A gourmet is a person
who is knowledgeable in fine food and drink.
Working up an Appetite
One of the greatest experiences of being human is
to be out in nature. There is just something about
being in the fresh open air of the wilderness that
makes a person feel more alive, more grounded. The
stresses and responsibilities of life lessen in the
great outdoors and it is less complicated. After a
long day hiking or on the river even if exhaustion
is felt, it is refreshing and invigorating. Along
with the hard work comes a hearty appetite and a good
meal is welcomed by everyone. Even food tastes better
when enjoyed in nature and it is received with enthusiastic
appreciation. The supper that is tasty is all the
more satisfying. A cook can really get rave reviews
at a camp. If some thought and a little preparation
are made a great meal can be enjoyed and increase
the quality of the outdoor experience. Here are some
suggestions.
The first thing to note is that all three meals are
not created equal. Breakfast and dinner are the meals
that more time is put in. The first meal should be
filling, one that will stay with you all day. Whole
grains probably fit this requirement the best.
Even if you are not normally a cook, camping is
a good place to be willing to put in some effort and
time. With all the energy burned you will truly appreciate
a meal that will fill you up and keep you going. Oatmeal
is the first option. For those who want something
hot, with little effort, oatmeal fits the bill. It
will "stick to your ribs" and keep you full longer,
but this breakfast seems to be a popular one on trips
and because of that it gets a little old. If that
is all the further you want to go in your culinary
efforts you can still spruce it up a little. Add dried
fruit into the mix. Raisins seem to be the old stand
by, but there is a plethora of other choices. Any
fruit is an option. Try mangos, apples, strawberries
etc. and a little dry milk mixed in. Your regular
old oatmeal just turned into fruit and cream, much
more satisfying. If you are a little more adventurous
pull out the pan for your camp stove. Whole wheat
pancakes with freeze dried fruit are amazing. Even
syrup is not necessary for these delicious creations.
They will be the hit of the camp so be sure to bring
plenty. When planning pancakes bring oil in a spill
proof container and pour a little into the pan before
each cake (about 1 tsp).
A non-stick pan is also recommended for pancakes.
These cakes are filling and delicious. Freeze dried
fruit is recommended over dried for pancakes because
they hydrate as they cook and return to a fresh-like
berries rather then staying chewy in your pancakes
like dried ones would. Prepackaged meals are fine
camping, but you can make your own. Not only will
it be cheaper, but it will last for many trips (and
even at home). Large cans (#10 size) can be purchased
of the berry you prefer. Mix up the pancake's dry
ingredients at home (including dry milk and dry eggs)
then all you have to add is water when you cook them
at camp. During the day when you are on the river
you probably do not want to pull off and unpack all
the gear for lunch. This is a good time to have trial
mix, granola bars and jerky.
Dinner is another time that it is worth putting
in the effort. Meals in the can are not recommended
frequently while camping because of the trash it creates.
What gets brought in, gets brought out. Instead try
a box of pasta with dry packs of sauce and then add
a can of tuna or chicken. Dried vegetables added to
this meal would be delicious. Just rehydrate them
in a little water for 10 minutes or so before cooking
and you have an entire dinner in one dish.
A few last notes to make. Do not pack you fuel in
the dry bags with your food. If the fuel leaks, the
food will not be good. If you are going to make something
new on your trip, try it at home first. Better to
learn when you have more food to try again. Instead
of bringing trash bags bring plastic grocery bags
with you. They are smaller and even if you use a couple,
because of their size, they can be stuff in corners
easily. Another suggestions about these plastic bags
is that it is easy to double up on them for your trash
to prevents leaks and such. Do not sacrifice food
on your trip, make it delicious and you will enjoy
the outdoors even more.
About the Author:
Emma Snow is a gourmet and freelance writer. Writing
for Gourmet Living http://www.gourmet-living.com
and BBQ Shop http://www.bbq-shop.net
.
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