Our family just returned from a couple fun days in the beautiful outdoors with some great friends. I love the sounds, smells and tastes of summer:  the snap-crackle-pop of a campfire, the heavenly scent of pine trees after a light rain, and the gooey-ness of toasted marshmallows and chocolate.  Getting all the camping gear together is a big job, so here’s a few simple food ideas for your camping grub. 

 

WALKING TACOS (feeds about 10-12; double or triple if needed)
Mix together and heat thoroughly:
2 pounds of browned ground beef (drain off grease)
2 large cans of Ranch style beans
2 cans of tomato sauce
Add salt, pepper and a half teaspoon of crushed red pepper for added flavor.

Large package of Fritos Corn Chips or if you can find the small single serving bags of corn chips that is even more fun.

Large bag of grated sharp cheddar or Mexican Cheese Blend

Serve chili mixture in bowls filled with corn chips or if you have the small chip bags, cut the bag open and pour the chili right inside. You can walk around with your taco! (Get it?!)  Top with a spoonful of grated cheese. 

 

COOLER CORN
Put your husked corn on the cob in a small cooler.  Pour boiling water over the corn, adding 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of vinegar.  Close the lid tightly.  Head up the canyon and by the time you find a camping spot the corn will be ready to eat!

 

FUDGE-STRIPE S’MORES
Package of marshmallows
Package of Keebler Fudge-Stripes
Roasting sticks

Roast your marshmallow to a perfect golden brown. Place between 2 Fudgestripe cookies. Gooey goodness!

NO TALENT SHOW (after dinner entertainment)
After a delicious dinner we love to gather around the campfire for a “No Talent Show.” (Silly tricks, etc. – we will boo you if you perform any REAL talent! ) This year we had a mother-daughter lip trick demo, a few lame jokes, some crazy dance moves, death defying skits, the mosquito face and a charging elephant.

If you’re looking for a fun activity to go with all of this delicious food, check out our camping scavenger hunt! It’s a hit for all ages!

Shari