SouthEast Camper

Archive for December, 2009


Are you interested in doing something fun and exciting on a day that you may have off from work or a weekend that you may have no plans? If you are and if you are like many other Americans, there is a good chance that you may be interested in doing something recreational. If you are, you have a number of different options. One of those options involves going on a hike.

Hiking is one of the most popular recreational activities in the United States. While different individuals have different reasons for enjoying hiking, it is easy to see that hiking is loved by many. In the United States, most cities and towns have at least one hiking park or hiking trail and many have more than one. What does that mean for you? It means that whether you are looking to go hiking for a few hours or if you want to go hiking for a few days, it should be more than possible for you to do so.

One of the many reasons why hiking is such a popular recreational activity is because it is a challenge. Yes, playing a game of basketball or a game of baseball can be fun and exciting, but there isn’t much out there like hiking. Even if you choose to hike the same hiking trail multiple times a year, you will still likely find surprises and changes. That is what is nice about nature; nothing stays the same forever. Every time that you go on a hike, it will seem as if it is a completely new and exciting adventure.

Hiking is also popular because it can be done a number of different ways. For instance, hiking is a recreational activity that you can do alone or with a group of your friends or even with your family. Most hikers prefer hiking with someone that they know. If you would prefer to hike independently, that is okay, but you may want to take a few extra steps to ensure your safety. These extra steps involve letting someone know where you will be hiking and when you can be expected back, dressing properly, and brining your cell phone with you.

Another reason why hiking is such a popular activity is because it is a workout. There are many individuals who enjoy hiking, well just because, but then there are others who like to go hiking as a form of exercise. Hiking trials are known for their vast array of landscaping. When going hiking, you could walk up steps, climb over small rocks, climb down hilly slopes, and much more. The varied landscape is perfect for workouts, as it really tests your body and its strength. If you are interested in hiking as a part of a routine workout, you may want to examine local parks that offer membership plans or discounts to regular hikers.

As previously stated, there are some individuals who like to go hiking just because. Although hiking is referred to as a recreational activity, there are many individuals who use hiking as a way to relax or escape from their everyday life. That is what is amazing about hiking; this recreational activity can offer you and provide you with so much, including a fun and exciting time.

If you would like to go hiking, you should give it a try. As a reminder, most cities and towns in the United States have hiking trials or hiking parks; therefore, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a hiking trail to get started on.

When our family is on a camping trip, we eat in style because we use gourmet quality camping cooking equipment.

In camping, nothing can be worse than being in the middle of nowhere and then realizing you forgot your wok, for the many stir fries you planned on cooking. Our wok works double time because we don’t only use it for stir frying, we use it for making pancakes, frying fish, soups, cowboy chili, and pancakes. The right camping equipment always makes a difference.

However, you really have to be organized when you are carrying a near complete camp kitchen. So one of the best investments you can make for camping trips is to find the right bins to store your camping cooking equipment in. It should fit in your vehicle, with easy access in and out. It should be see through clear.

We’ve used Sterilite and Rubber maid bins to house our camping cooking equipment and food. Each bin holds it own particular items. You could designate one bin for plates, bowls, cutleries, napkins, kitchen towels, plastic wraps, ladles, etc. One for all the canned goods, peanut butter, bottled stuff. One for all the snacks and carbs like bread, crackers, cookies, nuts, dried fruits. One for condiments, sauces, grains, tea, coffee, cocoa, pasta. Find your own system that will make things easier for you to find items. Label them as necessary so other family members know where to put the camping equipment and supplies back. Keeping food and camping cooking equipment contained in containers make for ease in getting things in and out.

I remember our first major camping trips when I used just paper bags and plastic grocery bags to store our camping cooking equipment. That was a pain and the bags lasted about two days and then they were goners. We ended up stuffing things here and there randomly, piling this over that, which made it inconvenient to find things. So try to find containers suitable for your camping style and vehicle cargo space.

Here is camping cooking equipment checklist for cooking and serving food:

• Wok
• Small Propane or Charcoal BBQ
• Cooking Grill / griddle/ Grate (for campfire cooking)
• Camp Stove
• Propane Cylinders, Liquid Gas or Charcoal
• Pots & Pans with lids / Mess kits
• Eating Utensils – sporks, knives, forks, spoons, plates, bowls, cups, mugs
• Can Opener/Corkscrew/Bottle opener
• Coffee and Tea Paraphernalia
• Thermos
• Dish soap
• Dish scrubber, pot scourer, gloves, dish cloths
• Peeler
• Cutting Board
• Colander
• Match sticks
• Storage containers
• Pot holder, barbecue mitts, tea towels
• Basin for washing
• Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
• Hot pads
• Plastic Wrap
• Paper Plates/ paper cups/ plastic cutlery
• Napkins
• Tablecloth / Clips
• Ladles, Tongs, knives, Turners
• Skewers, Roasting forks
• Ziploc bags of different sizes
• Trash Bags
• Grocery bags
• Paper Towels
• Condiments for cooking ( salt, pepper, seasonings, Olive oil, butter, Balsamic )
• Water Jug
• Coffee drip cones and filters

Author: Mark Keeler
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Camp cooking can be as elaborate or simple as you want it to be. If you want to prepare quick and simple but nutritious meals while you are camping, camp cooking doesn’t even have to require a fire. But if you are interested in fueling your camping trip with a feast, camp cooking can allow you to make hot, healthy foods that are as good as you can make them at home in your own kitchen.

