3 Packet Cooking Recipes that are Perfect for Camping and Meal Prepping

For those in search of simpler cooking methods, a new trend called “packet cooking” is becoming increasingly more popular, but thankfully it’s also become easier to navigate thanks to this recipe blog from The Washington Post.

For the uninitiated, “packet cooking” is essentially an individualized form of meal prep that has culinary participants cooking a meal and quickly wrapping portions inside of aluminum foil for consumption at a nearby, later date. Now, the placing of portioned meals inside of foil isn’t a completely new concept, and it may even be such an obvious venture that many would prefer to utilize the nearby premium Tupperware set. By quickly sealing your fresh ingredients inside a sheet of aluminum foil, you’re essentially guaranteeing that the dish will continue to cook through the incredibly effective kitchen practice of steaming.

The steaming of your portioned meals ensures that your more delicate proteins (like fish) are going to be cooked for an extended period of time, but the steaming process also traps moisture inside its metallic walls, thus ensuring no dry food dishes once you unwrap. The aluminum foil wrapping helps herbs, spices, and aromas blend together in a more significant way, and the cleanup processes are practically nonexistent as everything is self-contained. This is why “packet cooking” is becoming a hard-to-beat kitchen trend for those portioning out leftovers alongside dinner plates as well as those going on a camping trip. That being said, enjoy these packet-ready recipes from the culinary blog archives of The Washington Post.

Potato and Prosciutto Packets

This powerful, simple recipe takes proper advantage of the aluminum foil packaging by essentially steaming Yukon Gold Potatoes with the flavor and aroma of creamy goat cheese and You’ll begin by oiling the potatoes with extra-virgin olive oil and tossing them with salt, pepper, and rosemary before cooking them beneath the thick slices of prosciutto and hefty goat cheese dollops. Next, you’ll essentially pack up each potato for approximately 35 minutes on a grill, only to remove it when each piece can be easily pierced with a fork. You then have a decision to make; you can immediately eat the potatoes, let them continue to cook in the foil for consumption later in the day, or save the packets in the refrigerator for later in the week.

Mixed Grill Packets with Sausages, Vegetables, and Corn

Just in time for summer is this simple and tasty dish that can be used as a standalone dish or a great filling for some sausage and vegetable quesadillas. This recipe has cooks using around two pounds of their preferred turkey or pork sausage and cooking it alongside zucchini, corn, bell peppers, and onion. When cooking, you’ll add the herbal taste and aroma from freshly minced thyme and freshly grated garlic; both ingredients will only continue to infuse with your sausage and vegetables once you portion your ingredients in aluminum foil or parchment paper for a powerful protein kick on your next hike!

Seafood and Summer Corn Packet Ragout

Instead of packeting this dish in aluminum foil, this recipe has you cook your seafood in parchment paper, and the packets can be assembled and refrigerated up to six hours in advance. These packets are made with approximately 15 inches of parchment paper on which you’ll place a corn mixture topped with a butter square, an herbal medley, and the seafood trio of shrimp, mussels, and sea scallops. The corn mixture (made up of shucked corn, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, oil, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and lemon juice) stands as a perfect base for the seafood and herbs while also absorbing all of the juices produced by the latter during the cooking process. For an added, delicious taste, be sure to save some of the herbal blend for a garnish that can be sprinkled atop once these packeted “ragouts” are brought tableside.

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Highest Rated Campgrounds

As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to pack up your vehicle for a lifetime of memories that can only be found in a proper camping trip, and with this article by TravelPulse, rating the best campgrounds around, it’s never been easier to lace up your most durable footwear and “rough it” out of doors.

In 2021, the outdoor adventuring review website, Campendium, released its list of the 527 National Park Campgrounds, free camping sites, and RV parks that received an average of 4-5 star reviews as a part of its Campers Choice Awards series.

And seeing that summer 2021 has many looking to the great outdoors for that summer vacation, these particular camping experiences are those to make the trip for, as they aim to offer an unforgettable experience, landscape, and scenery.

Best National Park Campground:

Gros Ventre Campground; Jackson, Wyoming

The majesty that is Grand Teton National Park cannot be overstated; the entire park hosts over two hundred miles of trails, extraordinary wildlife, and flawless lakes, so while you’re exploring all that this magical landscape has to offer, there’s no better home base than the Gros Ventre Campground, located in the southeastern section of the park. These grounds are near the Gros Ventre River and provide a perfect vantage point for observing the Grand Teton Range, Blacktail Butte, and the bison and moose often traveling nearby.

Best National Forest Campground:

Nomad View Dispersed Camping; Wall, South Dakota

Located in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, this dispersed campsite was also featured as one of the Best Free Campsites by Campendium. Nomad View is a small point that beholds a grand scene of the rocky earth landscape known as “The Wall,” which is contrasted with the green grassland above it. Campers love this spot for the striking, singular view it offers its visitors, and honestly, it can only be truly “seen” in person.

