Outdoorsy Gourmet

June 2019

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Outdoorsy Gourmet
Tips and Tricks for Cooking in the Backcountry

Just because you’re heading out into the wilderness, it doesn’t mean you can’t eat well while you are there. In fact, you’ll have a much better time if mealtime takes precedent.

Whether you are hiking out into the backcountry to go camping for a few days or planning a fishing or hunting adventure, the food you pack and the methods you use to prepare it are important. Here are six top tips for prepping, packing, and cooking your backcountry meals.

  1. A Dutch oven is essential

The one piece of equipment that every camp kitchen needs is a Dutch oven. This versatile pot can double as an oven, allowing you to cook a variety of different foods. You can place it directly on the fire, use it on a stovetop, or even cover it in coals. Plus, many Dutch ovens come with a lid that can also be used as a skillet, allowing you to prepare fried eggs for a protein-packed camp breakfast.

  1. Do the bulk of the prep work at home

The more food prep you are able to get done at home, the less work you’ll have to do in camp. Slice and dice any ingredients you plan to bring along so that at camp you simply pull out the bags and cook. You can even prepare entire meals ahead of time to pack in a cooler, such as salads and cold pasta dishes.

  1. Try to use more fresh foods

Backcountry meals don’t have to consist entirely of dried and dehydrated foods. If you freeze fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and other perishable foods the night before, you can let them defrost in your pack during the day and enjoy a much more satisfying dinner after you’ve set up camp for the night.

  1. Fresh herbs weigh little and pack great taste

Another easy way to add more taste and fresh flavour to your backcountry meals is with dried or fresh herbs and spices. Herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and parsley will kick your cooking up a notch and fill the outdoor air with their delicious aroma. Best of all, they weigh next to nothing and won’t take up much room in your pack.

  1. Find a backcountry countertop

Even if you do most of your prep work at home, finding a good backcountry countertop is a must. Try to set up camp near a large, flat rock where you can lay out all of your ingredients and cooking equipment and do any final slicing and dicing.

  1. Mind the height of your flames

Different types of cooking require different types of flames for best results. For regular flame-top cooking in a pot or pan, you’ll need relatively high flames and a tight lid to keep the ashes out of your food. For roasting and grilling, the wood should be more than half finished burning and the flames should be small but continuous. For baking food inside of foil packets, make sure your flames have burned down to hot coals and place the packets directly on top of the coals.

Nutritious, filling, and tasty food makes any camping trip that much more enjoyable. Treat yourself to proper meals and impress your fellow campers by upgrading your backcountry kitchen and cooking skills.

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