Family vacations: how to eat well while camping
The camping season is officially here, and it also means the return of great meals shared around the fire. However, the menu can be much more diverse than just hot dogs and burgers. Outdoor enthusiasts will tell you, the key to a successful getaway is planning. Here's how to eat well without necessarily having to resort to perishable foods. Yes, it is possible!
Shopping list for your next getaway:
Sources of protein:
- Canned tuna, salmon, chicken or sardines
Don't forget the can opener! It’s always practical to have in your bag – and a few types of cans now feature easier opening. Since this food can no longer be stored at room temperature once the can is opened, choose smaller sizes when you go on a hike for the day or a larger size when sharing.
Add it to your pasta, sandwiches or salads and presto!
- Canned legumes. Bring a strainer to rinse them. Add a diced apple, dried fruit and nuts. This makes a tasty and satisfying meal.
- Various nuts.
- Nut butter (peanuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, etc.).
Fruits and vegetables:
Choose whole fruits and vegetables that will be entirely eaten in one sitting. Once started, these foods are perishable.
- Bananas, apples, oranges, kiwis, nectarines, grapes.
- Peppers, mini cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, beans.
- Dried fruits (dates, cranberries, raisins).
- Canned fruit in water or unsweetened fruit compote.
Dairy products:
- UHT (ultra-high temperature) milk
Now available in individual sizes or in a large container. As this milk must be refrigerated after opening, the individual sizes are particularly attractive.
- Powdered milk
You’ll only have to reconstitute the milk by combining it with water. It’s ideal for cooking oatmeal.
Grain products:
- Homemade granola bars.
- Energy balls made from oatmeal, peanut butter, pieces of dark chocolate and a little maple syrup.
These snacks are ideal for fueling up on long hikes.
- Whole wheat couscous, quinoa or brown rice.
- Whole wheat bread crumb
Grill slices over the barbecue fire and garnish them with nut butter and banana slices, this is a complete breakfast.
Prepare individual servings of oatmeal by combining oatmeal, nuts, powdered milk and a hint of brown sugar. Bring a mason jar and add boiling water in the morning. In addition to being economical, preparing it this way enables you to personalize it to everyone's taste.
Planning 101
As these foods aren’t perishable, take advantage of rainy weekends to go grocery shopping and to prepare your granola bars, energy balls, muffins, etc. Keep them in the freezer and you just have to put them in your cooler when you go.
Familiprix in collaboration with Hubert Cormier