Goin' Campin'

I’m starting to plan for camping trips.  I have my packing list all put together and saved on my computer for future use and my small pop up camper is ready to hit the road.  Now all I need is a nice weekend and a couple of boys, their fishing pools, and sleeping bags.  I got my fishing license with a trout stamp last week.  Hopefully we will catch some fish and the menu will be centered around our catch but I’ll cover all bases if the unthinkable happens. 

Camping is all about a camp fire and being one with nature; cooking on an open fire and sitting around it late into the late evening.  There is something very primitive about it that takes us back to our ancestors. 

I write out my menu for each meal and keep it very simple.  Then I put together my list of what I need to pack for each meal.  My list included pie irons because they are great for everything from grilled sandwiches to desserts, plus everyone gets to get involved in the cooking.  I got mine at an auction so they were quite inexpensive but you can pick them up at Wal-Mart.  I’ll share a few ideas for using a pie iron and a 2 day menu. 

Pie Irons

Desserts

Bread

Butter

Pie filling

Canned frosting

Butter 2 pieces of bread and put a slice in each side of the iron.  Fill with the fruit pie filling of your choice.  Close the iron and cut away any bread that over flows from the iron gifting the scraps to the birds.   Put over the fire until it is golden brown.  Once done, frost while still warm with your canned vanilla frosting.  The frosting should melt and glaze the pie. 

Grilled breakfast sandwich 

Pam

Bread

Eggs

Shredded cheese

Canadian bacon

Spray Pam on your irons or butter your 2 slices of bread.  Scrabble and season eggs lightly and add scrabbled eggs and cheese on top of your bread; add bacon or ham.  Close the irons and put over fire until golden brown.

Calzone 

Pam

Bread

Sauce

Mozzarella cheese

Pepperoni and/or Canadian bacon

Spray Pam on the irons and put two slices of bread on each side.  Spread sauce on the bread sauce; add meat or meats of choice and Mozzarella cheese.  Close the irons and put over fire until golden brown.  

You can also make a hot ham and cheese or a grilled cheese sandwich using same the same method.

Smores – A must!

Make sure you pack the marshmallow forks or a good knife to cut tree branches into roasting sticks so you can make these late night snacks while sitting around the camp fire.

Marshmallows

Hersey Candy Bars

Graham Crackers

Roast your marshmallow and assemble.

Rope Sausage

Grilled over an open fire, rope sausage is simple and easy! There is nothing better for breakfast.  Then fry some scrabbled eggs or make pancakes.  Don’t forget to pack the makin’ for pancakes including the syrup. Griddle cakes over an open fire is heaven.

Roasted Hot Dogs Make a Whole Meal

Long forks for roasting over the fire

Buns

Catsup

Relish

Mustard

Hot dogs or brats

Chips to go with the hot dogs and you have a complete simple meal.

Trout Recipe

Take a griddle or big cast iron frying pan.  It is a must. 

2 - l pound trout

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Mix together parsley, olive oil, basil, rosemary, and garlic. Spread evenly on the inside of the fish.  Oil cooking grate and preheat grill or use a cast iron pan (I prefer the cast iron skillet). Oil fish and sprinkle fish with salt and pepper and grill or fry for 4-5 minutes on each side over a medium heat.  Do not turn over or move until done or it will stick to the grill. Carefully remove the fish from grill and serve.

I thought I would share my template with you for helping you pack.  I print out and check off as I pack so I don't forget anything.

Happy camping.  Be happy and may God bless you and yours.    

Check	Packing List	Check
	Bug spray (For mosquito control)
	Fire wood Grate for fire Our little grill and charcoal & fluid
	Shovel and ax
	Solar lights
	Water containers Save milk jugs and fill with water
	Bedding and pillows Sleeping bag
	Lawn chairs
	Table (2) and table clothes
	Flash light
	Dog dish and food Dog leashes
	Ice and cooler Plates and bowls Plastic Silverware Glasses Pie irons Utensils (Grilling & regular, toast holder and knifes) Hot dog holders for roasting Small cutting board Aluminum foil Caste iron skillet Garbage bags & tubs Lighter and matches Scrubber and dish soap Brush and dust pan Dish rags Hot pad holders Hand sanitizer and hand soap Towels and wash rags
	Food: Milk                                        Eggs                                        Bread  Butter PB and Jelly    Buns  Hot dogs and brats                  Marshmallows    Hershey bars Graham Crackers                                 Pancake mix                      Bacon    Pizza sauce Pepperoni  Grated Mozzarella and cheddar                                 Rope Sausage Mayo Lettuce and Tomatoes Carrot sticks Lunch meat Catsup, relish and mustard Pop Ice Tea Juice boxes Salt/Pepper Onion and garlic powder Chips Herbs for trout Oil  Snack food (Gushers, etc) Canned fruit Canned frosting  Potatoes
	Me: Meds  Blood testing kit Tooth paste and brush Towel and wash rag Hair brush Deodorant __ Days of clothes Walking shoes Underwear & socks Wet wipes and TP Book and Kindle Phone & Kindle chargers Fishing license with trout stamp		Josh: Tooth paste and brush Towel and wash rag __days clothes Underwear Sleeping bag and pillow Trout stamp on fishing license Fishing poles, tackle and bait (worms are best for trout)
	First Aid Kit Items: Band aids Gauze Antibiotic Alcohol wipes Tylenol Anti itch
	Dominoes, horse shoes, cards and entertainment
	Hose Tools