Camping season is around the corner (for some, it’s already here!), and who can resist as the weather warms and nature beckons? Whether you live near gorgeous mountains, rolling hills, or completely flat plains, you can always go camping as a source of fun for the family–all you need is a little creativity and imagination! The traditional camping trip is always exciting, but you can give it a twist this year with these two unique recipes that are sure to create warm memories.
Picture this: You’ve just spent the day swimming, hiking, canoeing, fishing…the sun is setting and the campfire is now crackling wonderfully. You and your family are hungry, and a warm-cooked meal is just what you need. Lucky for you, you’ve read our blog and you’re prepared with something that will hit the spot! Before the trip, you:
–Diced 2 onions
–Cubed 1 pound of skinless, boneless chicken breast
–Sliced 8 ounces of mushrooms
–Chopped 4 cloves of garlic
–Chopped 4 large carrots
–Diced 4 small potatoes
You’ve then mixed the ingredients together, and divided into 4 parts. Each part was wrapped in tinfoil to make a tinfoil pack and before closing, you drizzled olive oil, salt and pepper on the mixture. You then folded each packet closed, and wrapped it in a second layer of tinfoil. You then placed the packets in a cooler to be cooked that evening.
Back to the campfire; you pull out the four packets and place in the fire to cook for about 40 minutes, rotating the packs every so often. Time is up; you pull the packs from the fire and open slowly, careful of the steam. You can now officially dig in! Plan on making a pack for each person camping with you.
After that delicious meal, you now end the night with something sweet. S’mores? Sure, but that’s so cliche. Instead, you’ve prepared Orange Cakes. Don’t tune out yet; stay with us. Before the trip, you’ve mixed cake batter (preferably yellow or white cake) according to the directions on the box, placed the mixture in a ziploc bag, and placed your ziploc bag in the cooler for later. Now, try this:
–Each person gets an orange.
–Slice the top off of each orange and set aside.
–With a spoon, each person digs the pulp out from inside and eats it, being careful to leave the skin intact.
–Pour the cake mixture until each orange is filled halfway to the top.
–Place the top back on each orange, wrap each orange in a layer of tinfoil and place closest to the hottest coals in your fire.
–Cook for about 15 minutes, rotating each orange every 5 minutes or so.
–Remove from the fire, unwrap, take off the top and eat with a spoon!
Each orange makes for its own little bowl holding each person’s mini cake; best of all, the “bowl” gives a great citrus smell and taste to spice up your camping trip. With tummies full and sleep overtaking you, it’s time to stretch out and watch the stars with your family. Sounds like a great evening!
Now that you have two new recipes to try on your next camping trip, don’t forget your camping gear.
What are your favorite family activities to do while camping? Post a comment below and tell us!
*Image courtesy of kodiak.org
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Second-hand smoking. The same dangers that exist for humans as second hand smokers are in place for pets. Cats have been known to catch cancer by licking their coats to clean themselves, only to lick up ashes from cigarettes. Please keep your family, and your pet’s, safety in mind.
Exercising. Although Goldie the goldfish doesn’t need a walk, your dog does! Remember your exercise regime affects your pet; if you don’t exercise much, your dog probably doesn’t either. Going on a run with Fido is a great way for both of you to exercise while spending time together.


Now, when picking up a salad at any Exchange direct operated restaurant on Wednesdays, guests can save money and eat nutritionally at the same time.


