Campfire gatherings are exciting social activities for children and adults alike. They offer the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while participating in games, songs and stories. Campfires typically involve unhealthy foods such as s'mores, hot dogs and potato chips. However, several healthy campfire snacks can add enjoyment to these gatherings without loading you up on sugar, fats and sodium.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a low-calorie snack that is loaded with dietary fiber, a natural undigestible substance that aids proper bowel function and prevents blood sugar spikes. Long-handled campfire popcorn poppers are available through camping and outdoor specialty stores and online retailers, although any long-handled metal pot with a lid will work. In a pinch, you can even use a campfire skillet tightly covered with aluminum foil. Add 1 cup of popping corn and 2 tbsp. of olive oil to a campfire popper and hold over the open flame until the kernels pop. Shake the popper frequently to avoid burning the popcorn.
Veggie Wraps
Veggie wraps are easy snacks for children to make, and are healthy alternatives to traditional campfire snacks. Place sliced vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach, yellow squash, broccoli, peppers, garlic and onions in a campfire skillet with 1 tbsp. olive oil and cook until the vegetables are tender. Use a pair of tongs to place the cooked vegetables in whole-grain or whole-wheat tortillas. Season with cayenne pepper and top with low-fat shredded cheese, fat-free sour cream, guacamole and chopped cilantro.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is an easily portable snack that does not require refrigeration. It contains nuts, which are good sources of protein, fiber and healthy fat; dried fruits, which offer vitamins C and A; and sometimes chocolate. Place unsalted peanuts, hazelnuts and pecans in a large freezer bag with low-sugar chocolate chips. Add dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, mango cubes, banana slices, pineapple chunks and papaya cubes. Seal the bag and shake to mix the ingredients. Dry fruits in a kitchen dehydrator to save money on this nutritious campfire snack.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are easy to make, and are versatile snacks appropriate for campfire gatherings. Sprinkle low-fat shredded cheese on half of a whole-grain or whole-wheat tortilla. Layer fresh vegetables such as mushrooms, onion slices, spinach leaves and sliced peppers on the cheese. Add another layer of cheese and fold the tortilla in half. Place the quesadillas in a campfire skillet and cook over an open flame. Top with fat-free sour cream, salsa or guacamole.
References
- "The Family Camping Guide" Greg Robinson; 2010
- "The Happy Camper's Cookbook"; Marilyn Abraham et al.; 1999
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