Campsite Meal Planning and Recipe

Hello Again,

Today we will be talking about meal planning. Meals are one of the most memorable aspects of any camping trip and if one meal is a disaster you will never hear the end of it. I will show you how to avoid spending half the day in the kitchen and still deliver a meal that will knock their socks off. Pre planning and pre prep are a great way to buy more time for doing what you came for "Camping". Later I will share a recipe that includes a great way to pre cook pasta. There are two methods for meal planning, the ration method and the recipe method. Today I will focus on the recipe method. I will go into depth on the ration method in a later issue. A small group in a camp setting will find the recipe method much easier to implement. If you have a very large group or need to be mobile the ration method is desirable.

An efficient and fun way to plan your menu is to gather up all your favorite recipes and make a daily menu centered around your planned activities not worrying about space or supply restrictions. For example if you are planning some hiking, sandwiches will do the trick. If you plan to stay close to the site you can afford some more elaborate meals. I try to plan for a variety of situations. This allows you to be fixable once you hit the site. You don't have to follow your menu to the tee. Mix it up, be spontaneous and have fun.

Once you have your menu, figure out what supplies you will need, then depending on your space and weight requirements adjust your menu and/or your equipment accordingly. Otherwise just creating the menu can be a real challenge. Our goal here is to have fun. This method for meal planning is an easy way to figure out what supplies you will need without a lot of size and weight calculations. There are plenty of complicated formulas you can use for meal planning and in some circumstance like backpacking or extended trips these are essential, but for the average campsite certainty not necessary. If you forget or overlook something, most campgrounds either have a store on site or within a short driving distance. You might kick yourself for having to spend twice what something is worth but you won't starve.

When planning your menu include plenty of fresh water, high-energy snacks and trail foods like fresh fruit, beef jerky and granola. Stay away from things like chips, soda and cookies unless you plan on sitting around the campsite wishing you had a TV to watch. Outdoor activities require a lot of energy and burn a lot of calories. The best way to plan healthy meals is to use the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid. Keep in mind appetites will be up so plan accordingly. Click on the link above to visit the USDA's site.

Do as much pre planning and pre prep as possible. (Say that 5 times fast) I use a lot of zip lock bags, cutting up and cooking as much as I can before I get to the site. Use a cooler to keep your perishables like milk, condiments and fresh vegetables. I use powdered milk in all my camp recipes because it is convenient to carry and easy to convert your recipe to fresh milk if you have it. I usually use fresh milk for the first few days then go to the powdered milk after we have run out. At least that is the plan. My daughter loves to drink milk and always throws a fit whenever we run out of fresh. I often find myself reentering society in exchange for a little peace and quiet.

The nice thing about the recipe menu planning method is most home recipes can be converted to outdoor recipes with very little effort. This next recipe is a perfect example of something that is equally delicious at home or out on the campsite. Note the pre planning tips that make this a quick fix without compromising on taste.

Campsite Pasta Italiano

7 to 8 oz pasta
4 Tbsp olive or peanut oil
1 lb Italian sausage cut into ½ inch pieces
1 28 oz can Italian Style crushed tomatoes (do not substitute with regular crushed tomatoes)
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Parmesan cheese

Do Ahead Tip: Cut sausage before hand and store in a zip lock bag

Do Ahead Tip: Cook the pasta at home as directed on package. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl add pasta and 2 Tbsp oil. Toss until evenly coated, seal in a zip lock bag and store in cooler until needed.

Do Ahead Tip: Plan several pasta dishes and cook all the pasta at once. Store each portion in a separate bag. Use a permanent marker to write the name of the recipe each bag is intended for.

Before you prepare your meal remove the appropriate pasta bag from the cooler and let it reach room temperature.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet on medium high. Add sausage and brown evenly until cooked through. Drain grease; add crushed tomatoes and garlic powder. Stirring constantly bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Simmer until thickened about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add pasta. Mix well. If your skillet is too small to add the pasta you can mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. The heat of the sauce will reheat the pasta. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve with parmesan Cheese.

