Tip... If space in the cooler is at a premium, use nonfat dry milk powder for cooking and drinking...

Tip... Empty the contents of your boxed, dry mixes into ziploc bags, they stow extremely well that way. Be sure to cut out any cooking directions and insert in the same ziploc bag...

Tip... Be sure to keep any dried edibles, like fruit cereals and flour, tightly sealed, they can pick-up humidity from the air and clump or spoil...

Tip... Freeze as many items that go into the cooler as you can, you can cut down on ice that way and gain extra space...

Tip... When your out in the boonies, make sure to clean-up after each meal. There are a lot of pesky varmits just waiting for you to go on that afternoon hike so they can chow down on your leftovers...

  I'm sure, like most people, you have most of your camp recipes in your head, scratched on odd pieces of paper (somewhere), or maybe you just create or make changes while roaming the isles at the supermarket shopping for the camp-out's meals. To me, the shopping part is just as much fun as the camp-out (well almost). Be sure to jot down a few of Boondocker's recipes and file 'em in a safe place.
 Many of the recipes here at Boondocker's are old stand-by's, but many will be new to you, they're good as-is or just as helpers to get your brain working (ingredient substitutions are encouraged). You might want to practice at home if something sounds too odd...

 This is an all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick) for making biscuits and other baked or fried breads. Its easy to make and keeps for about a month if made with shortening (try Spectum shortening, its healthier because it doesn't contain trans-fatty-acids), refrigerate if made with margarine. You can scale this down for a smaller quantity. If you want a lighter texture substitute white flour for the whole wheat...

5 cups un-bleached White Flour
4 cups Whole Wheat Flour
1-1/3 cups Non-Fat Dry Milk
4 Tbs. Baking Powder
1-1/2 Tbs. salt
2 cups Shortening or Margarine

 Mix all of the dry ingredients together well with a fork or whisk and then cut in the shortening/margarine (softened) until it resembles cornmeal in texture (don't kneed, a food processor works well if done in batches). This can be stored in a large zip-loc bag or a jar (seal tightly). Before using, give it a stir to loosen it up. You can use this in just about any recipe calling for a biscuit mix...


---- BREAKFAST RECIPES ----

:: Raisin Bread French Toast ::

6 Eggs  /  1/2 cup Milk
1/4 tsp. Sugar & Cinnamon  /  8 slices Raisin Bread
Butter and Syrup or Jam

  Start by beating the eggs with the milk, sugar and cinnamon in a wide bowl or pan (dipping size). Put some bread into the bowl or pan to soak in the egg mixture, turn once after about a minute. As soon as you put your bread in the egg mixture put your frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat and get ready to cook. When hot, butter or oil it up and carefully put your soaked bread on to cook. Start soaking your more bread now. Cook until browned and turn once. Cook successive batches when the first is done to a golden brown color.
  Serve with a pat of butter and warmed syrup or jam, and maybe a few slices of crisp bacon. Mmm-Mmm Good...

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:: Boondocker's Biscuits ::

2 cups Baking Mix  /  1/2 cup Cold Water

  Mix ingredients to make a soft dough. Roll dough to make a ball (on a floured surface) and knead a few times. Roll the dough out to about 1/2" thick and cut with a 2" biscuit cutter (or suitable instrument like a cup), or pat out individual biscuits in your hand. Bake in a reflector oven, Dutch oven, etc. for 12 to 15 minutes over med/high heat.
  Makes about 8 biscuits...

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:: Fried Toast 'N Ham Breakfast ::

Large slices of Cooked Ham  /  1/2 cup Flour
1 tsp. Sugar  /  1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 cup Buttermilk  /  2 Eggs
6 thick slices of Bread  /  Butter & Maple Syrup

  Cook the ham slices in a skillet with a little oil until it starts to brown on both sides, when done remove and keep warm. While the ham is cooking, mix the flour, sugar, soda, buttermilk and eggs until smooth with a fork. Dip the bread into the batter (let it soak some) and fry in a little oil in the skillet the ham cooked in (only 1 to 2 minutes per side).
  Serve on warm plates with a pat of butter on the toast and drizzled with maple syrup...