Best BLM Camping:

Sacred White Shell Mountain; Mosca, Colorado

BLM, or Bureau of Land Management Camping, is a type of outdoor accommodations that is organized by the United States Bureau of Land Management with sites that range from an RV at a modern-amenities-laden campground to a simple sleeping bag under the night’s sky. Colorado’s Sacred White Shell Mountain has a wide area in which campers can park for the night and see a starscape like never before, and being that it’s all projected above the practically fluorescent Sacred White Shell Mountain, this is one site (or sight) you won’t want to skip.

Best RV Park:

Mountain View Campground; Hiawassee, Georgia

For the fourth year in a row, this southern campground has won the title of the highest-rated campground in the nation, and with its breathtaking backdrop that is the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, it’s no secret why. Mountain View Campground obviously has an excellent vantage point in which to see the mountains, which are among some of the oldest ranges in the United States, but with full RV hookup, wifi, covered pavilions, warm showers, and a community fire pit, there’s clearly something going very right in Northern Georgia.

 City Park Campground:

Junction City Park; Junction, TX

Located in both Junction and Kerrville, Texas, the Kerrville-Schreiner Park is an impressive accomplishment in terms of scenery that looks almost “too grand for Texas,” a phrase that can be agreed upon by anyone who has had to make the drive through the state’s western expanse. Though, it’s specifically Junction, Texas’s City Park that has residents and tourists alike returning time and time again to the small town. Stop in sometime and take a leisurely stroll down the Llano River and maybe you’ll get lucky and find some fallen pecans from the nearby trees.

For more travel-related news and information, click here.

 

Easy Breakfast Recipes for Your Camping Trip

Maybe it’s the fresh air, or maybe it’s all the physical activity that often goes along with a camping trip like swimming, hiking, setting up tents, etc, but it’s undeniable that food just seems to taste better on a camping trip, and as Country Living points out, Breakfast food is at the top of the class. Make sure you’re starting the day off the right way, whether camping in the backyard, roughing it deep in the woods, or in your RV. From granola and breakfasts bars to pancakes, sandwiches, and skillet breakfasts, you never need worry about what you’re going to eat for breakfast while camping again! Be sure to also check out these easy campfire recipes before you head on your trip.

Make-Ahead Whole-Grain Pancake Mix

Pre-make and pack these dry and wet ingredients separately before embarking on your camping trip.  These will have you scarfing down the hearty, practically-perfect pancakes whenever you need them.

Grab-and-Go Cranberry Granola Bars

Crunchy homemade granola bars are one of the easiest ways to ensure that you and your loved ones have a hearty breakfast, whether or not you remembered to pack the camping stove.

Toasted Many-Seed Granola

In need of protein and flavor during your camping trip? You can’t go wrong with this seed-packed recipe, and for an extra treat, pack a thick yogurt and poached rhubarb to make this granola into an unforgettable dish.

Pear and Orange Muffins

Pack this treat and be pleasantly surprised when you remember these muffins which are full of sweet fruit and healthy grains, sure to give you plenty of energy throughout the day, no matter the plans.

Honey Nut Cheerio Turnovers

If you’re more into a dessert-breakfast mood, then look no further than packing this sweet, Pop-Tart alternative into your trip bag.

Cheddar, Bacon, and Chive Quick Bread

If you find yourself with enough time to plan ahead the night before, and if you’re a camper, that’s likely, then wrap up this savory breakfast treat that’s served best cold or roasted on a fire during your next camping trip.

Easy Make-Ahead Parfaits

These colorful fruit-filled parfaits aren’t just a treat to look at, but pull one of these mason jars out from the cooler to enjoy sweet start to your day.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

Turn a kid-friendly classic into a tasty takeaway breakfast item that will have the entire family ready to take on the day.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Campfire Crepes

Crepes aren’t just for the tableside of a restaurant; they’re cooked just as easily over a campfire while camping and enjoyed fireside.

Hot Ham and Pineapple Campfire Sandwiches

Pack these savory, yet sweet sandwiches in tinfoil to make campsite cleaning a nonissue, but be sure to pack multiple, since you’ll be tempted into seconds.

Skillet Oreo Cinnamon Buns

Camping is such hard work that can often go unrewarded, so treat yourself with this sweet twist on cinnamon rolls that will have you smiling.

Campfire French Toast

A delicious breakfast staple for any camping trip can be yours outdoors just by combining a loaf of bread with egg whites, strawberries, and sugar.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

Looking Ahead to Your Summer Travel

Need something to look forward to in these trying times? Let’s get to planning a summer travel or a summer camping getaway. Once we flatten the curve and life returns to normal for us all, small businesses are going to need us more than ever.  Pack up the coolers and your favorite grilling apron, and check out these great options below, courtesy of GlampingHub.

New York State of Mind

Upstate New York has something for everyone and is the perfect getaway for summer travel 2020. There are vast opportunities to explore – cabins, safari tents, and natural landscapes (including the Hudson River and Niagara Falls), just to name a few.  If you’ve been dreaming of an escape to the wild outdoors, this is the place for you.  What better way to unwind after the last few stressful months than to take in the majestic calm of fresh mountain air in the Catskill Mountains? This is a great option for Fall 2020 too since Upstate New York is also known for its beautiful autumn leaves.

