One of the challenges that makes camping fun is figuring out how to prepare a meal in the great outdoors without the normal kitchen amenities like an oven or microwave. Getting to your campsite and realizing you’ve forgotten an essential piece of kitchen equipment can make things rough at meal time, so compiling a checklist is an effective way to ensure you don’t forget anything you’ll need to make your next outdoor meal a success.
Food Preparation
Preparing the food while you’re camping is the hardest part. You’ll want to make sure you have all the supplies on hand you’ll need to make a full meal. First, make sure you know how you’re going to be cooking your food. If you’re doing it over an open flame, you’ll need a stand of some sort to rest your pots and pans on as they cook, as a campfire doesn’t provide a stable surface. Be sure to pack plenty of cooking utensils, such as metal spoons, that will stand up to the harsh flames of the campfire. If you feel like a casserole or other similar dish that usually cooks in the oven, you might consider putting a dutch oven on your checklist. It is a deep cast iron dish that uses convection heat to cook casseroles and other types of food like your oven at home. If you prefer a heat source that is more steady and reliable, pack along a portable propane stove or grill, which will give you an even cooking surface and a way to control the amount of heat you need depending on what you’re cooking.
Eating and Cleaning Supplies
Once your meal is ready, you’ll need all the supplies with which to enjoy it. Depending on your camp surroundings and situation, you can either opt for disposable supplies, such as paper plates, cups and plastic utensils, or pack "real" eating supplies that you can wash after every meal. Whichever you use, you’ll still want to pack soap and cleaning supplies to get your pots and pans clean after cooking.
Miscellaneous Supplies
Sometimes the little things make outdoor meals nice, so be sure to put some little luxuries on your checklist. Ketchup, mustard and relish make all the difference when having a weenie roast over the fire. Salt and pepper shakers with closeable tops help you add a little spice to your meal. Also, plastic containers are a nice convenience and can help you store leftovers—if there are any.
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