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:: ZipLoc Omelets ::

Eggs, 2 for each person  /  ZipLoc Freezer Bags (quart size)
Assorted Fixins' and Toppings, chopped

  This one is great for a group, or for individuals. Have enough eggs on hand (and a few more, just in case) so you have 2 for each person. You'll need quart size ZipLoc style FREEZER BAGS, one for each omelet. Start by putting a large pot (or Dutch oven) of water on to boil. Then chop your Fixins' so you have them ready (you can do this at home and have them in their own ZipLoc bags in the cooler).

-- Some Good fixins' --
shredded cheese, mushrooms, bacon bits, hashbrowns (thawed),
chopped ham, onions, green peppers, etc.

  Now, give each person a baggie and have them write their name on the outside with a waterproof marker. Crack 2 eggs (2 only, large or extra large) into the baggie and squish the baggie to get em' mixed up well. Add your fixins' (not too much) and squish the bag to get it all incorporated well. Seal the bag making sure to squeeze most of the air out (a very important step) and drop it into the boiling water (zip-top up). Cook for 13 minutes, remove with tongs or a large slotted spoon and set it on a towel to drain, open it up and slide it out onto a plate.
  Be sure to have some toppings handy, like: sour cream, salsa, etc...

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:: Boondocker's Black-Eyes ::

Cans of Corned Beef Hash  / Eggs  /  Enchilada Sauce or Chili (no beans)

  To start, open both ends of the hash can (if you can, the new cans nowadays don't have a bottom you can cut off), leave the bottom end in place and push the hash out the other end cutting it about 1" thick as you go, this should give you 4 patties per can. Fry these in a little margarine or oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven until the bottoms are browned, turn over, and, with the back of a spoon, create a depression in the middle of the patties. Crack an egg in the middle of each depression and pour enchilada sauce or chili around the outsides.Top with a lid (a sheet of foil works if you don't have a lid) and cook over med/low heat for about 10 minutes or until the eggs are set.
 These Black-Eyes are eggs nestled in patties of hash with the sauce of your choice and are quite filling. Serve 2 patties/eggs per person, on a plate with sauce.
  You'll need a stack of camp toast or warmed tortillas to go along with this, and, of course, a pot of hot coffee...

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:: Biscuits and Gravy ::

Canned Biscuits, large country style  /  Canned Gravy, country style sausage

  You can bake biscuits in a covered skillet over MEDIUM heat on a grill over a campfire, Coleman stove or Dutch oven, I like to use a cast-iron skillet, but a steel one works also (try adding crumpled aluminum foil under the skillet to keep the biscuit bottoms from burning), I haven't tried using a non-stick skillet. Lube your skillet with oil, margarine or bacon grease and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on temperature. Heat the gravy in a small pot or even in the can on the grill (opened first, of course so it won't explode). If you want you can make your own gravy with Jimmy Dean sausage, flour and milk or water (ask your mom how its done).
  When done, split the biscuits open on a plate and spoon on the gravy, it usually takes at least 2 biscuits per hungry camper...

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:: Eggs in a Basket ::

Bread, thick sliced, your choice  /  Eggs  /  Butter or Margarine

  These are really easy to make and good, too. You can make single egg baskets (for kids) or double size (for adults), for double size use wide loaves of bread, I like sourdough. Either way, your bread should be sturdy and thick sliced, if you get one of those large, rustic loaves of bread you can use the smaller ends for the kids single baskets, and the middle, larger slices for adult, double baskets.
  To start, cut out circles in your bread with a cookie cutter, glass or just pinch the bread out with your fingers, holes should be about 2-1/2". I like to butter my bread first, before making the hole (if using a cutter), by the way save those holes as they can be toasted also. You can use a large skillet, but they're easier to turn on a griddle, if you have one. Heat your cooking surface over medium heat, lay your bread down and crack an egg in the holes, if you want you can break the yolk and swirl it around a bit with a fork. Turn with a spatula after a few minutes (just like regular eggs) and cook to desired doneness (runny yolk or solid).
  You can vary this by adding shredded cheese just before removing, or maybe a slice of ham on top of that, or maybe ?, use your imagination...

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:: Boondocker's Salmon Patties ::

1 can Salmon (15 oz)  /  2 Eggs, beaten  /  3/4 cup Cracker Crumbs, crushed
1/4 cup Corn Flakes, crushed  /  1/3 cup Green Onions, chopped
Salt & Pepper, to taste

  First, drain and remove the backbones from the salmon  (reserve liquid). Then, mix everything together in a large bowl (add some reserved liquid, if too dry), this can be done at home and stored in a ZipLoc bag in the cooler. When ready to cook, shape into patties 1/4" to 1/2" thick and fry in oil until nicely browned on each side. You can experiment with different seasonings, I like to add a shake or two of dried thyme, some dried French onion soup mix is good, too.
  These are great topped with a couple of fried eggs and a mess of hashbrowns on the side. If times are hard, use canned mackerel instead of salmon...