Camp cooking does not have to be limited to sandwiches and baked potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil. Almost any cooking method you use in the kitchen can be duplicated around the campfire. For example, use a dutch oven or pit cooking to bake your food. You can also easily fry foods in a pan over a grill, or boil, braise and roast. What type of camping cookware is best for you? Camp cooking and clean-up can be easy or a hassle, it all starts with great camping equipment.

Some pots/pans come in sets that mate together or “nest” for storage and even allow you to tuck a canister of fuel inside them. This comes in handy when you’re looking to save room while camping.

Following are some camping items to take with you if you are planning on preparing some meals around the campfire. These common kitchen items will allow you to duplicate tasty meals while you are out of doors.

Salt and pepper

Other of your favorite herbs and spices

Cooking oil

Pot holder

Hand-held can opener

Aluminum foil

Tongs and spatula

Cutting knives

Cutting board

Mixing bowl

Paper or plastic silverware, plates and cups

If you have just a few campers and are looking for some simple camp cooking, try the easy and quick technique of tin can cooking. All you will need is a clean tin can a one gallon size can works well. Your source of heat can be a small campfire, or if wood burning is prohibited, a small buddy burner will work well, which can be found at sporting good stores or online. Place your meal in the tin can and simply heat the contents of your can over a flame. You will have a hot meal ready in minutes. This technique works great for soups, beans and tuna fish.

A more time-consuming camp cooking technique that also produces tasty meals is pit cooking. Pit cooking is great for items that can be wrapped in aluminum foil to be cooked. It is also a great camp cooking method if you are using a dutch oven or cast iron cookware. Pit cooking warms your food by heating rocks and coals that are buried in the ground. As the rocks cool off, their emitted heat cooks the food. To pit cook, first dig a hole that is about three times larger than your cookware. Line the pit with rocks and build a fire in the middle. Once the fire has burned rapidly for about an hour, push the hot coals and rocks into the center. Layer your wrapped food or covered skillets on top of the rocks and coals and place more on top. After a few hours, you will have some delicious camp food to enjoy.

Author: Philippe De Tiege
Article Source: EzineArticles.com



Do you find most backpacking recipes to be dull and boring? I do, and that is why I came up with some exciting, flavorful foods for taking on the trail, that give your taste buds joy and eliminate the monotony of the same bland foods day after day. Here are five easy recipes that make eating while backpacking something to enjoy, and no longer just tolerate.

Mini Pizzas

These are easy to make using English muffins, a packet of pizza sauce, and cheese. The English muffins can be rewrapped in tinfoil, while the pizza sauce can be put in a small plastic container, and the cheese in a zip lock bag. When you are ready for this meal you simply add the pizza sauce and cheese on top of the English muffin and wrap them in tin foil. In order to prevent the cheese from sticking to the tin foil, make it loose on top. These can be cooked on top of a stove, or by leaving in the sun for an hour or so, just long enough to melt the cheese. Other ingredients, such as onions, mushrooms, or black olives can be added for a more flavorful variety of toppings.

Biscuits & Gravy

The biscuits can be made at home. I pack them in a water bottle with a large opening on top, since this saves space. The gravy mix is easy to pack since most come in a powdered form than can be put in a Ziploc bag. I find mixes that only need water added, but you can also find one that needs milk, and bring along some powdered milk. When ready for this meal you can head some water and the gravy mix and pour it over the biscuits. The biscuits do not need to be reheated, since they will get warm from the gravy. You can also bring jelly packets and use any left over biscuits as a treat with jelly spread on them.

Noodles With Wild Mushrooms

There are many varieties of mushrooms that are sold in their dried form. These can be purchased at most grocery stores, and an assorted pack of wild ones can provide a wonderful variety of tastes. The noodles can be any type, but I find the flat varieties most efficient for space and durability. Other than the noodles and mushrooms, a couple tablespoons of butter, as well as salt and pepper, are needed. The dried mushrooms need to soak for a couple of hours before being cooked. The liquid used to soak them is reused to cook the noodles in. After the noodles are cooked, they need to be mostly drained, with a slight amount of liquid left in. Add the mushrooms, butter, salt and pepper. Another great addition is some Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Backpacking Recipes That Don’t Need Cooking

Pita Pockets with Hummus

This is a quick, filling, and versatile meal. Pita pockets can be found at most grocery stores, and are ideal for packing since they are flat and compact. Hummus is great because it provides a lot of protein and flavor, and can be purchased in powdered form where water is added to reconstitute it. The hummus can be spread inside of the pita pocket, and cucumbers and olives can be added to enhance the flavors.

Tuna Fish on Tortillas

This is a great meal that is easy to make. The tuna fish can be purchased in a pouch. Sweet relish should be packed in a leak-proof plastic container, and mixed in with the tuna during preparation of this meal. The tuna and relish mixture is then heated and served on top of a small tortilla. A slice of cheddar cheese can be put on top of the tuna, and will melt slightly from the heat of it. The tortilla can then be folded in half, or rolled up. This is surprisingly good tasting and very filling.

While there are many more ideas for tasty backpacking recipes, this is a sample of how simple and scrumptious cooking for the back country can be. Enjoy!

Author: Sarah J Holt
Article Source: EzineArticles.com