MRE Monday - Refried Beans and Tortillas

We actually did three MREs this weekend, but I'm gonna sandbag the Chicken Fajitas for next week.

Nutritional Information for Refried Beans:
Serving Size: 5.0 oz.
Calories: 160
Calories from fat: 25
Total Fat: 3g or 5% DV
Cholesterol: 0mg or 0% DV
Sodium: 460mg or 19% DV
Total Carbohydrates: 25g or 8% DV
Dietary Fiber: 8g or 32% DV
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 8g
Vitamin A: 0% DV
Vitamin C: 0% DV
Calcium:  8% DV
Iron: 15% DV


Nutritional Information for Tortillas:
Serving Size: 2.12 oz. for 2 tortillas
Calories: 220
Calories from fat: 70
Total Fat: 8g or 12% DV
Cholesterol: 0mg or 0% DV
Sodium: 320mg or 13% DV
Total Carbohydrates: 34g or 11% DV
Dietary Fiber: 0g or 0% DV
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 0% DV
Vitamin C: 0% DV
Calcium:  15% DV
Iron: 8% DV

Expectations:

Any canned variety would be nice, and any Tex-Mex variety from the many Mexican restaurants in our area.

Realities:

Row, the resident seven year old, thought that the tortillas were as good as the store bought. The refried beans were the big surprise of the night though: "Ding,Ding" was the answer when I asked him what he thought of them. He also described them as "excellent." We were both surprised by this review from Row.

Red Ant, the four year old,also enjoyed the tortillas but not the refried beans. Truth be told, the refried beans did have a spicy kick to them and Ant isn't our spicy eater. Score one for the tortillas, and zero for the beans.

MIL loved the refried beans, and wanted to know were she could get some more. She also said that they were "the best tasting beans ever!"

Sweetheart, who could eat Mexican everyday, is my expert in this food category. The beans had random bits of spice that she thought were a nice touch. The MRE refried beans "were kinda thick, and would make an excellent bean dip." The tortillas were also a clear winner tonight too. The tortillas were moist, and pliable straight out of the package. Most tortillas have to be heated before being used as soft tacos, otherwise they tend to tear and break apart.

I thought that the tortillas were excellent, but once again I was concerned about the cost per tortilla. The tortillas were excellent and among the best that I've had in a while. I had mixed emotions about the refried beans. They were too thick, and could have used a little liquid after being heated up.

Final Thoughts:

The MRE refried beans and the MRE tortillas were $1.39 each. For me, the cost would only be acceptable for a cache or an extended backpacking trip.

For home storage, I would choose canned pinto beans (at half the price) and make them into refried beans with a little butter, fajita seasoning, and an electric mixer. The tortillas can be made with Masa mix , water, and a little shortening for a long term food storage solution.

Stars:

Tortillas * * * * (4)

Refried Beans * * (2)