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:: Boondocker's Favorite Pancakes ::

2 cups all-purpose Flour  /  1 tsp. Baking Soda  /  1 tsp. Salt
2 Eggs  /  2 cups Buttermilk  /  2 Tbs. Butter, melted

  Sift or mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Beat the eggs well and gradually beat in the buttermilk and melted butter. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid ingredients, stir until just blended.
  Pour the batter by large spoonfuls onto a hot, greased griddle or frying pan. Cook over medium heat until bubbles from all over and the underside is golden brown. Flip and continue to cook for a few more minutes.
  These rise high and are delicious. Serve warm and be sure to have plenty of butter and syrup or preserves handy.
  For corncakes substitute 3/4 cup cornmeal for the same amount of flour in the recipe (try blue cornmeal)...

---- LUNCH RECIPES ----

:: Camp Spiders ::

Pack of Hot Dogs  /  Mustard & Catsup

  These are easy and fun to make, the kids will love 'em. To start you need to slice your hot dogs down the middle (long-wise) leaving about an inch uncut, in the middle, do this on both sides so you have 4 legs, then do it to the 4 legs which will give you 8 legs. Skewer a sharpened stick or roasting fork through the middle, uncut section and toast over the fire. The legs will "curl" out and up as they cook, making spider legs.
  Have some mustard and catsup handy to dip the spiders legs into before each bite...

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:: Boondocker's Frank'n Tacos ::

Hot Dogs  /  Taco Shells
Assorted Taco Fixins': cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, taco sauce, etc

  These are fun, even for us older kids and make a great afternoon lunch. Buy hot dogs that are as long as your taco shells, smaller shells use regular dogs, larger shells get bun sized dogs.
  Start by prepping all of your fixins', you can put these in little bowls or on a platter and every one can stack their own.
  Once you have everything ready to go, grill or boil your hot dogs and, when done, slice them down the middle (longways) and then cut the halves down the middle, so with each hot dog you have 4 long, thin slices. With small taco shells, put 2 slices in the bottom of a shell, 3 or 4 for larger shells, and pass 'em out to be filled.
  Don't forget the taco sauce, I like mine
Hot. If you have leftover fixins' you can toss 'em all together to make a taco salad for dinner...

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:: Doggie in a Blanket ::

1 pk. Hot Dogs  /  1 tube Crescent Roll Dough
Cheese slices, your choice

  Recommended for all kids under 95. Slice your hot dogs almost all the way through, longwise, and insert a sliced cheese sized to fit the slit. Lay out your crescent roll dough triangles and wrap a section around each hot dog, skewer the dog (use a double skewer) through the side and cook over medium low heat until lightly browned, rotating periodically  so they cook evenly without burning. You can also cook these in a, low heat, covered skillet or Dutch oven.
  Be sure to have some mustard (I like honey-mustard) and ketchup handy...

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:: South Sea's Pizza Dogs ::

1 can Pizza Sauce  /  1 can Pineapple Chunks
1 lb. Mozzarella Cheese, shredded  /  1 pk. Hot Dog Buns  /  2 pks. Hot Dogs

  This is kind of like a Canadian bacon & pineapple pizza.
  To start, Put your pizza sauce in a small pan and put on the fire or stove to heat, open your pineapple chunks and drain, take about 1/4 of the pineapple chunks and dice them (not too fine) and add them to the sauce pot. Now, cook the crusts and dogs. Separate the buns (individual tops and bottoms) to make single pizza crusts and toast the tops a little (not too dark), this keeps the bread from getting soggy. Cook the hot dogs (in water or on the grill) and split them down the center but not all the way through. To make pizza's, lay down a bun, put a spoonful of sauce on top and spread it around with the back of your spoon, lay the hot dog on top (split side up) and let it open up, stuff the opened hot dog with pineapple chunks and spoon a little sauce over the top, finally, sprinkle with cheese. Heat your pizza's in a covered skillet or on a griddle with a foil tent over the top until the cheese is melted.
  Its best to eat these served on a plate with a fork, as they can be a little messy...

