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I have always had a deep love for nature, whether it be my inner Taurean or my appreciation for simplistic beauty, nature has always helped me become grounded again.  My father loved being out doors too, I definitely attribute my adventurous spirit to him.  When we first moved to the States, he would drive us all over the country, experiencing all the beautiful landmarks and scenery that America had to offer.  We would go camping with a couple other families and I always remembered it being a wonderful time.  We’d go fishing, hiking, play hide and go seek, and most importantly — eat.

I often hear the common complaint from friends that camp food is “gross”.  I never understood what they meant because everytime I went with my family, not only was I well fed, but I’d eat to the point where my stomach hurt.  There was just always such a large variety of choices — tea eggs, numerous cold appetizers, , dumplings, beef noodles, endless fresh fruit, freshly baked cookies and cake, the list goes on and on.  Granted the choices were quite Asian, I always ate like a king.  I never really learned what American camp food was til I joined girl scouts in the third grade, where the only thing I found really edible was s’mores (I was not a fan of hot dogs back then).

A few things to keep in mind when preparing a menu for camping:

  • Choose recipes that are simple and quick to make
  • Prep as many ingredients as you can beforehand to maintain minimal waste when you reach the actual camp site (i.e. beat your eggs before hand and store in a ziplock bag or plastic container so you do not have to worry about crushing your eggs or disposing the shells)
  • Grilling is one of the easiest techniques to make simple, fast and great tasting food
  • Pre-marinate meats the day before you leave so they will be ready to cook once you set up your food station
  • Buy ALOT of ice! This is the only way your perishable food will survive
  • Aluminum foil is crucial (I actually forgot to pack this and we had to stop at Wal-mart to pick some up) and metal pans to put your cooked food in (They are reusable if you line them with foil and rinse them out afterwards)
  • Keep cooking untensils to a minimum you only need the essentials: knife, cutting board, spatula and a medium pan

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I was so busy taking pictures of the scenary that I didn’t get any notable pictures of the food I made — skillet potatoes, breakfast tacos, grilled cheese sandwiches, grill chicken and vegetables and fajitas.  For the post I will do the Mexican Breakfast Tacos — they were so easy to whip up and it was probably one of my favorite meals of the trip.

Ingredients for Mexican Breakfast Tacos (for 6)

  • 24 corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 dozen large eggs
  • 3 poblano peppers, seeds and ribs removed
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 can black beans
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup queso fresco
  • kosher salt to taste

For the Mexican Breakfast Tacos, coat the peppers with oil and place on the grill.  Sprinkle with salt and cook until the skin on the peppers are wilted and the flesh becomes soft, about 15 minutes.  Be sure to turn the peppers over half way through cooking time so both sides are evenly cooked.  Remove chiles from grill and set aside.  Cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.  Heat oil in medium sauce pan over grill and scramble the eggs, about 5 minutes.  Set eggs aside and keep warm with aluminum foil.  Grill the tortillas, 30 seconds on each side, just enough to where it leaves grill marks and tortillas are heated through.

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You can assemble the tacos any way you like, I’ve made two combinations: Grilled Poblano and Egg breakfast taco with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa and a Black Bean and Avocado breakfast taco with Queso Fresco and Spicy Habanero Salsa. You can find Queso Fresco at your local Mexican market, if you do not have one near you, I am sure Whole Foods would carry it.

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Overall, it was such a wonderful camping trip.  It was nice to have a relaxing weekend out in the open Brazos river and taking in the beautiful colors of fall.  My dog Layla tagged along and was a complete angel through the entire canoe ride and even managed to help me catch some fish! But most importantly, it was a great time with friends where we had great laughs, yummy food and lots of fun appreciating and exploring the wonders of nature together :) .

No Comments

  1. Julie says: 11 Nov ’09 • 00:38:24

    Hey! Have you ever used dry ice to try to freeze food because I would like to know what the outcome is like and if it’s possible.

