recipes and tips this week. Eric and I are going on another camping trip here
soon and even though this trip is just for one night (not like our longest trip
of five days at the beginning of the summer) I feel easy going about things.
is just us going on the trip (no friends tagging along), but I am just so laid
back about this trip. I am chalking it up to the fact I am becoming an old pro
at this stuff and the fact that I have all my tips/camping do’s and don’ts
written down now (not just floating around in my head) for easy access and to
show camping really is easy (for all you skeptics).
planning/recipe site, Food on the Table, all about camp cooking preparation,
food safety, and organization. Also check out the roundup of camp recipes from
the blog-o-sphere at the end of the article!
Clear blue skies, fresh mountain air, and the peace and quiet of nature. Summer is a popular time to explore the great outdoors and for many that means camping! If you are planning a camping trip this summer, special camp cooking techniques and food safety are important to know. Below are five tips to keep in mind as you plan and enjoy your next trip outdoors.
• Research and plan ahead. This is the most important tip to a successful camping trip. Even though you will be away from home, making a meal plan for your camping trip is crucial to keeping your travel budget on track, as well as insures no one goes hungry and no ingredients are left behind. As you plan your trip, research your campsite and surrounding areas, taking note of the closest grocery store or gas station for ice refills or forgotten supplies.
• Gather your supplies. As you prepare your meal plan, gather the supplies and tools needed for preparing your food. Pots, utensils, can openers, aluminum foil, coal, matches, lighter fluid, cleaning and sanitation supplies, ice and a meat thermometer are all items that should be packed.
• Know your cooking method. Research your campsite’s current fire bans and restrictions. Some locations may not allow any type of fire; while others may simply have a few restrictions. Propane and charcoal grills, portable stoves, campfires, and even crock-pot cooking are all popular camp cooking techniques depending on your resources. No matter your preferred cooking technique, practice proper fire safety. Prepare your fire or grill well away from tents, and vegetation. Have plenty of water on hand for emergencies and never leave a fire unattended.
• Store food properly. With record high summer temperatures, this is vital for avoiding illness. Canned food is convenient and the safe even if left outdoors. However, if the can is slightly dented or bulging it should be discarded. Perishable food should be stored in a well-sealed cooler and covered completely with ice. Drain old ice and add fresh ice frequently to ensure food is kept cool. If camping in areas prone to bears, food should be stored in a food locker.
• Keep it simple. Camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors and good company. Remember camp food does not have to be gourmet. Do as much prep ahead of time at home and simply transport to your campsite.
Planing a trip into the great outdoors? Below are some great camping recipes from around the web.
Make-ahead Hawaiian Chicken Packets for Camping (Kitchen Concoctions)
Dutch Oven Focaccia Bread (Matt and Erin’s Dutch Oven Experiments)
S’mores Banana Boat (Kitchen Concoctions)
Lumberjack Breakfast Packets (Echoes of Laughter)
S’mores Party and Backyard Campout (Kitchen Concoctions)
Campfire Flatbread Pizza (Dirty Gourmet)
Campfire Parmesan Popcorn (Kitchen Concoctions)
Grilled Stuffed Mushroom Recipe (Eating Richly)
Campfire Meatballs (Kitchen Concoctions)
Dutch Oven Black Forest Cake and Dutch Oven Cobbler (Taste and Tell on Cafe Zupas Blog)
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