Georgia On My Mind

Looking for a southern camping experience?  Georgia is on our mind. With its gorgeous national parks including Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests and the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains (part of the Appalachian Mountain range), Georgia is the ideal place for a summer camping getaway.  A little known fact is that Georgia is also home to some amazing coastline sights and sounds.  Escape into The Peach State with a stay in a cabin or even a tree house rental.

O Canada

Due north of Seattle, Washington is Vancouver, Canada – a western coastal seaport in the lower mainland of British Columbia.  Although Vancouver is the most populous city in the province, don’t let that distract you from its abundance of gorgeous summer travel and camping opportunities. We can’t wait to check them out!  From Banff National Park with its many trails (including pet friendly options) to countless cabins in their majestic mountains and even beach rentals along their sprawling coastline, you just cannot go wrong taking a camping trip into The Great White North of Vancouver, Canada.  You deserve to treat yourself to the forests, mountains, and rivers of Vancouver this summer!

Down & Out? Let’s Go Down Under

If you’ve never visited the outback, you should know there’s more to it than the kangaroos, koalas and “throw a shrimp on the barbie” (although there are definitely plenty of grilling opportunities exploring the outdoors there). Sydney, Australia – in New South Wales – is the perfect destination for your post-quarantine getaway.  Escape the humdrum and spread your wings exploring this beautiful country. Check out all that their great outdoors have to offer, including the Blue Mountains National Park on the outskirts of the city suburbs, or lay claim to your own personal piece of paradise at one of their over 10,000 distinct beaches.  Australia is rife with natural beauty, and Aussies pride themselves in being laid back and fun people, so be sure you plan to stay a while and take in all they have to offer.  You won’t regret how many “g’days” you’ll experience down under, mate.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

Camping Through the US

Looking for another adventure? What about one that explores the Best Place to Camp in Each of the 50 States. You do not need to leave the country to have places to explore. Travel + Leisure expands on the 50 places and we are here to give you the first 16 of them!

Alabama

Outpost at Gulf State Park

This is the perfect spot if you are looking for some privacy. Each outpost has a fire pit, port-a-potty, and even an outdoor sink.

Alaska

Bartlett Cove Campground at Glacier Bay National Park

This campground is a free walk-in campground, which means you should always call before arriving to make sure there is space available.

Arizona

Havasupai Campground at Havasupai Reservation

This is not the easiest place to camp, permits are often picked up quickly so it can be hard to visit, however, waterfalls and natural pools make it all worth it.

Arkansas

Buffalo National River

This is America’s first national river; over 130 miles flows through the Ozark Mountains. Take hikes or even plan a float trip.

California

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Getting multiple views from one campsite is the perfect way to go. McWay Falls will take your breath away.

Colorado

Piñon Flats Campground at the Great Sand Dunes National Park

Sand mountains in Colorado, what an ironic thought. This campground gives its visitors options with multiple different camping sights. Explore the 700ft tall sand dunes and sleep under the stars.

Connecticut

White Memorial Conservation Center

A non-profit wildlife refuge that has 10 ponds and an onsite museum, sounds too good to be true. White Memorial Conservation Center has 40 miles for its visitors to explore.

Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park

This state park was one of the first “public lands” and has been that way since the late 1600s. There are campsites, however, there are also cabins available if the tent is getting a little tight.

Florida

Cayo Costa State Park

Only accessible by boat, this barrier island is exactly what some people need. There are 30 primitive campsites that you can use to possibly see dolphins and manatees.

Georgia

Cloudland State Park

Mountain biking is only one activity that is available at Cloudland State Park. If hiking and biking is not your thing, check out the 18-hole disc golf course.There are multiple overnight options, click here for more information.

Hawaii

Malaekahana Beach Campground

Looking for an option with a beach? Malaekahana Beach Campground’s cabins and tent spaces could possibly be better than that beachfront house that cost way too much. You will not need a noise machine when falling asleep next to the water.

Idaho

Point Campground

The perfect “typical” campground. Point Campground has miles of trails waiting to be explored. The  lake is the best backdrop for pitching a tent right along the shore.

Illinois

Starved Rock State Park Campground

Spring is the best time to visit Starved Rock State Park Campground. This lush park will pull you away into another world. This campground even offers electric hookups! Not even two hours away from Chicago, this is the perfect escape from the city.

Indiana

 Brown County State Park

The singletrack for mountain biking is 30 miles long and is sometimes named the best within the state of Indiana. There are over 400 posts for camping, so need to worry about not finding a spot.

Iowa

Maquoketa Caves State Park

Looking for more than just a campsite? Maquoketa Caves State Park gives its visitors a completely different experience. Underground enclosures that need headlamps to explore and a small campground, this is the perfect getaway for those looking for a bigger adventure.

Kansas

Wilson State Park

A reservoir that is 9,000 acres means there is a lot of room to kayak. Not only does Wilson State Park have water activities but its visitors can check out the 25-mile bike trail.

For more travel related news and information, click here.