Camping - Savorychicks Style!

by Marjan

There is nothing like good friends to nudge you to do things out of one’s comfort zone! When my dear friend Shay wanted to organize a camping trip, my first thought was an absolute ‘no way- not for me!’ However, the twinkle in her eye, zealous voice and exuberant joy, made it hard to refuse. So reluctantly, I agreed to a camping trip which required us to cook, eat, wash and sleep under the sky.



The last time I went camping, I had porters as we trekked our way through the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu.  The time before that, I was 19 years old.  I fondly remember driving up to Yosemite National Park with my cousins listening to Pet Shop Boys’ latest ‘album’! Ok! I just aged myself. I had forgotten what it was like to have a limited supply of water and amenities to pass four days of sleeping on the ground, making intimate relationship with pesky flies and array of other creatures, yet maintain a sense of sanity. The only way I could contribute to a team of campers was to be my Savory Chic self.  My friends graciously allowed me to plan our menu and meals! This inspired me and gave me the challenge of cooking outdoors.
Gratefully, Shay brought along her portable camping kitchen which made it easy: shelves, matching plates, cups and table cloth, burners, pots, pans and utensils. We were set! Leave it to Shay to have a complete spread. There is nothing Shay does that is ordinary! If she takes on a task, she does it with the outmost style, grace, and ease. She always inspires all of her friends! She is simply ‘awesome’!

Our first night camping, I had planned our menu to include grilled asparagus and salmon with mashed potatoes.  Of course, I would like to tell you that we caught our own fish, cleaned and butchered it. Maybe next time!

With limited ingredients, we were able to dine in style and even make a fellow first time camper and someone who does not like salmon to try both adventures again.
I hope this post will inspire you to camp this summer and not just eat, but create a feast! Have an Awesome Summer!
 


Recipe for 6 hungry campers
Necessities: Stove top, grill, heavy duty aluminum foil, pot, large slotted spoon

Prepare sauce for salmon before the trip:
½ cup mayo
½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, chili powder, coriander and cumin powder
¼  teaspoon cayenne powder
1 large lime - using both zest and juice
In a bowl, whisk all the above ingredients and place in a tight zip lock bag and transport in an iced cooler.


Other ingredients:
2 pounds of fresh salmon (I prefer sockeye)
Asparagus
Potatoes
Cream cheese
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
White wine

Prior to cooking, prepare your grill with hot charcoal of wood.


Peel and chop 6-7 large potatoes. Place them in a pot of boiling water; salt to taste. Once potato chunks are cooked, drain the water out of the pot and mash potatoes using a slotted spoon. Add 3 tablespoons of cream cheese (cream cheese is the best camping ingredient. Not only is it easy to transport and enjoy for breakfast with bread, it saves the limited cold cooler space from carrying both butter and milk) to potatoes and mash and blend in until creamy. Set aside is a hot pot with lid to stay warm.
All good campers travel with wine or beer.  I used white wine to marinade my asparagus with a splash of olive oil, salt and pepper. I placed them in a fastened grill so that it would be easy to cook. I grilled them until they were slightly charred.

On a large piece of aluminum foil (2x the size of fish ) I placed my fish. I pour the entire mayo sauce over the fish to cover. I wrapped the foil over to seal the fish tightly in foil and placed over the grill for 30-40 minutes depending on the temperature of the heat. Check the middle of the fish to make sure cooking is complete but be cautious to not overcook salmon as it will be dry.
Enjoy camping, friends, nature and a great meal!

From our partner: LO+JUNE

From our partner: LO+JUNE
Artisanal French products in our Swiss fine food boutique