Camping Lite??? Help!

[Chefzhat]

Brave me, taking the kiddos camping this weekend - the first time the tent's been up this year. Usually we just take a bunch of gunk to eat but I am committed to taking good food this time. Any thoughts? We are using a cooler to keep food cold and I have a campstove and a grill. Really I need help with side dishes, we can always grill meats but what to go with???? You are all so clever I know you can help!

[Star]

Good for you! I know this isn't very "campy food" but rice/bean salad. Just mix cooked rice with some bean salad, either store bought or homemade. A fruit salad with a little lemon and a sprinkle of sugar is tasty. The lemon can replace a yogurt dressing. For late night, how about Chex mix. All the variations seem tasty. May the force be with you http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif
~Diona

[Julia1Pin]

On the bean salad theme -

1 can black beans, corn, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, salt, pepper, and dried seasonings you brought along, olive oil (if you have). All the natural juices mix together, and makes for a great salad.

Aside from the smores http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif, I actually tend to eat somewhat healthier. Fresh fish or meat, baked potatoes, and no unhealthy condiments. Just pure food.

[kabs]

What about BBQ beans? I took the Hot and Smokey Baked Beans the last time I went camping and they were easy to heat up and were devoured immediately!

Also, if you don't have to walk a long distance to the campsite, a whole watermelon is a great thing to bring, because you can be as messy as you want! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[mandarin2j]

I make a very simple black bean soup when I car camp.

This should feed three-four people with some French bread on the side & some fresh or grilled veggies.

Easy Car Camping Black Bean Soup

1 large onion (any variety, but I prefer plain yellow in this recipe), finely chopped
1 tbs olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced (more to taste)
2 cans of black beans, undrained
1 can low-sodium chicken or veggie broth
1 tbs. chili powder, or more to taste
ground pepper
generous splash red wine (any variety, but I usually use Cabernet 'cause that's what I'm drinking!)

Saute onions in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and saute for about a minute, being careful not to overcook. Toss in the beans, broth, chili powder, and pepper. Simmer for 45 minutes or so, uncovered, until cooked down to a thicker consistency. Add red wine and cook for another 15-20 minutes. Serve with chopped fresh tomato or Ro-tel & a dollop of light sour cream or nonfat plain yogurt.

-Amanda

[Chefzhat]

Thanx everyone - I'm off to the campsite. I'm doing bean/rice salad, and taking a watermelon - I like the fact that we can make somewhere else messy besides my kitchen! Amanda the bean soup sounded so good I made it for dinner at home - yummy! Thanks again!