Welcome to “Cooking with Steph,” your friendly guide to preparing delightful meals while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a newbie adventurer, having a repertoire of tasty and easy-to-make recipes is essential. Today, we’ll explore the art of cooking foil packs, crafting perfect s’mores, and getting your daily dose of vegetables, all with a focus on supporting local small businesses.
Camping is more than just a retreat into nature; it’s an opportunity to enjoy simple pleasures, like cooking over an open fire. According to a recent survey by the Outdoor Foundation, 40% of participants cited cooking as one of their favorite camping activities. So, let’s dive into some appetizing recipes that are both convenient and nutritious.
Foil Pack Recipes: A Camper’s Delight
Foil packs are a camping staple, offering a mess-free cooking method that locks in flavor. These versatile meals are easy to prepare and cook on the grill or campfire, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Classic Chicken and Veggie Foil Pack
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup of sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of sliced carrots
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions:
- Prepare the Foil: Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix chicken, vegetables, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Packs: Divide the mixture among the foil sheets. Top each with a sprig of thyme.
- Seal and Cook: Fold the foil over the mixture, sealing the edges to form packets. Place on a grill or over campfire coals. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Carefully open the packs and enjoy a wholesome meal.
Support Local: Purchase your chicken and vegetables from local farmers’ markets to ensure freshness and support local small businesses. According to the USDA, buying locally can significantly boost community economies by retaining up to 65% of money spent within the community.
Foil Pack Breakfast Burritos
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of cooked and crumbled sausage
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup of diced onions
- 1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes
- 4 tortillas
- Salsa (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Foil: Cut four pieces of foil.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix with sausage, cheese, onions, and tomatoes.
- Assemble Burritos: Divide the mixture among the tortillas, roll them up, and wrap each in foil.
- Cook: Place the burritos over hot coals or on a grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve: Unwrap the foil and add salsa if desired.
Support Local: Use locally sourced eggs and cheese to enhance flavor and sustainability. A survey by the National Grocers Association found that 87% of consumers agree that local food is fresher.
S’mores: The Quintessential Camping Treat
No camping trip is complete without s’mores. This timeless treat is simple to make and brings joy to campers of all ages.
Traditional S’mores
Ingredients:
- Graham crackers
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fire: Ensure you have a steady campfire with glowing embers.
- Assemble S’mores: Place a marshmallow on a stick and roast over the fire until golden brown.
- Stack and Enjoy: Sandwich the marshmallow and a piece of chocolate between two graham crackers.
Support Local: Opt for local chocolate brands to bring unique flavors to your s’mores. Supporting these businesses helps preserve cultural identities and tradition.
Gourmet S’mores with a Twist
Ingredients:
- Graham crackers
- Marshmallows
- Dark chocolate or flavored chocolate bars
- Peanut butter
- Fresh banana slices
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fire: Get the campfire ready as before.
- Assemble Gourmet S’mores: Spread peanut butter on a graham cracker, add a roasted marshmallow, a chocolate piece, and banana slices, then top with another graham cracker.
- Enjoy: Savor the decadent mix of flavors.
Support Local: Use locally produced peanut butter and bananas from nearby farms. Not only do these ingredients add a delightful twist, but they also contribute to the local economy.
Getting Your Vegetables: Nutritious and Delicious
Eating vegetables while camping might seem challenging, but with a little creativity, it’s easy to incorporate them into your meals.
Grilled Vegetable Medley
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare Vegetables: Toss all vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Grill: Place on a grill over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve: Enjoy as a side dish or mix with rice or quinoa for a main course.
Support Local: Purchase in-season vegetables from local vendors. According to the American Planning Association, communities with strong local food systems show improved public health outcomes.
Vegetable Skewers
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Button mushrooms
- Zucchini slices
- Bell pepper chunks
- Red onion chunks
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare Skewers: Thread vegetables onto skewers, alternating types for variety.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill: Cook on a grill or over campfire coals for 10-12 minutes.
- Serve: These skewers are perfect as a snack or side dish.
Support Local: By using locally sourced produce, you contribute to environmental sustainability and reduce transportation emissions.
Conclusion
Cooking while camping doesn’t have to be a mundane task; it’s an opportunity to explore new flavors, support local small businesses, and connect with your surroundings. As you plan your next camping trip, consider the impact of your choices and how they can support your community.