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:: Grilled Ham & Egg Salad Sandwich ::

4 Hard Boiled Eggs, chopped  /  2/3 cup Chopped Ham, cooked
Salt & Pepper, to taste  /  Mayonnaise  /  1/2 cup Celery, diced
Bread, your choice  /  Cheese, thinly sliced, your choice  /  Butter or Margarine

  Make a ham salad with the first 4 ingredients (season with a little salt & pepper to taste) with enough mayonnaise to keep the ingredients together. Now, spread ham salad onto a slice of bread and top with a slice of cheese and another slice of bread. Spread the outsides of the bread with butter and grill on both sides in your favorite pan or griddle until nicely browned and heated through.
  Break out that bag of chips you had stashed and serve a handfull with each sandwich...

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:: Left-Over Meat Loaf Sandwiches ::

Bread, your choice  /  Butter or Margarine  /  Ketchup  /  Mustard
Muenster Cheese, sliced thin  /  Meat Loaf, sliced

  Start by spreading butter or margarine on your bread slices.  Then, spread ketchup on one slice and mustard on the other (you can omit or substitute for these), top one slice with a slice of cheese and then a slice of meat loaf and finally the other slice of bread.
  Sure hot meat loaf is good, but I'm not sure if meat loaf sandwiches aren't even better. These freeze well, so you can make 'em up at home, freeze and they'll keep in the cooler, at the ready, for a few days...

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:: Indian Fry Bread ::

2 cups Flour  /  1/2 cup Powdered Milk
2 tsp. Baking Powder  /  1 tsp. Salt  /  2 Tbs. Lard or Shortening
1/2 cup Water, warm  /  Oil, for frying

  First, mix the dry ingredients and cut in 2 Tbs. of lard or shortening until crumbly. Add the warm water and mix to form a dough ball, knead until smooth and divide into 10 to 12 balls.
  Now, melt the remaining 1 Tbs. of lard and brush or roll the balls to lightly coat and let the balls rest for 30 to 45 minutes covered with a towel. Pat or roll the balls out to 4" circles on a lightly floured surface and then stretch by hand, going around the circle, to 7" to 8" wide. Some like to poke a hole in the middle (its a traditional thing), either way fry in hot oil on both sides until nicely browned and drain on paper towels.
  Be sure to have lots of butter and honey on hand, and keep 'em coming...

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:: Beer 'N Bratwurst ::

1 lb. Bratwurst  /  1 can Beer, good dark  /  1 med. Onion, sliced thin
1 tsp. Celery Seed  /  1 Bay Leaf  /  Butter or Margarine

  To start, place everything but the butter in a medium sized pan, bring to a light boil and reduce to a simmer for 7 or 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside for now.
  When ready to grill, drain the brats and brown the onions in the butter or margarine. Cook the bratwurst on the grill, over medium heat, for about 5 minutes on each side until done.
  Serve the cooked bratwurst on lightly toasted buns with the browned onions and, of course, a good mustard...

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:: FRITO PIE ::
Bags of Fritos Corn Chips  /  Can of Chili  /  Cheddar Cheese, shreddedRed Onion, diced  /  Jalapeno Pepper, sliced

  You can enjoy this Tex-Mex favorite like they do at fairs and school events in the small individual size bags of Fritos Corn Chips, or in bowls using the larger size bags, it may be more convenient and easier to eat this way.
  Start by heating your chili in a pot over the stove (Wolf brand seems to be a favorite, you'd better get a large can). Slit your Fritos bags (if using the small, individual size) along the side seam so, when its opened, it makes a suitable bowl for your fixins'. Ladle on about a 1/2-cup of hot chili on top of the Fritos, add a handful of shredded cheese and assorted extras, mix it up a bit so the Fritos soak up the chili and dig in.
  I like mine with a sprinkling of chopped onion and jalapeno on top. Oh, and some mustard, too. You can doctor this up any you want. Some favorite additions are: sour cream, thinly sliced lettuce or chopped tomato...

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:: Fish Snacks ::

Left-over Fish, flaked  /  Salad Dressing  /  Snack Crackers

   This is good if you have left-over fish from the previous nights fish-fry.
  Flake the fish and mix with a little salad dressing. Use to top snack crackers and set out on a plate for lunch or snacks after a hike.
  Try adding some finely chopped green onion, shredded cheese, a dash of Old Bay Seasonings, or ?, it all depends on what you have on hand. Instead of crackers you can stuff celery or mushroom caps...

