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15 Wilderness Cooking Essentials
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Camping is an opportunity to step out of your kitchen and become chef of the wilderness. However, if you go underprepared you may not be cooking at all. Have these wilderness cooking essentials packed up and ready to go.
Pots and Pans
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Boiling water is valuable for campsite cooking, but you need a pot to get the water hot. If you want to use pots or pans over the fire, bring ones you can part with; they may be ruined from extreme heat with little flame coverage.
Campsite Cooking Checklist
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campsiteExtra Propane or Charcoal
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Don't run out of cooking fuel mid-meal. Bring charcoal if you're cooking over flame or on a grill, and propane if you have a camp stove.
Utensils
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Unless you're cooking all finger foods, utensils are necessary. A simple box of plastic cutlery is all you need.
Camping Gear Checklist
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campsiteMatches or a Lighter
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Without a fire, your fire-roasted dinners are nonexistent. Keep a bulk box of matches or a few extra lighters with your other camping gear to be sure your wilderness cooking goes off without a hitch.
Oil or Cooking Spray
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Regardless of which cooking method you use, oil and cooking spray are important. Put oil on veggie skewers and use cooking spray to ensure your food doesn't stick to the grate or stovetop.
2 Easy Cast Iron Meals
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campsiteSeasonings
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You wouldn't cook without flavor at home, so why should your camping meals be any different? Look for a compact or mobile spice container to easily bring multiple seasoning options with you.
7 Spices for Camping
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campsiteSpatula
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Those burgers aren't going to flip themselves. And if you're indulging in eggs for a sunrise breakfast, you need a spatula on hand. Bring a metal one to avoid melting over the fire.
5 Easy Dinner Ideas for Camp
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campsiteCan Opener
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What wilderness cooking experience is complete without a can of beans? Don't get hurt trying to cut the top off with a knife, pack a can opener instead.
Paper Towels
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These are easy to forget, yet so important. Whether you're drying a clean pot or wiping your hands after a delectable dinner, aim to have one roll for every two or three days, just to be safe.
10 Tips for Clean Camping
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campsiteTin Foil
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Whether you need to wrap leftovers or use the Dutch oven method, tin foil is always good to have for wilderness cooking.
3 Tin Foil Meal Ideas
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campsiteDish Soap and Sponge
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Dirty dishes attract curious critters. Don't give them something to sniff; pack dish soap and sponges.
5 Tips to Keep Bugs at Bay
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campsiteFire Starters
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Some people make their own fire starters while others bring old newspapers. Either way, put fire starters on your camping checklist.
Sealable Bags
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Sealable bags can be used for leftovers or to take snacks on the trail. Keep a few in your camping box so you never leave without them.
Stay Organized at the Campsite
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campsiteTongs
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Tongs make wilderness cooking much easier. Instead of flipping those hot dogs with your fingers or a spatula, use tongs.
Grill Brush
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You never know what was cooked on the grate before you got there. Bring a grill brush to give it a good once over before you cook anything.