Suggestions for Healthy Camp Food

[Nutmeg]

I know, this seems like a topic for the "other" list, but I'm trying to simplify our camping menu and make it healthier so this seemed like the right place to go. My DH and I are going camping with friends this weekend, and we've made an agreement to stay away from our usual camping diet of red meat, eggs, etc. However, I'd love some ideas from more experienced campers/hikers on foods that will be yummy, easy to prepare, and healthy. The emphasis is on minimal preparation and ingredients! Instead of wanting to nap after our meals, I'm hoping they'll inspire us to be a lot more active http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Thanks in advance for all of the great ideas!

[SusanT]

Are you backpacking or car camping?

[Nutmeg]

we're doing something in-between. our car will be about a 1/4 mile away, but i know the guys are planning to bring much of the regular gear such as a small propane grill, etc.

[crlykat]

Try this link. You may have to sort through each section to find the better suggestions:
http://www.gorp.com/gorp/food/recipe.htm

[SusanT]

My husband and I camped recently and we did grilled chicken caesar salad for dinner one night. Grilled the chicken, of course, and added it to a bagged light caesar salad. You could also do some chicken kabobs.

Another meal we've done camping is bean burritos. I make the burritos ahead of time then wrap them in foil and reheat over the campfire.

Whatever you do, try to keep it to one-dish meals. It's really hard to make multiple dishes and keep everything clean while cooking outdoors. I often forget this and get overly elaborate with meals.

Enjoy your camping trip!

[BethH]

Hey--my favorite topic! My fiance and I looove to go camping and hiking. We actually backpack when we go, but our favorites would work great with a car nearby as well. Everything just seems to taste so good when you are camping!!!

Our favorites are bean and rice burritos--made with Uncle Ben's southwestern beans and rice mix and a little dehydrated pinto beans added to make it a little thicker (or use less water). Then we add cheese and some taco bell hot sauce and roll them up. People in the woods say they are the best burritos they have ever tasted! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

We also do pasta sometimes. The tortillini supremo listed at the site crlykat posted is really good. I always lighten it by cutting out the stick of butter. We use smoked cheddar as the cheese and it tastes excellent! Another time we packed in a foil wrapped package of smoked salmon which doesn't need refrigeration and added that to some pasta and sauce--yummy!

Cheese fondue is another huge favorite! I usually make mine by scratch very easily, but they sell vacumn packed cheese fondue in the grocery which makes it even easier.

In the mornings we do oatmeal when it is cold sometimes, but our very favorite is not light. I know this includes the red meat you were trying to avoid, but, wow does it taste great in the woods. Over a fire you start cooking 1/2 package of bacon--thinly slice two potatoes into the pan after the bacon is about 1/2 the way done. Then slice an onion into the pan as well and season to taste. So yuumy and it feeds a crowd. Sticks with you on long hikes too!

I also usually bake scones in the coals of the fire as well. They are very easy--just require a little at home prep before you go. Let me know if you want the recipe.

Other than that--kabobs are a super idea. The CL "No Boo Hoo" potatoes from the Oct 99 or Dec 99 issue work well too. Have fun and feel free to ask me anything else! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Nutmeg]

I made soy tacos on a recent camping trip, but I love the idea of bean burritos. I'll definitely add it to the menu.

As for the bacon/potato/onion extravaganza, it has me drooling already, but we made a pact and we're sticking to it http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I'm off this afternoon so thanks for the help!

[Nutmeg]

Oops! I hit reply too soon.

BethH--could you please send me the scones recipe? If I don't make it for this trip, I'd definitely be interested for the future.

Also, the idea of fondue sounds fabulously decadent. Maybe too decadent...shouldn't we be roughing it out there? Just kidding.