Outdoor Cooking Tips!

The Camping Source Cooking Tips

Creating campsite meals and treats is fun for the whole family.

There are as many ways to enjoy food and fun in the great outdoors as there are wonderful things to do and see. The Camping Source shares pre-trip ideas, cooking methods, and handy tips to make your The Camping Source campsite cooking an open-air taste sensation.

• Measure dry goods for each meal, pack in zip-loc bags, and label.
• Chop vegetables (onions, peppers, carrots, etc.) and pack in zip-locs.
• Prepare snacks (veggie sticks, trail mix, energy bars, etc.) and pack in zip-locs.
• Resealable boxes of broth (beef, chicken) store well and come in very handy.
• Pre-cook noodles, rice, etc. for quick reheating at the campsite.
• Block ice lasts longer in your cooler than cubes.

Here’s a handy checklist of The Camping Source supplies to make sure you don’t forget a thing.

___	heavy duty aluminum foil
___	zip-loc freezer bags in several sizes
___	disposable plates/bowls/hot-cold cups/flatware
___	coffee/cocoa/tea cups
___	salt/pepper/sugar/dry spices
___	powdered milk/can of evaporated milk
___	coffee/filters/cocoa mix/tea bags
___	paper towels
___	trash bags
___	can/bottle opener/corkscrew
___	plastic flexible cutting board
___	metal cooking utensils – tongs/spatula/grill forks/serving spoons/hot dog-marshmallow sticks/knife
___	metal measuring cups/spoons
___	serving bowl(s)
___	plastic tablecloth/table cloth clips or weights
___	leftover food storage containers
___	pot-pan with lid/skillet
___	foil cooking tins
___	non stick cooking spray or spray bottle filled with oil
___	oven mitts/pot holders
___	dish pan/bio-degradable dish soap/dish towels/sponge-scrubby
___	strike anywhere matches
___	butane stick lighter
___	firestarters
And don’t forget the:
___	BBQ grill/smoker
___	propane/charcoal
___	firewood (in case none is available)
___	grill top for campfire ring
___	dutch oven
___	crockpot (use only if camping in a “wild animal safe” area)
___	propane stove

Now You’re Cooking
You’re prepared and ready to cook!! There are several methods of campsite cooking to choose from – try one or try several. The Camping Source recipe page offers great ideas using these methods. Some camper favorites include:

• Barbequing/Grilling – the possibilities are endless. Burgers and dogs, chicken, ribs, steaks, fish, veggies, fruit – even pizza!!
  
  http://www.thecampingsource.com/camping_recipes/recipe_category_list.aspx
  
  Did you know…to barbecue those burgers evenly all the way through, poke a pinky size hole in the center of each burger. The hole will close as the burger cooks and everyone will enjoy a perfect patty!!

• Foil pouches are neat treats and time savers, too. On a large piece of heavy duty foil place your seasoned meat, veggie pieces (sliced, julienned, etc.), diced potatoes, and a pat of butter or oil. Add an ice cube or two, fold and seal all edges tightly, and place on the grill. The pouch contents retain their moisture and flavor. Serve pouch on plate and watch their eyes light up.
  
  Check out the Reynolds Wrap “No Dish Dinner” ideas at Foil Pouch Recipes for more foil pouch ideas.

• Dutch Oven – a dutch oven is a deep cast iron or aluminum pot with a tight fitting lid that doesn’t allow steam to escape – thus delivering a moist and flavorful dish. A fantastic website dedicated to dutch oven cooking is Byron’s Dutch Oven Cooking.

• Crockpots offer set and forget, one pot style GoCamping campsite cooking. Simply assemble your recipe ingredients in the crockpot in the morning and go enjoy the day. When you return home you’ll be greeted by mouthwatering smells and a ready to go supper.
  
  Before using the crockpot method outdoors, be sure to check with your camp hosts about hungry wild animals in the area. If it’s bear or other critter country crockpotting is not for this trip!!

• Feeling adventurous?? Try an old scouting standby – the box oven. It’s said to work well and turns mealtime into an educational science project. Take a look at Box Oven Instructions for plans and ideas.

Tips and Tricks
So now you’re an expert. Take along these general Camping Source kitchen tips:

• Clean your grill by rubbing it with a fist size ball of aluminum foil.
• All items in your cooler should be contained in watertight zip-loc bags.
• Cover cooking pots – the contents will heat quicker and the lids will keep foreign objects out.
• Use frozen slices of bread when preparing a “brown bag” lunch – when you’re ready to eat, the bread is defrosted and fresh.
• Clean out your fridge or cooler by making omelets the last morning of your trip using all leftover meats and veggies.
• Keep marshmallows from sticking together by adding some powdered sugar to the bag.
• Swap Hershey’s chocolate with Peppermint Patties for a refreshing twist on the s’more.
• Remember to leave the campsite and fire ring as clean or cleaner than when you arrived. Article source:thecampingsource.com