Bonus Blog- Summer Series 2021 10 Tips For Camp Cooking
by the KRNC Team
- Plan ahead! You’re planning your route and reservations, let’s not stop there. It’s important to plan your fuel too. Menu planning is an important step to ensure you have everything you need while preventing overpacking. Plan your meals such that you use your fresh items earlier and your shelf-stable items later on in the trip.
- Save space by pre-cutting vegetables and repackaging bulky items such as cereals, deli meats and graham crackers into smaller containers. The containers can also be used to save leftovers!
- Pre-mix and measure ingredients (like spice blends or pancake mix) to cut down on preparation time and save space while packing. Be sure to label your items so they don’t get mixed up!
- Prepare an all-purpose spice blend that accommodates several meals.
- Pre-crack eggs into a container with an easy-pour lid (think coffee creamer container).
- Freeze meats, cheese, and prepared meals (think breakfast burritos) ahead. This will help them stay cool longer and act as ice packs for some of your fresh goods.
- Get a grate or basket that fits the top of your cooler to save some items from getting wet. Set it on top of the ice so items can stay cool without coming in contact with the moisture.
- You can pack light and still get in fruits and veggies. Dried and dehydrated produce can make a basic instant oatmeal or ramen pack exciting, flavorful and more nutritious.
- Make energy bites or bars ahead for an easy and portable way to fuel camping adventures with a balance of fats, protein, and carbohydrates. See our Snacks Recipes page for some great recipes!
- If you’re camping at altitude, your respiration rate goes up and your hydration demands increase. In short, the higher you are camping, the more water you’ll need to stay hydrated. Freeze extra water bottles ahead and use as ice packs early in the trip and have cold, clean water for later!
KRNC wishes you a safe and exciting camping season.
More Information
For additional resources for healthy eating, check out these programs from our registered dietitian nutritionists. Find delicious and healthy recipes on our Recipes page! More health tips are also available at the College of Health and Human Sciences Pinterest board. Lastly, don’t forget to sign up for the KRNC monthly newsletter!