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---- DINNER RECIPES ----

:: Spuds 'N Dogs ::

Pack of Hot Dogs  /  Instant Mashed potatoes
Butter or Margarine  /  Salt & Pepper

  Make up a batch of mashed potatoes (the spuds) according to the package directions. Now, plump your hot dogs in boiling water, remove and slice into bite-sized pieces. Mix into the mashed potatoes with some butter or margarine and a little salt and pepper to taste...

:: Rice & Meatballs Dinner ::

1 lb. Ground Beef  /  1 Egg  /  1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
1/2 cup Milk  /  1 Tbs. each: Onion, Green Bell Pepper, chopped fine
Salt & Pepper, to taste  /  1 pkg. Beef Flavor Rice Mix  /  1/4 cup Water
 1 can Green Beans, French cut  /  1 tsp. Paprika  /  1 cup Sour Cream

  The meat balls can be made at home and frozen, then kept in the camp cooler for a few days until needed. Mix the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, milk, onion & peppers, and salt & pepper. Form into golf-ball sized meatballs, cover and set aside (can be frozen now).
  Now, start cooking the rice in a pot according to its package directions and then start frying the meatballs (thawed if frozen). Get out your favorite cast-iron, deep frying pan, add about 2 Tbs. of oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. Add the water and drained green beans, cover and simmer until done, 10 to 15 minutes. Mix in the sour cream and paprika until blended.
  By this time your rice will probably be done, so ladle your creamy meatballs over  plates of hot rice and dig-in...

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:: Cowboy Stew ::

1 (16 oz.) can Pork and Beans  /  1 (16 oz.) can Tomatoes, crushed
1 can of Vienna Sausage  /  2 strips of Bacon, sliced

  Mix all of the ingredients in a pan and cook, stirring often, until the bacon is done. If you add a cup of water you have "Cowboy Soup". Fast and easy to make.
  Serve with crackers or toast. This recipe doubles easily, try sliced hot dogs or sausages instead of the Vienna Sausage.

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:: Boondocker's Light Pan Cornbread ::

3/4 cup Handy Baking Mix /  1/3 cup Cornmeal
1/4 tsp. Baking Soda  /  1/2 cup Buttermilk  /  1 Egg

  Mix the  cornmeal with the baking soda and then add the Baking Mix, egg and buttermilk to get a thick-but-still-runny batter (add more buttermilk if necessary). Put your favorite 6-inch skillet (double recipe, except egg, for 8" skillet) over the fire and lube with oil or bacon grease, pour in the cornbread batter and cook, covered (with a lid or foil), over med-low heat until the top looks done (12 to 15 minutes, or until done).
  This makes a light biscuit/cornbread cross. Serve with butter and drizzle with honey, MMMM-Good...

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:: Greek Zucchini Pan ::
1/4 lb. Jimmy Dean Sausage, bulk tube  /  2 sm./med. Zucchini, sliced
1 Tomato, chopped  /  2 Scallions, sliced  /  1/4 cup Black Olives, sliced
1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder  /  1/4 tsp. Oregano, dried
1 Tbs. Olive Oil  /  1 tps. Lemon Juice  /  Salt & Pepper (to taste)

  Start by frying the sausage in a little oil (about 1/2 way done), chopping to marble sized pieces. Add the zucchini, tomato, scallions and olives. In a small bowl, mix the 1 Tbs. olive oil with the lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder and salt & pepper, and pour over the zucchini mixture. Toss well and cook for about 15 minutes or until done (I like my zucchini a on the firm side).
  This is really good, so you'd better double or triple the recipe (this feeds 2). If you want, you can top it with some parmesan or crumbled feta cheese. Be ready for all the raves that'll come with this dish...

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:: Camp Fajita Feast ::

1 lb. Skirt or Flank Steak  /  1 Onion, sliced
2 Bell Peppers, green and red, sliced  /  Tortillas, flour or corn
- Marinade -
2 limes, juiced  /  2 Tbs. olive oil  /  2 Tbs. Soy Sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced  /  1/2 tsp. ground cumin  /  1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
- Fixins' -
3 Tomatoes, chopped  /  Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
Sour Cream  /  Guacamole  /  Salsa

