Beyond the Dog, Camp Food

Last weekend was our first camping trip of the year. Given the kids' hectic last-week-of-school schedule, I only had about two hours to prepare. But, hopefully my experience will inspire you to get creative on your next campfire cookout even if you don't have much time!

I set a rule for myself--no hot dogs or hamburgers. We have those at home, and they are the obvious choice. I also took advantage of convenience foods, if I had more time I would have prepped more myself but sometimes you just have to go with the flow and make do!

Here's a look into my shopping cart: One package of stir-fry fixings from the deli (sliced onion, green pepper, red pepper) Two packages of cooked hashbrowns (not frozen) One package of turkey burger One package of sirloin One package of finely shredded sharp cheddar One dozen eggs One gallon milk Two packages of tortillas, one flour, one corn One package of garlic/rosemary Bag N Season One package of pita bread One package of sliced ham (deli style) One box of Bisquick One box of turkey sausage patties One container of butter, whipped One package of corn chips Baby carrots Bananas Small container of syrup Smore stuff One jar of salsa One can of pan spray Aluminum pie plates

Day 1 Over the campfire the first morning I fixed migas (eggs scrambled with shredded corn tortillas). The adults added salsa, the kids has them straight. Lunchtime was walking tacos (my son's request). I cooked the sirloin over the fire, layered it over corn chips, and topped with cheese. My vegetarian daughter had a cheese quesadilla. While my daughter napped and the guys went for a walk, I tossed the turkey burger into the bag n season, and cooked it. I also sauteed the onion/peppers, and added the hash browns. At dinner, I rolled the turkey inside the flour tortillas with some of the hashbrown mixture. I sprayed some foil and wrapped them individually, enchilada-style. They were put into the coals to grill. Smores for dessert.

Day 2 Breakfast: Biking ahead-so that calls for a lumberjack breakfast! I took the leftover hashbrowns, warmed them, and combined them with scrambled eggs and cheese. I also whipped up some pancakes and the turkey sausage. We weren't hungry even by lunch! Late lunch: Layered cheese and ham in pitas, wrapped in sprayed foil and put in the coals to grill. Carrots and bananas alongside.

I toyed with the idea of chicken, a can of chilis in adobe sauce, and a can of orange juice concentrate--but passed because of the time crunch. Maybe next time!

Filed under Active Outdoors • Miscellaneous