    Reply

    • Joy Zhang says: 11 Nov ’09 • 00:44:42

      Hey Julie — yes dry ice is possible! If you are using it for camping be sure to wrap it in newspaper, if you put it directly in contact with the cooler some plastics will crack due to the extreme cold. Be sure it is a well insulated cooler or the dry ice will dissipate quickly, it is definitely a less messier solution than using regular ice :)

    • Coleen says: 11 Nov ’09 • 03:31:19

      I could eat these for breakfast, lunch OR dinner…camping or no camping. They look great. We live in Alaska and camp a lot too. I’ve posted some of our camping photoshere:
      http://freepages.family.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~coleen/alaska%20camping%20adventures.htmlhere:

  2. TasteHongKong says: 11 Nov ’09 • 00:56:29

    I can feel your joy with the nature, which to us city dwellers is quite a luxury. Actually the moments reading this post is simply relaxing.

    Reply

    • Joy Zhang says: 11 Nov ’09 • 10:27:54

      Taste thank you for your kind words :) ! I agree, living in the city can be stressful sometimes — it’s quite the wonderful escape from the city noise, cellphones, and hoards of people hahaha

  3. Divina says: 11 Nov ’09 • 01:35:29

    What a blast. I’ll keep in mind all the tips you’ve provided when camping. That’s very helpful. Gorgeous photos and that breakfast tacos is a must have.

    Reply

    • Joy Zhang says: 11 Nov ’09 • 10:13:17

      Thanks Divina for your kind words :) !

  4. fresh365 says: 11 Nov ’09 • 08:43:00

    Joy, I am really enjoying your photos here! I feel like I was camping with you!

    Reply

    • Joy Zhang says: 11 Nov ’09 • 10:14:01

      Thank you Erin! It was good times except my arms are still sore from all that rowing haha ^_^

  5. Angie says: 11 Nov ’09 • 09:09:34

    I love this post, love the whole tie-in with camping and your beautiful photos! And I looooove breakfast tacos.

    Reply

    • Joy Zhang says: 11 Nov ’09 • 10:15:48

      Thanks Angie! Yea I agree, Breakfast Tacos are so satisfying and hearty :)

  6. Patty says: 11 Nov ’09 • 09:59:03

    Gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing your food/camping photos! I’ve never been camping and now with winter coming, I probably won’t get the opportunity this year, but will most definitely try your breakfast tacos! Making me so hungry!

    Reply

    • Joy Zhang says: 11 Nov ’09 • 10:28:37

      Patty, thank you for your kind words, I hope you enjoy the breakfast tacos :) !

  7. MaryMoh says: 11 Nov ’09 • 10:59:18

    oooohh…love all the lovely scenes. I love life back into the nature…the serenity & tranquility are so soothing. Thanks for sharing all the camping tips & your trip.

    Reply

    • Joy Zhang says: 11 Nov ’09 • 14:04:00

      Thank you Mary, your comments always make me smile :)

  8. Jaya says: 11 Nov ’09 • 19:32:40

    Your camping photos are stunning and really tell the story! My only regret from this last summer is that I didn’t get a camping trip in. I have a tent that I know how to put up. Got the sleeping bags & air bed, too. But in years past, I always relied on and camping savvy husband or boyfriend to do the food. Next season, I want to buy a campstove and figure it out.

    How many days can you make the cooler, ice, and food last? Do you have all your own gear?

    Reply

    • Joy Zhang says: 11 Nov ’09 • 19:44:49

      Hey Jaya — Thanks for your kind words. We went on a weekend camping trip so 3 days and two nights — I bought two 10 lb bag of ice and it lasted until the 3rd morning. You can also use dry ice which works well and I hear it actually lasts longer but sometimes it can be hard to find. We have all our own gear as well, my fiance is a camping fiend (I think it’s a man thing) — For cooking i borrowed my friend’s portable grill which runs on propane and it really just made cooking a cinch!

  9. kristy says: 13 Nov ’09 • 03:36:32

    I think we’re members! My hubby go champing almost every month. My kids & I will follow him when we’re free. Probably, you can check my blog for my adventurous stories too! Thanks & Cheers.

    Reply

    • Joy Zhang says: 13 Nov ’09 • 10:16:13

      Your husband is so adventurous! If my fiance had the opportunity I Think he would do the same thing hahaha! I will definitely be frequenting your blog, I am happy to have met you!

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