Summertime Camp Cooking

There is no better time than camping in the tall pines or near a lake during the summertime. How wonderful it is to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily activities and select your favorite camping spot under the stars. Whether you are camping with the family, friends, church group or going on a solo trip, food is often the best part of the journey.

I recall great memories of camping with my family during summertime. We traveled a lot to Lake Shafer in Monticello Indiana, which is outside of the Chicagoland area. My father had a bass boat and we all enjoyed fishing and swimming. At nighttime, we would go to the carnival off the beach. When it came to mealtimes, we always had plenty of grilled Italian sausage, burgers, hotdogs, steak and ribs. Side dishes were macaroni salad, potato salad, mostaccioli, chips, pickles and lots of watermelon. Breakfast was eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, fresh tortillas, donuts and cereal for those who couldn’t wait to enjoy what came off the grill.

Preparing for a summer campout can be a lot of work to ensure you have all your supplies, groceries, cooking gear, water, sanitizing products and tabletop. I always recommend bringing a fire extinguisher just in case of an emergency.

Camping food doesn’t necessarily need to come from a can. You can bring prepped fresh vegetables and fruits, marinated meats, precooked baked potatoes or rice and your favorite oil with butter, herbs and spices. A lemon always comes in handy if you are going to be cooking up your fresh catch of the day! A cast iron skillet is a great addition to have in your culinary equipment.

Whether you are cooking out in the open or in an RV, camp cooking is always a great time.

For a quick and easy dessert, a favorite family memory is making Tortilla S’mores. They are super easy and yummy. QCBN

By Debbie Maranville

Debbie Maranville, Co-owner of Goods from the Garden Catering & Events

Tortilla S’mores:

Makes 6 portions

• 6 Flour or Corn Tortillas
• 6 square pieces of foil – a few inches larger than your tortilla
• Peanut Butter or Sunflower Butter
• Mini Marshmallows
• Chocolate Chips
• Lay the tortilla on a piece of foil.
• Spread peanut butter on half of the tortilla.
• Sprinkle marshmallow on the peanut butter.
• Add chocolate chips. Fold over the tortilla into a half-moon shape.  ***For an added bonus, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top before your fold over.
• Wrap in foil and place in the fire for 45 seconds to a minute.

Enjoy!

You can also make these at home in your own oven any time you want a treat! 350 degrees for 5 minutes. QCBN