Camping and backpacking food ideas.

[maric]

We love to go camping as a family. When we do, I usually have a "kitchen" area. My cook stove and grate for fire place, cast iron, mess sets, spice, coolers.. all decked out for family camp. Usually marinate meats and go all out for supper and breakfast.However,
when we go lightweight backpacking, we use a little MSR pocket rockert, and yet, still try to keep food tasty!
Anyone want to share any yummy recipies, or short cuts to their food preps?
We love boil in bag rice! Can season that up with just about anything. Good for lighweigt backpacking. We always have a ton of different seasonings in our packs.. salt/pepper, garlic salt, Old Bays, Lowerys seasoning salt.. dehydrated foods qre abviously lighter, byt you need more water to cook..
Instant taters in another we stock up on "Baby Reds" are my fav at 99 cents a bag, you can mix that up with just about anything!
Just some thoughts..

[PT945]

I've started preseasoning groung beef and Turkey then dehydrating it. I also do soup and stews the same way.

[maric]

I've started preseasoning groung beef and Turkey then dehydrating it. I also do soup and stews the same way.

I need to learn to dehydrate meat.. Ive read about it.. just never tried, dont know why Im so afraid to?? Do I really need any special supplies, to try ground beef?

[Skyowl's Wife]

When camping, we pre-cook our ribs and freeze them in ziplocs with the BBQ sauce on them. They thaw (even under ice) and are ready to throw on the grill in a day or two.

Using hot bags (found near tin foil in the store) for veggies is a favorite. Throw in raw broccoli, cauliflower, a little water, butter and salt and pepper, seal the hot bag, throw it on the grill over the campfire for an hour, turning over each 15 mins, you have yummy steamed veggies. You could use tin foil for this, but after using enough layers to make your pouch sturdy enough to turn, you might as well buy the bags.

We usually only cook bfast and dinner when camping. Make sandwiches and have chips for lunch.

One of the families fave bfasts is what we call "camping pot". Take a dutch oven, cut up a kielblase into "coins", saute them. Chuck in a chopped onion and saute that for a minute. Throw a couple of cans of new potatoes, a small can of diced chilies. Salt and pepper. Stir the whole mess together and simmer for 15 minutes. YUM!

[PT945]

I need to learn to dehydrate meat.. Ive read about it.. just never tried, dont know why Im so afraid to?? Do I really need any special supplies, to try ground beef?

Absolutely none, its actually very easy, hint tho is the leaner the meat the better and faster it dries. I'm partial to ground Turkey.

[Echo2]

It depends on the style of camping....when we take our Cubs....it's essentially car camping....so the sky is the limit.

One of the pack favorites is to make bag omelets....this is especially good for varying tastes....one ladle...or 2 egg equivalent....add as desired....onion...peppers....cheese....ham....sau sage....bacon....mushrooms...etc. Then toss bag (heavy duty freezer bag are best) into boiling water....cook to desired doneness.

cast iron skillet biscuits are great too....canned biscuits cooked in either skillet or DO....over coals....then throw on some country ham.....few of those in a backpack is a GOOD lunch.

[maric]

One of the families fave bfasts is what we call "camping pot". Take a dutch oven, cut up a kielblase into "coins", saute them. Chuck in a chopped onion and saute that for a minute. Throw a couple of cans of new potatoes, a small can of diced chilies. Salt and pepper. Stir the whole mess together and simmer for 15 minutes. YUM!

We not only make this for dinner, often, with a little kraut, but LOVE to cook it when family camping as well! Oh, and Jambalya is a favorite too!!
Im new to the whole canning thing, but kraut is going to be a plenty around here! We eat it sometime 2-3 times a week. German blood... we love our kraut!!

[Echo2]

We not only make this for dinner, often, with a little kraut, but LOVE to cook it when family camping as well! Oh, and Jambalya is a favorite too!!
Im new to the whole canning thing, but kraut is going to be a plenty around here! We eat it sometime 2-3 times a week. German blood... we love our kraut!!

I have a urge for a grilled ruben with some spicy mustard for some reason.

[maric]

It depends on the style of camping....when we take our Cubs....it's essentially car camping....so the sky is the limit.

One of the pack favorites is to make bag omelets....this is especially good for varying tastes....one ladle...or 2 egg equivalent....add as desired....onion...peppers....cheese....ham....sau sage....bacon....mushrooms...etc. Then toss bag (heavy duty freezer bag are best) into boiling water....cook to desired doneness.

cast iron skillet biscuits are great too....canned biscuits cooked in either skillet or DO....over coals....then throw on some country ham.....few of those in a backpack is a GOOD lunch.

made me hungry! I have not made skillet biscuits.. I have really imporved my cooking skills in the last few years, though (pat on back) :) the Mr would love those! Ill try tomorrow, IF weather permits!!

[maric]

I have a urge for a grilled ruben with some spicy mustard for some reason.

lol.. maybe it was the scenario you discussed.. lots of thought.. made you hungry? Good stuff!!! Sounds delicious!!! :)

[Echo2]

fingers.....cramping....arrrrg....:)

[Adirondack1]

Dried dates, cherries or prunes added to instant oatmeal for a boost of energy while waiting for the carbs to kick in is a good way to start the day.

[maric]

Dried dates, cherries or prunes added to instant oatmeal for a boost of energy while waiting for the carbs to kick in is a good way to start the day.

Sounds so good, yet, healthy.. Im trying my hardest to eat healthier.. prunes give the poo's though, dont they? Im all about the carbs.. need them to get by.. big time.. :) Anything other than oatmeal you can suggest, to introduce the prunes?

[TennOutdoors]

I have a small cooler that I use on occasion, along with a small plastic waterproof box I lined with foam insulation and use a ice pack I got from the Dr. inside, I carry two or three thick Rib eyes or strip steak and jalapeno's. the small cooler carries, a six pack of DP and one or two beers along with another Ice pack with some cheese, diced onion.

a quart bag holds rice, a package of dried beans. a small roll up bag holds waterproof pill bottles that contain spices and beef or chicken bullion. a ziplock baggy with flour ( got to make gravy or its not a real meal LOL). a bag of three diced or shredded potato's and a bag of premade salad. usually carry four eggs in a special case. sometimes I carry a bit more real food, but never less.

at the bottom of my pack are three MRE"s for emergencies. If im hiking and camping im out to enjoy myself. why eat crappy. and scrounging up wild onion and garlic and other herbs tends to make a memorable meal on the trail.

Mmmm Rabbit stew. okay thats enough I think I need to go cook dinner now LOL

[maric]

Sounds great Tenn!! I always carry spices with me, even if its MRE's.. we love to spicy things up!! Were heading out here in a bit, to do what I wanted for Mom's Day, CAMP! Thank you God it is a beautiful day! Im still working on the menu, but will post some pics!!
Im a diet coke and wine kinda gal myself , but the Mr and I do usually take a flask with some good cheap whiskey (cause whiskey is ALWAYS handy in emergency situations... lol) and he usually enjoys a beer while we cook! Thanks for sharing!