Easter is almost upon us for another year so many of us are trying to get a short break from our usual routine. Isn't it fantastic to get away from our usual day to day life and get our into the great outdoors?
We have some great outdoor ideas including recipe and activity books for those of you looking for some extra inspiration.
Don't forget to print off your favourite recipes, put them in a plastic sleeve AND TAKE THEM WITH YOU when you go away.
Happy Easter! I love to get your feedback, talk soon
Kind regards, Catherine
I have experienced with recipe books or informative guides we often take just a handful of the ideas we like, then make them our favorites by adding our own personal twist to them.
Well I just HAD to add some of my favorite recipes. Hope you like them.
Savoury French Toast
sliced bread
beaten eggs
salt
pepper
B.B.Q. seasoning (optional)
Break eggs into a bowl or flat tin. Add BBQ seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. Beat or stir mixture with a fork. Saturate slices of bread, then put them in a hot frying pan with oil. Fry to a golden brown on both sides. Turn with a spatula.
Serve on own or with fried tomato, bacon and mushroom for the full breakfast feast after a night of fishing or hunting.
Another goodie is this delicious stew. Following all those outdoor activities have left you starving you will love this hearty meal which can be cooked over the campfire in a ditch oven or heavy pot. Slow cooking is preferable, so preparation could be done before you go out for the day plus this way you come back to camp knowing your meal will be ready to eat.
Hungarian Goulash
Approximately 1-2 kg. of diced beef, goat or venison
5 heaped teaspoons of Paprika
1 large fried Onion, sliced
2 Bay leaves, optional
1 teaspoon Marjoram
Pinch of Carraway seeds, or carraway seed water, optional
1 red Capsicum, sliced
Approximately 4 large Potatoes, cut into halves
Small tin or fresh tomatoes, optional
Oi l- approximately 5 tspns.
Salt
Pepper
Chilli
BBQ Seasoning
Water
Fry onion in oil until golden brown. Add paprika and stir for a few seconds before adding meat. Stir until slightly cooked on the outside, then add about 1/2 cup of water, spices to taste, and remaining ingredients. Add enough water to just cover meat, about 2 cups. Cover with lid and slowly cook until meat is tender, around 2-4 hours. Easy!
Tweak this recipe to make it your own. You can add or take out certain vegetables and spices to your own liking. I use chuck beef for added flavour.
Check this out below.
101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes provides you with 101 delicious, and easy-to-prepare recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner that are sure to make you a hit around the campfire.
A dutch oven or heavy pot, preferably cast iron with a lid may be used for slower cooking and a smaller skillet or frying pan for other cooking. Depending on the heat and hot coals the fire has will determine how close you place the pot or pan over the fire. If you don't have a metal frame you can use rocks, or similar to prop the pot in the desired position. Isn't that some of the fun of outdoor challenges, being resourceful?
It's a fact that food just tastes better outdoors. Now with 101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes, even campers who have never cooked anything more complicated than S'mores can make great meals and snacks over the campfire. You no longer need to sacrifice eating well just because you are not in your home kitchen. 101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes provides you with 101 delicious, and easy-to-prepare recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that are sure to make you a hit around the campfire.
http://www.betterlifestyleebooks.com/cooking/camping/
Easter time represents sharing, hopefully with family or friends. The book "Family Fun Easter Activity Collection" gives you instructions to make mouth watering dinner recipes such as Easter Roast Lamb with Apple Tartlets, classic Hot Cross Buns and Maple-Glazed Roast Turkey Breast with Cornbread. You will also find easy to make craft ideas for your child as well as puzzles, coloring book pages and games for hours of Easter activities. There are always a few favorites, check them out here-
http://www.betterlifestyleebooks.com/family-occasions/easter/
Tips – For the Hungarian Goulash – Do not over fry and burn onions or paprika as the dish will be bitter. If you are going to be away from camp longer, then cut the meat and vegetables up into larger sizes. Play around and have fun. Remember, if you don't like a "sweet" flavour to your stew, you must fry the onions until golden and don't add carrot to the dish.
Before you travel, a little pre planning makes your time away enjoyable.
Before you go away prepare a box with your ingredients you need. Don't forget the matches and can opener! Freeze the meat and use it as a "cooler" for other food while you travel, and it thaws out.Do the same with water bottles. Make sure you take some plastic bags so you can remove your rubbish.
When cooking eggs – Cracked eggs can still be boiled if wrapped in aluminium foil to prevent the egg white from escaping.Don't overcook eggs or they'll turn out rubbery.
CAMPING SAFETY TIPS
Examine the ground for ants' nests prior to pitching your tent or spreading out your picnic blanket.
Ensure your tent is zipped at all times to stop creatures entering.
Don't leave shoes, socks, hats and gloves lying around outside as they can provide a warm spot for spiders to hide. Always check items if they have been left outside.
Wear gloves when collecting firewood.
Always re-seal food receptacles immediately.
Dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully to prevent ants and flies descending in droves. It will also stop possums clattering around your camp at night.
Burn a citronella candle to discourage mosquitoes.
If hiking, wear ankle-high boots, thick socks and trousers to reduce the risk of snake bites and leech attacks.
Leeches will not bite skin covered with insect repellent or tea-tree oil.
Don't attempt to handle the wildlife that may be dangerous. If out walking wait until they pass.
STORM SAFETY
Heavy rain and high winds can cause havoc to your camp site. Here are some safety measures to help minimise the danger:
Don't camp under trees with large boughs, especially gums. Often called 'widow makers', they tend to snap off in strong winds and lightning strikes.
If you're looking for shade try medium size leafy trees which filter the light well. Most rainforest trees are pretty sturdy. Most people set up their own shelter (tarps and annexes etc) for protection from the midday sun.
Ensure your tent is secured firmly using the correct pegs for soil type.
Use an extra tent fly or tarpaulin to add strength. It will also act as an extra rain barrier.
Remove items that can become missiles and pierce your tent in strong winds. Collect fallen branches and place them in a sheltered area such as an outbuilding, fireplace enclosure or a natural wind break (see below). Pack camping accessories in your vehicle.
Use natural land formations such as a lee of a hill, base of a valley or rock formations to act as wind breaks. If in an open area use your vehicle.
If heavy rain is expected, dig a small trench on the high side of your tent that is longer than your tent to divert water flow away from your camp.
If a storm is severe, leave the area. Never try and 'ride it out'.
Seek advice from local rangers on camping during the summer storm season.
ELECTRICAL STORMS
Although lightning strikes seem random you can take precautions to avoid being struck.
Take shelter in your vehicle or a building if possible. If you are in your vehicle don't touch the metal framework because the lightning passes through this – not you and not the rubber tyres.
Avoid being the tallest object around. Get as low as you can by squatting (not lying down). Remove your backpack – especially if it has metal frames.
Avoid sheltering under the tallest object or the tallest tree in a group. Sheltering under trees should be avoided.
Stay away from metal fences and water – don't go swimming – as both conduct electricity over long distances.
If the threat of lightning strikes is great, do not huddle in a group – spread out at least 30 metres apart. Keep track of each other by numbering off in loud voices. If one member of your crew is struck, give assistance.
Mountain summits and exposed ridges are extremely hazardous during lightning storms. If you are caught here, quickly descend to a lower point away from the direction of the approaching storm.
Exposed tents may provide shelter from rain but metal frames provide no lightning protection. If you shelter in the tent, ground currents can run through you from head to foot as you lie in contact with the ground. Seek alternative shelter.
Have a Safe Trip and above all have FUN!
