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Fine Dining in the Wilderness

Just because you’re out in the middle of nowhere, or you’re at a festival with a thousand others, there’s no reason why you have to be stuck eating out of a can! If you can spare the space and want to express yourself creatively while catering to a basic need, take a walk on the wild side and go gourmet!

Breakfasts

Skillets
One of the easiest, yet tastiest, things to do is make a skillet breakfast. What’s even better is you can do everything but actually cook it ahead of time! Before you leave, crack and scramble some eggs with a little milk in a bowl, enough to feed yourself and your other campers, or use extra firm tofu! Add some hash browns and your favorite ingredients: diced vegetables, meat, shredded cheese (or veg versions!) and seasonings. Fold everything over well, then pour everything into a well-made freezer bag (I like to double the bags!). You can also portion them out by using multiple sandwich-size freezer bags. You’ll want to squeeze out as much air as possible, both for freshness and to save that precious space in your cooler. A smart idea is to freeze the mixture before putting it in your cooler. Not only will your breakfast survive the trip without spoiling, but you’ll be helping your cooler stay cold! Remember to grease your griddle well, as eggs, most sauteed vegetables and cheese love to stick to the griddle!

Pancakes
I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t like pancakes! Pancakes are easy, fun and have that warm, comforting aroma to them. Again, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and simply pour the batter onto a hot griddle. Since some people don't like dealing with eggs; you can veganize then by substituting the eggs required for some mixes with mashed bananas or Ener-G Egg Replacer, found at Whole Foods and other high end and health food stores. I’d advise to use containers instead of freezer bags, since you won’t be pouring the whole batter into one pan! Adding blueberries is an added treat! You can even make an apple or strawberry compote to serve on top, instead of maple syrup. However, if you plan on serving any sides, such as eggs or meats, be sure you plan ahead of what to cook first. No one likes cold eggs, so make them last. Bacon, sausage, hash, ham and steaks, on the other hand, should be made first; just cover and set that aside. Of course, vegan versions are always available - Gimme Lean sausage can be found in the produce section at most supermarkets, and damnnit if it doesn't taste a whole lot like Jimmy Dean!!

Cereals
Hot and cold cereals are the standards, whether at home or abroad. It’s simple, easy and nourishing; perfect for the early riser! Since milk doesn’t travel well, buy it right before you get there, stored in your large cooler. You may also consider trying boxed soy milk, since it needs no refrigeration until after it’s been opened, though you may want to chill it overnight. My personal favorite brand is called Vitasoy, which you can find at Whole Foods and other high-end stores for about the price of cow's milk. Even hubby admits it tastes almost identical to moo juice, though be forwarned it has a slight tannish tint to it. Hot cereals require a little more work, but with so many “instant” varieties on the market in small pouches, all you’ll need is a little hot water from your kettle!

Other Ideas
Sliced fruit, with some yogurt and granola makes for a light, refreshing and beautifully presented meal. The best part is you don’t have to start up the fire, especially if you had a late night, or you really want to get packing and head back home. You may also want to try adding or replacing your meal with toast, english muffins or bagels, topped with butter, cream cheese, honey, peanut butter and/or jam. Be creative! A comfort food my mom used to prepare my brothers was some peanut butter, sliced bananas and honey, sandwiched between warm slices of raisin toast. (Remember vegan versions of all of these things are readily available at most supermarkets!)

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