Just a word of caution.  I did a beef stew with vegetables and seasonings and the whole bit.  Unfortunately, I didn't try any of it until we were cold and wet (Spring of 93 - remember the flood year?) on lake Polly.  Cooked up the mess after rehydrating for a gang of HUNGRY fishermen - and it was absolutely the worst tasting mix of ingredients I have ever concocted!  Since then I have learned to practice much and sample everything before it goes in the food pack.

-- Goat