Camping in the Winter, Summer, Spring, or Fall is a Culinary Blast!

Camping is one of the ultimate adventures to soak in the outdoors. Whether you are caught in your cozy cabin, tangled up in blankets with a mug of hot chocolate wrapped in your hands, or boldly facing the winter cold within your tightly sealed tent, it is one activity that’s difficult to beat!

One concern, and for some, a complete nightmare, is the menu. Who doesn’t love a good campout with great recipes simmering in the Dutch oven? The scrumptious smells cater to your nose with an unparalleled delight! You can have that glorious taste while still keeping your health in check. Dutch oven and healthy? Not what you normally would expect to be put together. But you can rest assured that there are ways to have delicious meals when using your Dutch oven that satisfies even the most skeptical of crowds!

High Seasoning, Low Heat.

One key to the success of fat free cast iron cooking is to make sure your cast iron is well taken care of. It can be mistreated, like many other things. A way to ensure that this doesn’t happen is to pre-heat your well-seasoned cookware before starting the cooking process. Seasoning is simply having a build-up or "patina" of oil which when heated, adheres to the iron surface. If food sticks to seasoned cast iron, it is because the food is burning onto the surface. Pre-heating guarantees a smooth transition from the skillet to the plate. Always remember to use low heat once food is put on. It will decrease chances of burning. Cook the food slowly to make certain that time is given for the flavors to sink in. And most importantly, have patience!

Try some of these lo-fat recipes!

Poor Man's Steak

2 lb pkg Ground beef 1 1/3 c Milk 2 tsp Salt Pam Spray 1/4 tsp Pepper 2 cans Mushroom Soup 2 c Cracker Crumbs 1 c Water

Mix together meat, salt, pepper, crumbs, and milk. Pack into loaf pans. Let stand in refrigerator overnight or as least 6 hours. Cut into slices and brown in a coating of Pam. Mix soup with 1 c of water and pour over meat placed in dutch oven. Bake at 350 for 1-1/2 hours.

Basic Dutch Oven Stir Fry

Slice some Steak or Chicken into strips Chop up 1-2 bell peppers and 1 onion Stir-fry everything for five minutes and add 1 15oz can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies Cook until heated through and meat is completely cooked.

Or try this veggie combo...

Cut up a mix of your favorite vegetables (about 2 cups) Add ½ pound baby red potatoes, sliced thin Cover and steam them in vegetable broth 10 minutes Mix 2/3 Reduced Fat Sour Cream with 1/3 Dijon mustard Add 2 Tbs. lime juice and 2 Tbs. cilantro, chopped. Add to vegetables and turn heat to low.