Like many Americans, and especially Californians, we are preparing an outdoor excursion for the coming Labor Day Weekend. So whether you plan on camping (like us), BBQ-ing, or a picnic in the park, try some of our go-to favorites that are full of flavor and easy on the bod. (Pictures to come AFTER our camping trip)
Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
Like oatmeal, but in an easy, portable form! These make-ahead morsels are fantastic for breakfast, snacks on the trail, and even as dessert. Sweetened with honey (and a little brown sugar), packed full of oats, and moistened with applesauce, you won't believe how delicious and good-for-you these muffins are!
Grilled Veggie Pressed Sandwiches
Sandwiches, which always start as such a healthy idea, can quickly become nothing more than fat and calories and fillers and preservatives smooshed between carby-carb worthless bread. While we're camping, I always cut myself a bit of slack, and indulge in a delicious pressed sammie. All that packing, unpacking, setting-up, fishing, hiking, I think I deserve it!
We always make a quick meal the first night of camping, like sausage and peppers. While the grill is still hot, we grill a zucchini, a yellow squash, and an eggplant, all cut into 1/4" slices, and a few bell peppers. Cut ciabatta in half, and spread with pesto, tapenade, alfredo, yogurt mixed with italian herbs, or a combination of them. Layer on the veggies, some cheese (mmmm, fresh mozarella!), drizzle with a teeny bit of EVOO and balsmaic, season with salt & pepper, wrap in clingfilm, and tuck away for the night, preferably under something heavy, like a cast-iron skillet.
Cut into wedges the next day for a marinated, tasty vegetarian treat!
4-Bean Salad
Now we all have tried this once or twice at potluck or buffet, and I always thought they were retched. Soggy beans, tons of oil, bland. Thanks, I'll pass. But, trolling my cabinets and fridge one day, I decided to make my own version. I use green and yellow summer beans from the farmer's market, quick-boiled and then shocked in ice water to keep their yummy snap, combined with kidney beans and chickpeas.
Whisk some lemon juice, a teensy bit of olive oil, sea salt, cracked pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes together, pour over rinsed and drained beans, toss in fresh herbs (parsley, mint, rosemary, whatever), and mix. De-lish! One of my favorites to make ahead and take camping because it just gets better as it marinates.
Power Balls (like what Pac-Man eats!)
Adapted from this fantastic recipe from blogger Maggie at Smashed Peas and Carrots, these little energy bites are a great way to start your morning around the campfire or as a quick snack in between hiking, dancing, fishing, cartwheels, whatever! In ours we used steel-cut oats, unsalted raw peanut butter, toasted coconut, honey from Peterson's Farm, carob chips, and chia seeds. The possibilities are endless! Try different kinds of nut butters, dried fruits, granola, etc.
Kebabs, Hobo Packs, and Couscous
Pre-marinate your meat (or tofu), cut up your veggies beforehand, and either skewer and grill, or wrap in foil and toss onto your campfires hot coals before dinnertime. Easy-peasy!
We always take couscous camping because it is so easy to prepare. To make it even easier on me, I measure out the seasonings and additions I want BEFORE we leave for our trip, that way all I have to do is stir it in to the couscous after it sits for about 10 minutes. Try adding in chickpeas, lemon, mint, rosemary, garlic, tomato, scallions, pine nuts or almonds, bell peppers, spinach, sauteed chard, or anything else that strikes your fancy!
So, there are just a few of our favorites that we take with us into the wild, keeping us happy, healthy, and hungry for our next adventure!
No comments:
Post a Comment