Prepare grocery list before going camping

Just because you’re roughing it doesn’t mean your taste buds have to suffer.

From tent to glamorous RV, packing the right amount and kinds of foods will not only save you from starving, but also save you money and energy in the long run. Here are some tips for what to bring, how to prepare and how to store camping foods so critters won’t get greedy and your stomach won’t get needy.

Grocery list

Avoid stocking up on foods that will spoil and add as many products to your cart as possible that are dried and only require boiling water.

Meat products tend to go bad quickly, so if you’re looking to stock up on proteins, substitute in peanut butter, nuts and beans for a quick fix.

Dried products such as fruits and beef jerky, oatmeal, tuna, soups, trail mix, granola, crackers.

Canned goods

Packaged snacks like Pop-Tarts

Carbohydrates such as noodles, rice and macaroni and cheese will keep your energy up and store easily.

Potatoes

Cooking tips

Don’t forget a can opener, open fire-safe pot and pan, tin foil, cups, plates and utensils. You’ll be amazed how much you can cook with a small ration of your water supply.

Storage

Having packaged foods and dry goods makes storage and transportation light and stress-free. But if you have perishables, remember to bring reliable, sturdy coolers and storage equipment.

Always be prepared

The trusty camping method of suspending your food from a tree still stands but isn’t always necessary.

Secure your food as best you can before leaving your campsite or going to bed. If you’re headed to bear country, park services usually have suggestions like how far to keep your camping food from the site.

Easy recipes

Roasting potatoes over an open fire can make a bland meal into a grand one in minutes.

Clean and cube your favorite kind of potatoes and rest them on a sheet of tinfoil. Add any spices you desire or just a dash of salt and pepper and close the foil. Rest the foil in an area of the campfire not directly over the flame.

The tinfoil will get pretty charred but the insides will be roasting like a dream. Add hamburger meat or onions if you like.

Published on Monday, April 21, 2008