Camping with Bliss

I partake in an annual camping trip with some of my ex-coworkers-turned-good-friends, and we always have a blast. I decided to post about a few of the foods we had on this past trip in July. It's the one time of the year where we really go all-out and get all of the camping stuff going, tiki torches and all.

Here are the specialties that I brought this year... while I didn't invent the concept of a quesadilla, I did come up with the idea of roasting pigs-in-a-blanket over a fire last summer and brought it again this year, because... it's excellent!

Campfire Pigs-In-a-Blanket

1 package of Lil Smokies

2 packages of refrigerated crescent rolls (Pillsbury)

Keep ingredients in your cooler (in a zip loc bag because those crescent rolls are NOT water proof) and when ready, take ingredients out. Wrap little piggies with their blankets, as you would normally, and skewer onto your hot-dog / s'more roasting stick. I had up to 8 but found that 6 worked best so you could space them out a little. Cook until dough is golden brown. It's okay if you lose a few blankets. Dip in ketchup or just eat plain! This works really well on the fire and is a nice alternative to typical been-there-done-that camping food.

Camping Quesadillas

Makes 6 quesadilla (I brought 1 for each person, however)
This takes advantage of a camping propane burner and a griddle, however you could heat them over a fire if you had one of those tri-pod grates.

Make ahead of time and store on paper plates and in zip loc bags (stacks of 3 per 1 gallon bag) , keep in your cooler until you use them.

1 lb of beef

1/3 of each: yellow, green, and red bell peppers, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 package taco seasoning (or however you like to season tacos - garlic powder, chili powder, etc)

1 large can of refried beans, stirred with a spoon make spreadable

1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese
cilantro, chopped

cooking spray

salsa for garnish (and other stuff if you want, too)

Directions

Cook beef and veggies and drain, season with taco seasoning to taste. On 6 quesadillas, spread with refried beans. Spoon beef mixture on top and top with cheese and cilantro. Hot sauce would also be a tasty addition here. Top with upper tortilla and you're finished. Store as noted above, if using for camping.

When ready to eat, start up your propane burner and place gas-fire-safe griddle on top. Spray with cooking spray and when heated, place first quesadilla on pan. Crisp on both sides, use pizza cutter to cut into 6 wedges, and serve immediately with salsa, sour cream, etc. This was super easy, worked really well in a cooler, and was a different twist for campsite food.

Taco Rio in Lupton, Michigan

On a separate note, we always camp near the Rifle River, and it is located outside of a very tiny town - really there isn't much but a convenience store/gas station that we go to for all of our supplies. Well, this year, we were shocked to see a little taco stand. Shannon and I arrived early on Friday so we decided to have some tacos for dinner and they were pretty good! Actually I think we both got fajitas. Anyway, if you see the Taco Rio near Lupton, stop on in.