  Start by putting your steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes (at home), its easier to slice that way, when its partially frozen, slice thin (around 1/4" thick) and set aside.
  At camp, mix your marinade in a ziploc bag, add the steak and marinate for at least 1 hour in the cooler.
 Get out your favorite cast-iron skillet and heat it up, nice and hot, add a tablespoon of oil, drain your steak and and cook until done, remove from skillet and set aside for now (don't overcook).
  Now, add the sliced onions and peppers and cook until tender, add the cooked steak back into the skillet and cook a few minutes longer getting it all mixed up well and heated through in the pan. When done set your skillet on the table (on a trivet of some kind, like sized rocks will do).
  If you thought ahead you had your sous-chef (trusted 2nd. chef) prepare the fixin's and heated the tortillas so everything would be ready when the fajitas we're done. For the tortillas they should have been wrapped in Foil and heated by the side of the fire or on a very low burner on the camp stove. The tomatoes should have been chopped, cheese shredded, guacamole made and the sour cream and salsa ready in bowls.
  This is great as a buffet style meal, each hungry camper can add just what they want. Serve with some heated refried beans and reheated rice (made at home, of course)...

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:: Mushrooms in Sour Cream Sauce ::

4 cups Mushrooms, sliced thick  /  3 Tbs. Butter  /  Salt & Pepper
1 cup Sour Cream  /  1 dash of Cream Sherry

  You can use use store bought or gather your own wild mushrooms. Slice 'em thick and saute in butter in your favorite heavy cast iron skillet for 6 or 7 minutes with a little salt and pepper until tender, stirring often. Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream and sherry, cook until heated through and sauce is thickened. Keep the heat low after the sour cream is added so it doesn't curdle.
  Great served over your favorite meatballs recipe...

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:: Clam Fritters ::

3/4 cup Flour  /  2 tsp. sugar  /  1/2 tsp. salt  /  1/3 cup Water, ice cold
  1 Egg  /  1/2 cup Clams, minced & drained  /  1/4 cup Green Onion, minced

  Start by combining the flour, sugar and salt. Beat the egg with the water until foamy and add to the flour mixture, stir briefly just to mix. Mix in the clams and onions. Drop spoonfuls of the fritter mix into skillet of med/hot oil (about 1/4" deep) a few at a time and fry for a minute or so on each side or until lightly browned.
  Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, I like to beat a Tbs. of Worcestershire sauce and a Tbs. of taco Sauce (try Chipotle) into 3 Tbs. of mayonaise...

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:: Onion "Hoe Cake" Rings ::

2 large White or Sweet Onions  /  2 cups Cornmeal, fine stone-ground
2 tsp. Baking Powder  /  1 tsp. Salt  /   2 large Eggs, lightly beaten
1 large Green Onion, chopped fine  /  2 cups Buttermilk  /  Oil for griddle

  To start, cut the top off the onions and peel them down to a good firm ring (make a good straight cut). Cut the onions, crosswise, 1/2-inch thick and gently separate into rings, you can save the small inside rings for tomorrow's breakfast.
  Now, mix the cornmeal, baking powder and salt in a bowl until well blended and then mix in the chopped green onion (scallion). In a small bowl, mix the egg and buttermilk and then add, all at once, to the cornmeal mix and, gently but quickly, mix until just blended, don't over-mix. If you thought ahead, you put a griddle on the stove or grill to heat, if not, do that now. Oil the griddle and scatter the onion rings around, but not too close together. Fill the  onion rings about 3/4 full with a big spoon and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until they firm-up a bit. Flip the hoe cakes with a spatula (that middle one is kind-of hard) and cook for another few minutes until done. You can cut this recipe in half for a smaller amount.
  I like mine buttered and sprinkled with a little garlic salt. This is also good for breakfast, topped with a couple of fried eggs and bacon. You can also do this with rings of bell pepper...

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:: Salmon Fettuccine ::

3/4 cup Onion, chopped  /  3 cloves Garlic, chopped
1/2 lb. Mushrooms, sliced  /  3 Tbs. Butter
Salt & Pepper, to taste  /  2 med. Zucchini, chopped
3/4 tsp. dried Dill  /  3/4 tsp. Dried Mustard
1-1/2 Tsp. Flour  /  1-1/4 cup Milk, hot
1 tsp. prepared Horseradish  /  1 cup Cheddar, grated
1 (15 oz.) can Salmon  /  Fettuccini Noodles, cooked

