If you’re venturing outside for a camping trip in the winter time and you’re not moving your body, it probably means you’re cooking or eating. Here are my best tips and recipes for each meal of the day to add some extra joy to your snacking and help you stay warm and comfortable.
Breakfast
Tip #1 Use a simple base and spice it up!
If you’re camping outside this winter, you’ll probably want something warm and filling. My favorite breakfast that seems to tick all the boxes is oatmeal, but don’t skimp on toppings; we want this to be a breakfast you love eating!
Recipe Idea: Savory oatmeal with cheddar and a fried egg. This recipe turns the idea of oatmeal on its head by using the oats as a savory base topped with yummy ingredients you’d normally eat for breakfast at home. Pack eggs in a water bottle to keep them from cracking, and you’ve got a gourmet breakfast ready to go in the backcountry!
Tip #2 Bring a mug
Making a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate on a winter morning isn’t much extra effort (you can use the leftover hot water from your oatmeal), but has high reward!
Recipe Idea: Backpacker hot chocolate. If you’re feeling extra fancy, bring some candy canes to crush and add to the top. Perfect for the winter season!
Lunch
Tip #1 Make it easy!
Lunch should be your easiest meal of the day, and ideally, you make it before you head out for your activity so it’s ready to go when you’re ready to eat. Think of meals you can eat while taking a short break: wraps, sandwiches, etc. and meals that don’t involve taking off your gloves!
The ultimate wrap/sandwich filling formula: Protein, cheese, spread, veggie
Ex. salami, cheddar, mayo/mustard, and greens
Ex. pepperoni, mozzarella, tomato sauce, peppers
Ex. prosciutto, mozzarella, balsamic, pesto, and tomatoes
Ex. soy curls, cheddar, bbq sauce, coleslaw
Tip #2 Supplement with snacks
In the same vein as our plan for lunch, pack snacks that are easy and that you’re excited to reach for in your pack. Think of fun foods that will give you an extra boost to get through the day!
Recipe idea: Muddy Buddies. Make this fun holiday treat ahead of time at home and whip it out on the trail for the perfect pick me up.
Dinner
Tip #1 Budget enough time for a warm meal
At the end of a long day of adventuring in the snow, there really is nothing better than coming home to a warm meal, so make sure you leave enough time to make one at the end of your day! Take the extra time to boil water, stir fry veggies, make rice, etc. And clean as you go so you’re not left with a pile of dirty dishes to handle in the cold.
Tip #2 Look for calorie-dense options
Adventuring in the winter means your body is working extra hard to keep yourself warm, so you’re burning lots of calories. Choose dinner options that will replenish your body and fuel you well for the next day’s adventure.
Recipe Idea: Pad Thai is one of my favorite backpacking recipes. It comes together quickly, and the peanuts provide high quality protein and fat to keep you energized.
Recipe Idea: Mac and Cheese is a familiar and comforting meal that provides a great base. Add some salami or pepperoni from lunch to up the protein and calories and if you have time, sauté broccoli to add on the side!
Recipe Idea: Fried Rice is a simple recipe that you can save for your longer days. Grab some dehydrated rice and the recipe will come together quickly! Bring along some fun condiments to spice it up: spicy mayo, soy sauce, nori, and sesame seeds can all help really bring the meal together into a tasty creation.
