We were sitting around at Overland of America in the fall of 2024 when Tony came back to the booth and said, “dude.  You have got to go and try some Mamoo’s Kitchen!”  I replied with “what is that?”  He commenced to stating there was some guys from a place called “Mamoo’s Kitchen” in a booth down the way from us and they had freeze dried food and they were giving out samples.

I was game.  I am a backpacker.  I have tried tons of freeze-dried food.  Most of it needs seasoning.  It is very bland and needs some help.  That is the main reason I repackage all of mine and put into freezer bags, seasoning as I repackage.  Yet, if they were giving out samples, I wanted to taste it and see what they had done to it to make it taste as good as Tony said.

We hopped on the bikes and took off down to visit with these good ol’ Louisiana boys.  I was excited also as there weren’t many booths like this in any of the events were frequented.  This was new and exciting, plus it was FOOD!  We pulled up and were greeted like we were a part of the family – Southern hospitality at its finest.

I said, “what you guys got here?!  I was informed your samples were legit good.”  They said, “there they are.  Try for yourself.”  I was more than happy to do that.  I don’t consider myself to be a legitimate taste tester, but I have had a ton of freeze-dried food and know that most of it lacks 2 things… (1) flavor and (2) texture.  I know when things taste good.  My taster is not broken.  I like things that are good and not things that are weird or what others would consider to be nasty.  Therefore, I believe I am qualified to either recommend of not recommend a food to you, the reader of this amazing blog.

So, I am appointing myself and awarding myself the title of Professional Freeze-Dried Food Taste Tester.

Back to the story…

They had spread out some little cups on the table that I am guessing are normally used for ketchup at McDonalds.  I always thought those were cool little cups and now they were the perfect little cup for getting that little sample taste of their beloved product.

Inside the little ketchup cup was a yellow substance that had some meat and other items.  I spoke with the guys and Paul, the owner, spoke up saying that was called “Blend of the Bayou.”  He continued to say that was one of their most popular dishes and they are very proud of it.

I took the little spoon and dipped most of the contents forcing them into my mouth.  I tasted Crab, Shrimp, vegetables in a cream sauce.  It was delightful.  I looked at Paul with this “no way this was freeze-dried” look and a smile on my face.  I looked at Tony, with a “holy cow that was good” look and then took a deep breath before swallowing.

There are some things you just can’t believe.  This was one.  I had never had food like that.  “What did you do to it?  What did you put on it?”  “That is straight out of the bag” Paul stated emphatically.  It was good.  I cannot say that enough.  The flavor was there. The taste was there.  I gave him some money and bought some right then.  I told Mr. Paul that he has just changed forever my meal choices for backpacking and easy, fast meals on the trail.  They have several others to choose from and I will be trying those out and posting them on the blog as I try them.

Here is what is said on the WEBSITE (www.mamooscampkitchen.com)

“Freeze Dried Casserole with Gulf Shrimp, Crab, Rice, Cream Cheese, and Mushrooms. Blend of the bayou brings together flavors of Louisiana to give you a true Louisiana food experience. Take it hunting, camping, backpacking, or overlanding. A freeze-dried meal like nothing you’ve ever experienced. There is no reason that you have to settle while out in the field. Let Mamoo’s Camp Kitchen keep you well fed while in the field, or just enjoy it when you don’t have time to cook”

I will also include a photo showing the nutritional values that are in this meal.

TIP – I was very impressed with this meal the first time I ate it.  The second time I was in a hurry and did not let it cook long enough.  With seafood, it can be chewy and rubbery.  Make sure you let it simmer in the boiling water for the maximum amount of time.  You can’t overcook this, but you can definitely undercook it.

Enjoy and thank you to Paul and all the crew at Mamoo’s for introducing me to such a delight that has completely changed my attitude and joy of cooking freeze-dried meals!