asian dish. A glob of peanut butter isn't so bad either. Just be sure to have plenty of soy sauce on hand.

[ActionBetty]