So last year I tried making Alfredo noodles to go along with dinner and it did not turn out the best. It was one of those pouches of the noodles that you just dump into water with (powder) milk and butter. I tried adding sundried tomatoes and garlic powder. It was ok, but I will not be doing it again.

Any suggestions on how I could make a flavorful Alfredo noodles, without too much time or weight? The plain stuff is fine, but I want to spice it up a bit and make it more flavorful and rich.

Would parmesan cheese help? Parsley? Some other fresh or dried herbs? Fresh herbs in a baggie are light and shouldn't be an issue to pack in if it's just for one meal.

Sour Cream Powder instead of or in addition to milk powder. Add some Parmesan and it's great! (well I think so), some chives or dried green onions add goodness also.

butthead

I dehydrate spinach and grape tomatoes cut in half. Add some parmesan.

I wondered what kind of powdered milk you used. I use Nido and pre-mix it in a fair share mug before using.

Thanks for the advice, I'll try this out at home first and narrow in on what I like best.

For the milk, I think it was carnation? Not sure I just got what was at the store then measured into little baggies before we left. I figured that wouldn't matter too much.

For spinach, and other dried veggies, what can you do if you don't have a dehydrator? Other than ordering online and paying $10 on amazon for a meal or two. Can I bake it in the oven on low heat?

I might try the dried tomatoes again if I can fix other aspects of the meal, but I was not a fan of that flavor when we had it last year. Maybe it was too much seasoning. I'll make a practice dish at home with sour cream, spinach, and parmesan. I have little containers I could put all of that in so I can just dump it in for the one meal.

Try adding a cajun flair to it with some cajun seasoning. Or add a small amount of pesto. You could grind up some dried mushrooms for a twist, then add some fresh or re-hydrated mushrooms. Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little flavor and heat. These are all independent of each other. Don't combine these flavors.

Northwoodsman: "Try adding a cajun flair to it with some cajun seasoning. Or add a small amount of pesto. You could grind up some dried mushrooms for a twist, then add some fresh or re-hydrated mushrooms. Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little flavor and heat. These are all independent of each other. Don't combine these flavors."

I do have some dried mushrooms at home, might have to try adding some of that.

If you have a coffee grinder or small blender/chopper you can turn them into a powder; the flavor goes farther.

For spinach, and other dried veggies, what can you do if you don't have a dehydrator? "

North Bay Trading A very large selection of air and freeze dried stuff. Good folks to work with!

butthead

I make homemade Alfredo and creamy pesto sauces every year, spread it out on a silicone sheet, and let it sit in the oven on the lowest setting to dehydrate. It turns into bark and you can run it through the blender real quick to powder it for a smoother sauce.

I've used an actual (borrowed) dehydrator before, but switched to the oven method because it's just easier and gave the same result.