hey, guys ~ thanks for all the comments and the kind words - this is definitely one to try ~
moose - there's no reason NOT to warm it up on the manifold of your diesel ~ i ebt it would work just about right!
coyote - i'm guessing a person could definitely use chicken, yes. i think adding the water does more to keep it moist than actually make a gravy, but i haven't tried it that way so i am not sure. i know that a lot of people make these with a little gravy in them, so maybe a bit of a water-flour slurry would have that effect, or sompley topping with a little gravy before sealing. the cooking time and temeprature was definitely enough to cook these all the way through, including the meat.
all-in-all, it's a pleasure to make and eat these things. if anyone has any questions, let me know. and if anyone tries them, i'd love to hear about it!