I had a hit during my August group trip this year with AlpineAire Mountain Chili. This is a vegetarian entree (there were 2-1/2 vegetarians in this years' group of eight), so I was worried how the meat-eaters would react. Usually our group prepares split menus, but for the chili night it was Mountain Chili for all. The only complaint was that there weren't any crackers left (we had a fried pizza crust bread thing for a side).

I prepared the chili in a large pot according to package directions, using three - four serving packages to feed the eight paddlers. Although no chili was left over after the meal, the claimed four serving size was pretty close. Most of us were stuffed after the meal.

All of the ingredients reconstituted well (including the corn) and the prepared product had a great thick chili-like texture. The packaged spices were good enough that no-one needed to add either the Cajun or Essence spices we carry on our trips.

Although I am not a vegetarian, I plan to include Mountain Chili (and crackers) on my next solo trip.

-aj