Just add one cup of boiling water and serve.  Mountain House foil packs have a shelf life of 7 years when stored in a cool (<75ø F), dry and dark environment.  Once opened, consume the contents within 1-2 weeks.  Treat all cooked/hydrated food just like fresh food.  Don't be fooled by other quirky brand names.  After 40 years in the business, Mountain House experience and products continue to be the Lexus of freeze dry foods.