Camping is an outdoor activity enjoyed by those who like to experience nature. When camping, one of the most important things besides your gear is deciding what you will eat. When planning your menu for your camping trip, you need to be practical and make safe food choices. Keep in mind that there may not be as many modern conveniences as there is at home. Choose foods you can prepare in advance and keep it simple.
Meat
Meat provides protein and a filling meal choice when camping. If you are hunting or gaming, fresh meat is a good food option. If you are able to process the animal and prepare it for a meal within a few hours after your catch, you should be able to eat a safe meal. You have to keep in mind that meat can spoil easily, especially in hot weather. If you do plan on bringing meat on your camping trip choose meats that are less likely to spoil easily such as smoked meat like beef or ham. Keep everything on ice and in a cooler. The Pack Your Gear website explains that you should prepare and cook meat and other perishables first. Smoked meats can be reheated over a grill or on a grate over open flames. Beef jerky, cooked canned meats or meats pre-cooked and prepared can make snacking and meal time simpler. You can prepare raw meat in stews, soups or directly over an open flame for a cooked-through smoky flavor.
Vegetables
Vegetables can last a long time on a camping trip if they are stored correctly. Vegetables are camping friendly because they can be easily grilled, boiled or steamed over hot coals. The Family Education website states that vegetables should be stored in a dry and cool place. Keep vegetables out of plastic bags and replace with wax paper or plastic, this will prevent their natural gases from releasing and causing then to rot. You can cut and prepare some vegetables in advance such as onions, potatoes, peppers, sugar snap peas and zucchini. Wrap tightly in foil and keep refrigerated. Use the foil pack later for grilling or over hot coals for a nutritious side meal. For fresh vegetables used in salads or side dishes, cut just before use. Cucumbers, green beans, radishes and carrots keep for several days in a dry location.
Desserts
Pie irons, cast iron bakeware and cooking sticks are convenient tools to have around a campfire. Easily make most deserts over a fire as opposed to a stove. The Campfire Dude website explains camp cooking sticks allow you to easily cook hot dogs, bread dough and marshmallows to your liking. A pie iron allows you to easily make desserts just using a few ingredients. You can use refrigerated cookie dough, puff pastry or white bread for the shell of your dessert. Add your favorite fillings such as canned fruit preserves, candies, peanut butter or chocolate to make your dessert hot and ready for each camper.
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