With a slight deviation from our posted schedule, this weeks net will be on one of our favorite topics - FOOD. In particular, we will be discussing camp kitchens. Having camped for a number of years, Tom and I have seen quite a few variations of the camp kitchen - everything from minimalist kitchens to something like what one would expect at home. It seems that the type of kitchen you prefer is likely to reflect your personal taste in outdoor cuisine. Having a well equipped kitchen, however, does not mean that you have to pack enormous amounts of gear or spend a lot of money. On the contrary, with careful planning and the right equipment, a well equipped kitchen is easy to pack, easy to set up and easy to take down.
One of the things that we have learned over the many years we have been doing this is that good meals are a unique and sensational complement to the great outdoors. Few things can top a terrific meal overlooking a great vista. Just because you are camping in wilderness or primitive conditions is no reason to dine like a primitive. If you enjoy good meals at home, there is no reason why that same level of quality is not possible at camp.
One last thing that we have learned is that there are many ways to set-up a great camp kitchen and we would like to see your set-up, preferably with pictures and a narrative.
We can't think of a better example of how a good meal can complement a great trip than the picture below. This was taken during breakfast overlooking the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Freshly cooked cinnamon French Toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, orange juice and coffee, made this meal top notch. Breakfast al lfresco on the North Rim:
- Breakfast al fresco North Rim.jpg (128.01 KiB) Viewed 3527 times
Setting up a camp meal table is also not difficult but it sure makes meal time just a little bit better.
- camp dinner table 2 (Large).JPG (191.39 KiB) Viewed 3526 times
Camp kitchens include trailer mounted affairs, tail gate kitchens and kitchens set up in the middle of camp. Here are some examples.
Trailer kitchens
- Camp Kitchen #5 (Large).JPG (143.43 KiB) Viewed 3520 times
Tail gate kitchens
- Tom's Tailgate Kitchen.jpg (413.7 KiB) Viewed 3520 times
Camp kitchens in ...........well, camp!
- Camp Kitchen #4.JPG (554.54 KiB) Viewed 3520 times
Here is an excellent example of how you can easily prepare meals outdoors that bring all of the quality and taste of home to the camp - REAL Fried Chicken:
- Camp Kitchen #7 (Large).JPG (117.45 KiB) Viewed 3520 times
One of the things that should never be overlooked in the camp kitchen is cleanliness. The Wishy Washy, by Partner Steel, is a must for any camp. It is an easy way to wash hands before and while cooking.
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Here is a well equipped camp kitchen that is easy to set-up and take down. The stand, sold by Cabela's, is named the "instant Kitchen" and sets up in about a minute. The stove, by Partner Steel, also sets up in about a minute. On the left side of the Instant Kitchen is an oven, made by Coleman, which has served to prepare, baked potatoes, biscuits, chocolate cake, breakfast pastries, all sorts of appetizers, and much more.
- IMG_0702 (Large).JPG (185.43 KiB) Viewed 3520 times
Last, but not least, we cannot leave the topic of camp kitchens without mentioning one thing that can add a terrific new dimension to any good dinner - a fine bottle of wine, shared with friends, while cooking!!!
- wine.jpg (31.69 KiB) Viewed 3518 times
