Cooking Tips
Camping Meal Ideas
If you choose to bring dehydrated foods for a camping trip, there are some good commercial options such as prepared soup mixes and quick breads. Although these items are great staples, they can be fortified with additional nutrients from canned fruits, vegetables and other grains to create a balanced diet.
For breakfast items, oatmeal, grits or any type of porridge works great. Adding additional textures like granola, dried fruit or nuts will also be filling and incorporate protein into the meal.
Lunches and dinners can be rustic stews with high starch bases such as potatoes and flour as thickening agents. Examine a few simple stew recipes and you will see how they can be modified into using dried meats, vegetables and even some fruits. Always carry bullion cubes and dehydrated meats. These flavored cubes are indispensable for seasoning various meats, stews and sauces. If you have the time, try drying your own meats, vegetables and fruits. You can even marinade your meat before dehydration to add additional flavor and preservation.
Don’t forget about dessert! Easy cake, bread and sweet biscuits can be made from mixes by adding water. You can add extra spices, canned fruit or natural sweeteners for added flavor.
Lastly, I would pack along vitamin supplements to make sure everyone has the right nutrients they need. Look for supplements that are high in folic acid, B complex, and vitamin A, C and D.
Camping is not only a great way to learn about the great out doors, this activity can teach children how to be resourceful when it comes to preparing and rationing meals.