Back-Country Kitchen: Camp Cooking for Canoeists, Hikers, and Anglers Book

This weekend was the first time I took my kids out alone on an overnight camping trip. We didn't have the security of a group to prepare and cook food for us; it was all on me to provide.

Needless to say, after charring a foil pack of chicken, potatoes, and green beans, and barely cooking the other (I'm still waiting for the food poisoning to kick in), I was glad that we brought back-up fudge-striped cookies and Clif bars. Wait, that's not a dinner?

I watched the look of joy and excitement leave my children's faces as they took their first bites. It was like they were in the middle of roasting marshmallows and a downpour put their fire out (that was to come the next day). I thought I had planned so well for this trip, packing salt, pepper, syrup, frozen French toast that I had cooked beforehand as well as pre-cooked ground beef for "sandwich bag" tacos. But it all came down to that moment--those droopy heads--and I knew I had to do better.

I found this little gem at the state park's nature center gift shop. After only reading through the 1st chapter, I know that I have found the guide I need to get us through the next trip on more than a generic Rice Krispie treat and Capri Sun for breakfast.

I've already read oodles of tips on topics such as preventing egg breakage, best cheeses to bring that will keep unrefrigerated, and how to properly pack and store different foods to save weight. An unexpected topic within the food advice is how to responsibly dispose of the different types of trash that may ensue from your meals, which is a big deal, especially in the wilderness.

I'm looking forward to studying the rest of this informative book. I haven't even gotten to the actual recipe section, and I already love it, so if the recipes turn out to be a bust I still won't feel like I wasted my money.

The next trip will be great, kids. I promise that you will someday know (from your mother, ahem) what real camp food is. I can't promise that there won't be any rain though.