Now that fall is upon us, camping becomes more and more popular.  The fall temps make for great camping weather, and sitting around the campfire seems very appealing.  But with every camping trip comes the inevitable question, ‘What should we cook?’  This fall, add some delicious seasonal vegetables and potatoes to your grocery list, and try one of these camping favorites!

Fall Vegetable Packets

Packets are one of the easiest ways to cook almost anything over your campfire.  Slice up your potatoes and vegetables and throw them into some aluminum foil. Sprinkle with seasoning, fold up, and roast! Note that these are great on the grill or over the campfire.

INGREDIENTS:

4 medium potatoes, sliced 1 small onion, chopped 4 medium seasonal vegetables, such as squash, broccoli, zucchini, etc.

salt and pepper to taste 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 4 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Prepare two foil packets by simply layering together squares of aluminum foil.  You will need four pieces for each packet. You may want to spray the top sheet of each packet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent problems later.
2.	In a bowl or a Ziploc bag, toss together the potato slices, onion, and vegetables; season with salt, pepper, and garlic.  Note that you can add more potatoes and vegetables as necessary to feed your crowd.
3.	Evenly divide the potatoes between the two foil packets, and top with butter. Fold each packet up.  Start length wise and roll the edges together.  Repeat at each end.  Make sure to seal the edges tightly.
4.	You will cook each packet for about 15 minutes per side, flipping just once.  The potatoes will be tender when poked with a fork.

 

Bacon Burger Packets

These make another great meal that can be prepared in packets over the campfire.

INGREDIENTS:

1 and a half pounds of ground beef 1   egg, beaten 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 1/4 cup chopped green pepper Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 4   medium potatoes, sliced 4   thin slices of onion 4   carrots, cut into strips 4   slices bacon

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Combine the beef, the beaten egg, lemon juice, cheddar cheese and green pepper.  Then add salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Mix well.  Shape into four burgers.
2.	Place each patty onto 4 squares of aluminum foil for each packet. On each burger, add potato slices, one onion slice, and several carrots.
3.	Next take one strip of bacon and place on top of each burger.  Seal aluminum foil packets tightly and the cook over campfire for about 45 minutes (or until the burgers are done to your liking).

Using seasonal, fresh vegetables can make eating over a campfire just as wonderful, if not better, as eating at home.  Try these recipes, and maybe add in some s’mores for dessert, and really enjoy your camping trips this fall!