We’ll be spending two nights under the stars, and I want to share the realistic meal prep and activities that go into making our experience enjoyable and stress-free.
So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Making Delicious Dutch Oven Chocolate Chip Cookies
The first step in my day involves whipping up some cookie dough. I’m a huge fan of desserts, especially when I can make them in my trusty Dutch oven.
I’m trying out a new version of my Dutch oven chocolate chip cookies, and I can already tell this will be a hit.
To start, I brown three-quarters of a cup of butter, which gives the cookies a rich, nutty flavor. Once the butter has cooled slightly, I mix in three-quarters of a cup of granulated sugar and three-quarters of a cup of packed brown sugar.
Then, I add one large egg and a splash of homemade vanilla extract. The smell alone is divine!
Next, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. I combine two cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.
Gradually, I mix this into my wet ingredients until a thick dough forms. Now, for my personal touch—I add half a cup of mixed nuts and a generous half-cup of raisins to the dough for some extra texture and flavor.
I love making Dutch oven cookies because most of the prep work can be done at home. Once my dough is ready, I simply store it in the cooler until we set up camp.
This way, when I arrive at the campsite, all I have to do is press the dough into the Dutch oven and bake it over the fire.
Meal Prep for Camping: Bacon and Cobb Salad
After prepping the cookie dough, it’s time to focus on our dinner for the first night. I’ve had a craving for a fresh cobb salad, so I decided that would be a great camping meal.
It’s light, healthy, and doesn’t require much cooking—perfect for a hot day!
In the morning, I cooked up some bacon and boiled a few eggs. I picked up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, which makes my life so much easier.
When we arrive at camp, all I’ll need to do is chop up the bacon, chicken, and hard-boiled eggs to assemble our salad.
To complement the chicken, I prep some crunchy celery and toss in fresh dill and parsley from my fridge. I also include dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
For the dressing, I found an apple cider vinaigrette that sounded perfect. Keeping things simple is my motto when camping, and I want to maximize our relaxation time once we set up.
Now that everything is prepped, I pack it all into my camping food bin. I use my camping meal planner, which I’ve made available for download in the description below.
This handy tool keeps me organized and ensures I don’t forget anything.
Hitting the Road and Setting Up Camp
After completing my meal prep, it’s finally time to hit the road! We load everything into the car, making sure to check off items from our list as we go.
The anticipation builds as we drive toward the campground, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and open skies.
Once we arrive, we take a scenic loop to scout out our campsite. I remember camping here a few years ago, and I’m thrilled to see an osprey nest right above us.
It’s a peaceful and calming environment compared to the city.
Finally Settled: Dinner and Relaxation
After what felt like an eternity, the rain finally subsides, allowing us to set up our tent. It’s been a long day, and I’m grateful for the simple and delicious dinner that awaits us.
I assemble our cobb salad in a large bowl, adding chopped tomatoes, chives, and creamy avocado on top of the lettuce.
Instead of making my own dressing tonight, I opted for the apple cider vinaigrette, which will add a nice zing to the salad.
The vibrant colors of the fresh ingredients create an inviting meal, and after all the prep, it feels fantastic to finally dive in.
Once we finish dinner, we clean up and take some time to relax in the tent. The sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the smell of the campfire fills the air.
As the sun sets, I can’t help but feel grateful for moments like these—just unwinding in nature after a busy day.
Breakfast: A Refreshing Start
The next morning, I decide to whip up a refreshing breakfast that’s perfect for the warm weather. I prepare a delicious overnight oats dish, which I first made during a backpacking trip with powdered milk.
Today, I’m using regular milk and letting the oats soak for about 20 minutes. I also chop up some strawberries and blueberries to add on top.
Before placing the oats in the cooler, I make sure they’re secure so there are no spills.
It’s a hassle-free breakfast that requires minimal effort, allowing us to enjoy our surroundings while eating something nutritious.
As we dig into the oats, I can’t help but appreciate how simple yet delicious this meal is.
The chewy oats paired with the fresh fruit provide a satisfying start to our day, and it’s a great way to stay energized for our adventures.
Cookie Time: An Unexpected Twist
After breakfast, the moment we’ve all been waiting for arrives: cookie time! However, in a twist of fate, I realize I forgot to pack the briquettes for baking.
I’m all about planning and prepping, but sometimes life throws a curveball, and it’s essential to adapt.
Instead of letting this hiccup ruin our fun, I decide to experiment. We have plenty of firewood, so I set up a good fire and use the coals to bake my cookies in the Dutch oven.
Normally, I wouldn’t recommend this method due to the difficulty in maintaining a consistent temperature, but hey, I’m up for the challenge!
I place my cookie dough in the Dutch oven and let it bake over the coals, winging it the entire time. As the cookies bake, the aroma wafts through the air, and my excitement grows.
Nick pops in with his approval, saying, “That looks pretty good for winging it!” I couldn’t agree more.
Savoring the Sweet Success
Taking my first bite, I’m pleasantly surprised. They turned out to be even better than expected! The combination of chocolate, nuts, and a hint of salt makes for a perfect treat.
We enjoy the cookies while lounging around the campfire, soaking up the serene atmosphere.
As the evening unfolds, we clean up our campsite and settle into the tent. I feel a wave of satisfaction wash over me as I reflect on the day.
The camping trip has been a blend of adventure, creativity, and culinary experimentation, all wrapped up in the beauty of nature.
Wrapping Up: Memories and Reflections
As our camping trip comes to an end, we begin packing up and drying out the tent from last night’s rain.
This journey has been a refreshing escape from city life, allowing me to unwind and reconnect with nature.
I’ve cherished every moment spent cooking and enjoying delicious meals in the great outdoors.
Even though the weather was unpredictable, we made the most of it, embracing the experiences that came our way.
Now, as we head back to the city, I can’t help but think about our next adventure. Whether it’s more camping trips, or new recipes to try, there’s always something to look forward to.
Thanks for joining me on this journey!
Until next time, happy camping and cooking!
