Believe it or not, you have many options available to you when it comes to meals on the trail. With new products available on the market, s’mores and dried fruit are no longer your only choices. With some planning and the proper equipment, you can create gourmet meals around the campfire. Keep reading to learn how.
One great way to ensure you eat like a king the next time you make camp is to plan ahead. I know it sounds like an obvious tip, but you’d be surprised at how many people fail to do it. Instead of just hitting the nearest convenience store or gas station after you check in to the campground, try making a meal calendar for your trip. Be sure to include a list of needed ingredients, too. Then, you can stop by the grocery store on your way to the campground and have a meal plan ready to go. For recipe ideas, you can visit www.dirtygourmet.com or www.thebaldgourmet.com.
Most people tend to limit themselves to a campfire when it comes to cooking methods, but camping stoves and portable grills are great, as well. There are several models available, but Coleman’s Signature Outdoor Gear Propane Camp Stove/Oven is a popular one. This device serves as an entire backyard kitchen. You can also pick up a cooker like Bass Pro Shops’ Stainless Steel 3-in-1 Combo to help you fry, steam, and boil your campsite meals.
Finally, let’s not forget to add some flavor. A few different spices or seasonings can really boost the taste and satisfaction of even the simplest recipe. Be sure to bring along salt and pepper, but also include seasoning mixes and even dressings or rubs, to add some much appreciated flavor to your meals. Many of the marinades and rubs are versatile and can do wonders on any entrée.
Today’s tips may seem like no-brainers, and if you’ve gotten to that point, good for you. However, many still restrain their options to hot dogs and trail mix. While there’s nothing wrong with these dishes, you don’t have to limit your menu just because you’re camping, even in the backcountry. Planning, trail stoves/ovens, and a collection of simple spices can go a long way towards rewarding meals at the end of a long day on the trail.