Whala! A simple delicious meal whipped up in a flash. Guaranteed to stick to the ribs after a hard days play. Don't forget to leave some room for the S'mores.

Timothy D McBride

I am an avid camper with a passion for the simple life. Growing up in Rural America meant camping and fishing from a young age. This has translated into a passion for providing only the best camping advice and services. As the owner and operator of Camping & Cooking Supplies I strive to provide a tremendous resource for the camping enthusiast. So come and visit us at Camping & Cooking Supplies. See you on the trails.

I am an avid camper with a passion for the simple life. Growing up in Rural America meant camping and fishing from a young age. This has translated into a passion for providing only the best camping advice and services. As the owner and operator of Camping & Cooking Supplies I strive to provide a tremendous resource for the camping enthusiast. So come and visit us at Camping & Cooking Supplies. See you on the trails.

---

Bird Watching Mecca ? 338 Species At Acadia National Park

When it comes to birding, Acadia National Park is a... Read More

Discover Knotts Berry Farm

Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland... Read More

Costa Rica White Water Rafting Trip

Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are both responsible... Read More

Things to Make Your Gap Year in Africa Easy!

The kind of things you pack when you go on... Read More

Dancing With Whales

We've all heard about whalewatching from boats or shore, and... Read More

The American Picnic ? Make Yours Memorable

We love spending time outdoors and if you are expecting... Read More

River Rafting in the Grand Canyon

Rafting through the Grand Canyon is the experience of a... Read More

You Might Be An Ultralight Backpacker If...

If you you find yourself saying "Hey, that's a good... Read More

Take a Hiking Pole on Your Next Hike

It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter... Read More

Beach Vacation Photo Tips ? Make Your Vacation AND Photos Memorable

Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take... Read More

Bird Safaris: Timbavatis Most Desired Plumage

Normally when you think Safari you think Big 5. The... Read More

Backyard Camping Trip

Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More

The Wandle Trail - Map and Illustrated Guide

The Wandle offered wonderful trout fishing up to the latter... Read More

4 Steps to an Enjoyable Hike

Some people have fought many years of their lives to... Read More

San Diego Beach Hikes ? Cardiff to Carlsbad

San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the... Read More

Safety Tips While Walking in the Spanish Countryside

Spring:Essential items when preparing for a walk-Compass-First aid kit -... Read More

Is There Such A Thing As A Romantic Camping Getaway In Minnesota?

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is pleased... Read More

Protection from Lightning - Smart Strategies for Hikers and All Outdoor Enthusiasts

Prevention is your best protection against lightning. Be sure to... Read More

All the Way to Timbuctu

Yes, it's real. There is a place called Timbuktu and... Read More

About Table Mountain Cape Town - Well Known in South Africa and Around the World

Table Mountain sheltered the original Cape explorers in the 16th... Read More

Alaska Hunting Guide

WHAT TO HUNT AND WHERE: Alaska is a hunter's paradise.... Read More

Wal-Mart Camping And Other Free Places

"Do you know about Wal-Mart camping?" We didn't know, but... Read More

Holidays in Goa

Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More

Your Horses Back May Not Be the Same Next Month

A saddle is a static object, but your horse is... Read More

Rigid Inflatable Boats

A rigid inflatable boat is defined as a hard-hulled boat... Read More

Stay Warm - A Backpacking Skill

Stay warm or die. That's what it comes down to... Read More

Your Virgin Bushwalk

Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More

Three Places to Interact with Dolphins in Hawaii

Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on... Read More

African Safari Gear Packing List - What To Take Along

The last thing you want on an African safari is... Read More

Scuba diving in South Africa

This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark... Read More

Spanish Courses in Spain

Spain: sun, sea, sand and Spanish... discover us! Spain, a... Read More

Ultralight Backpacks - The Lightest

Why ultralight backpacks? Devotees of ultralight backpacking know you reduce... Read More

How To Buy a Used RV - Part 2

The key to getting a good bargin, instead of a... Read More