QUESTION:

We are headed camping on the weekend, what do you suggest we pack and cook for our weekend camping trip?

ANSWER:

Go beyond PB&Js and hot dogs while camping. Cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner over the open fire and make meals that taste better than anything you could cook at home.Follow this camping guide that includes what to pack and how to layer your cooler to give you help for a foolproof outdoor weekend.

It's true, camping does take a lot of planning ahead. However, you can make it easy and simple by bringing only the necessities and planning meals that highlight leftovers, use similar ingredients, and can be made over the fire.

What to pack:

Cooler on wheels, we recommend one that is at least 82qt.

Matches and lighter

Foil, make sure you have enough to use all weekend

Propane gas and stove

Two good knives

Spatula

Silverware fortwo:spoons, forks, and knives

Large and small resealable bags

Paper towels

Cleaning wipes, small dish soap, sponge, dish towels, and dishwashing bucket

Ice packs, you will need to stop multiple times for ice

Skillet with lid, saucepan with lid, and pot with lid

Plates and small bowls for each camper

Cups, mugs, and plastic cups for writing names,for each camper

Trash bags

Bug spray

Ice Packs

Drinks, water, and milk

Butter

Chocolate bars for s'mores

Deli meat and lunch supplies

Cheese

Salsa, pesto, and dips

Chicken and salmon

Eggs -only buy in foam containers, cardboard will get soggy in the cooler

Any produce items

Breadand tortillas

Pre-cooked whole-wheat pasta in a zip-topbag with1 teaspoonof olive oil

How to layer your cooler:

Bottom Level

Ice Packs

Drinks, water, and milk

Butter

Chocolate bars for s'mores

?Middle Level

Deli meat and lunch supplies

Cheese

Salsa, pesto, and dips

Chicken and salmon

Top Level

Eggs -only buy in foam containers, cardboard will get soggy in the cooler

Any produce items

Breadand tortillas

Pre-cooked whole-wheat pasta in a zip-topbag with1 teaspoonof olive oil

What Dry Goods To Pack:

Small salt and pepper shakers

Whole wheat sandwich bread

Peanut butter

Cooking spray

Marshmallows

Plastic bottle of olive oil

Basic seasonings

Salt and pepper shakers

1 tablespoon of each:

Onion powder

Garlic powder

Cayenne

Salt and pepper shakers

1 tablespoon of each:

Onion powder

Garlic powder

Cayenne

Make sure to review all the ingredients in your recipes to complete your shopping list!

So what are you waiting for? Get packing and head out the door! Have a safe and fun time!

Picture source: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Summer_Camping_Trip_(9353345066)_(2).jpg