Food, glorious food!

If you are not used to cooking on an open fire, or perhaps not used to cooking for others, it can feel a bit daunting to come to camp.

Here we are going to talk about what to bring and ideas of what to cook, to give you an opportunity to plan ahead, and ease any anxiety around this.

Equipment:  You should bring one or two pots / pans that you do not mind getting black from the fire, and a fire kettle if you have one.   Dont worry though, there are usually more than enough kettles to go round!   Also bring some stirring and serving spoons etc, and perhaps a large bowl or plate to serve food on/in.    Some folk also bring a small gas camping stove in case of bad weather.   We highly recommend getting young folk involved in the preparation phases and depending on age, also the cooking.

Food/ Ingredients: Generally you would bring enough food for you to provide for yourself or your family unit breakfast and lunch.  There is a co op within easy walking distance and also several supermarkets in or near the town of St Ives (Cambridge).  Remember, there is no refrigeration and as it can get very hot, we highly recommend that you use vegetarian or vegan food stuffs for the camp. It is also important to note that many folk have allergies these days and so for shared food, going for the lowest common denominator (usually vegan & gluten free) is helpful. You can always have additional items, such as cheese separate for those who would like.   Dont forget to bring some snacks for yourself and to share.  Last year we had a vegan Mr Whippy ice cream truck come each day and that was indeed a wonderful treat!

Basic Larder for Camp (depending on what main meal you want to make you can add more or take out as wanted!)

Drinks (Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Squash, Milks)

Condiments (salt, pepper, tomato ketchup, mayo, salad cream, salad dressings)

Pantry: Pasta (Gluten Free), Rice, Pudding Rice, Dried Fruit, Tins tomato, tins or dried chick peas, cereal, porridge, vegan stock cube or powder, Indian curry powders, chilli powders or spice mixes, GF self raising flour, Almond Flour, Coconut Flour.  Oil for frying / cooking. Sugar

Veg/Fruit: Onions, Potatoes, Garlic Apples, Oranges, Lemons, Banana, Berries

Dairy: (if you think you can keep it cool enough or use in one day) Milk, yogurt, butter, cheese (including vegan versions)

Snacks: Biscuits, cakes and other (including home made)

Breakfast: This can be as easy or complicated as you want!   You can go for cereal or porridge for easy options, or get more complex with eggs, toast, beans and mushrooms!  Some even make pancakes! 

Lunch is the same, providing food for yourself or your family unit.  Keeping it simple is the use of sandwiches or toasties, salads and the like.  Getting more adventurous would be to whip up some some soup, crack open some eggs, whisk some pancakes, or pop some baked beans on toast and so on.

Evening meal is a shared affair!

But don't panic!   This is a wonderful way of working with your circle and learning new recipes.  Each circle brings over one or two dishes to the shared area and we have a buffet!   Its a good idea to have one meal that you have brought the ingredients for or that you can source once at camp.  If you are coming on your own, you can team up with another person (or two!)

We are also mindful that children often are not as keen on some food stuffs as the adults, so if you are bringing children who have very firm views about what they will eat, you may want to bring some of their favourites!

Here are some easy meal ideas:

Gluten Free Pasta (with pesto / cheese / other on the side)

Rice Salad

Cous cous  Salad

Green Salad

Veg Curry

3 bean chilli

Fajitas

Mash potatoes and veggie sausages

New baby boiled potatoes

Quorn / tofu stir fry

Grilled corn on the Cob 

Puddings!

Obviously, no evening meal is complete without pudding!  Crazy you say, but some folk have made Banoffee pie, fruit crumble and more - all in a field!

But fear not, there are easier things! Here are some ideas!

Skill level - easy

Banana's wrapped in foil with a square of dark chocolate

Pre made & brought from home or a shop bought cake

Stewed apple & custard (fresh made or shop bought)

Marshmallows (vegan versions are available) dipped in melted chocolate 

Fruit Salad

Melon skewers

Skill level - medium

Eaton Mess (scrunched up pre bought meringue with cream and fruit) - no vegan option

Fruit crumble (cooking the topping in a frying pan before layering) Make with almond / coconut flour and veg margarine for a vegan & gluten free version

Skill level - high

Banoffee pie - using GF & Vegan ingredients 

Pancakes - skill not necessarily high but takes a lot of time and patience!  Use GF self raising flour and water or nut milk for an amazing fluffy GF vegan version!

Energy Balls - with peanut butter, chopped dates, co-co powder, coconut oil, desiccated coconut.  (great for kids to do and can be prepped much earlier)