Campsite Cooking

Many of us are planning our summer vacations. Some of us love the beach, while others favor the mountains. If you are camping this summer, plan for tasty meals and snacks to fuel your adventure.

When you plan your menu, leave out the hot dogs and baked beans and move to the outer aisles of the grocery store to pack up on whole foods like:

Nuts and seeds for snacks. Camping sometimes coincides with hiking. Make sure you are getting plenty of protein and nutrients while on the trail. Bring nuts, seeds, and dried fruits in your pack. Add left overs to morning oatmeal.

Pack veggies. Veggies are a great option for snacking or grilling. Raw peppers and carrots can be eaten alone or with hummus. On the grill, make skewers or a veggie side. Add left overs to omelets.

Eggs! Bring a cast iron pan for omelets or to start the day on the sunny side. Hard-boil a few eggs before the trip so you can put them on toast or in a salad.

Rice and Beans. Brown rice and beans are great because they are non-perishables and complex proteins. You can put them on tortillas, make a burrito bowl, or even add them to salads.

Don’t forget to practice “safe-food-storage”

  • Keep your food fresh in airtight sealable bags and coolers.
  • Never leave food unattended. Store based on campsite regulations and clean up dishes, as they attract wildlife and insects.
  • A little organization goes a long way. Make sure your supplies are accessible.

“Light a campfire and everyone's a storyteller.”   John Geddes