Deluxe Sweet and Sour (backpack recipe)

1 cup instant rice
1 carrot
1/2 pkg dry sweet & sour sauce mix plus specified ingredients
1 small onion, sliced
1/2 green pepper, sliced or 2 Tbsp freeze-dried sweet peppers
1 sun-dried tomato, chopped (opt)
1/2 cup candied pineapple tidbits
4 slices sweet pickle, quartered
5-7 oz. chicken or shrimp (can or 7-oz pouch)
2 oz. chow mein noodles (opt)

Boil instant rice with an equal volume of water
for 1 minute then allow to stand.
Meanwhile, slice the carrot thinly. Add dried
vegetables and the liquids specified on the sauce
packet. Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 6
minutes. Add the remaining ingredients, except
noodles. Heat to boiling with stirring and simmer
until thickened (about 1 minute).
Serve over rice, and top with noodles, if desired.

Makes 2 servings