   Get out a your faviorite,large, cast iron frying pan or Dutch oven and cook the onions, garlic and mushrooms in the butter. Add the zucchini when the onions are limp and start adding the herbs, stirring as you go. Cook for a few more minutes and start adding the hot milk, a little at a time, while stirring. Top with a cover ( a sheet of foil works if you don't have one), lower the heat and simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes, stirring periodically. Now, add the horseradish, cheese, and salmon (drain and remove the skin and large bones, you can also use smoked or pre-cooked fresh salmon) and give it a good stir to incorporate well. Remove from the heat for now and cook up a big batch of fettuccini noodles (these can be cooked at home, tossed in a little butter or olive oil and kept in a large plastic bag in the cooler).
   When ready to serve, toss the noodles with the salmon mixture (heat a bit if noodles are cold) and plate. A light green salad goes well with this...

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:: South Seas Burger Patties ::

1/2 lb. Ground Beef  /  1/2 lb. Ground Pork  /  Salt & Pepper, to taste
1 tsp. Soy Sauce  /  1 (8 oz.) can Pineapple, sliced  /  1/2 cup Catsup
1/4 cup Brown Sugar  /  2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

  First, drain the pineapple slices, pat dry and set aside (save a couple of  tablespoons of juice). Mix the meat with the salt & pepper and soy sauce and form into thick patties, one for each pineapple slice.
  Now, press a pineapple slice down into the top of each patty and wrap a little meat around the edge of the pineapple so it will stay in while cooking.
  In a small saucepan make a sauce of the pineappple juice, catsup, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce over low heat. Baste the patties often with the sauce while grilling over hot coals until done.

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---- Snacks & Treats ----

:: Smores ::

Box of Graham Crackers  /  Chocolate Bars
Marshmallows (reg. size)  /  Marshmallow Toasting Sticks

  Everyone loves Smores (you always want Some-More), these chocolate creme sandwiches are always fun in the evening around the campfire. Kids, smores and camping just seem to go together.
  You'll need one whole graham cracker for each Smore (break in half), a large marshmallow and a square of chocolate bar (try different flavors). Lay your chocolate squares on one of the graham cracker halves and have these "set-ups" ready for the toasted marshmallows. Toast your marshmallows over the campfire with a stick or roasting tool of some kind and, while its still hot, sandwich it in-between the 2 graham cracker halves and chocolate square. Make sure you have lots of "set-ups" lined up, ready to go, and they will go fast...

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:: Doughboys ::

Handy Baking Mix or Bisquick  /  Toasting Sticks
Butter, Preserves, Brown Sugar and/or Raisins


  Put a few cups of Handy Baking Mix or Bisquick in a large baggie or bowl. Now, with your toasting stick in hand, pour about a Tablespoon of water in a well you've made in the center of the Baking Mix and, with your stick, swirl it around in the mix until it forms a stiff dough about the size of a golf ball, add more water if needed. Press the finished doughboy ball  onto the end of your stick and toast over the campfire until done (it should slip from the stick easily).
  Fill the hole with assorted goodies (butter or margarine, cheese, preserves, brown sugar, raisins, etc) and enjoy...

  To me, this popular trail food stands for "Good Old Raisins and Peanuts" (GORP), some say it means "Granola, Oats, Raisins and Peanuts". Most people use more than just raisins and peanuts though. Its basically just another word for Trail Mix.
  Its easy, and sometimes cheaper to make your own GORP and you can use the goodies you like best. I like to use a mix of salty and sweet ingredients in mine (and sometimes spicy, too).

Popular Ingredients...
  This list can grow and grow. Its best not to use too many different ingredients in one mix. You can keep a baggie handy in camp for everyone to munch on. But, keep your eye on it as the wilderness critters like it just as much as camp-folk...

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:: Ants On A Log ::

Celery Stalks  /  Peanut Butter  /  Raisins

  Wash your celery and cut the stalks in half (cross-wise), fill the groove with peanut butter and sprinkle with raisins (the ants). These are really easy to make and make good snacking food.
  Instead of raisins you can use Craisins or other dried fruit pieces. These make a great late afternoon snack...

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:: Sopaipillas ::

4 cups Flour  /  1 Tbs. Baking Powder  /  2 Tsp. Sugar
1-1/2 tsp. Salt  /  1/4 cup Lard or Shortening  /  1-1/4 cup Water

  To start, sift the dry ingredients together and cut the lard/shortening in until it resembles cornmeal. Add the water and mix, it should hold together well. Knead about 15 times to form a  ball that holds together well, cover and let rise for about 20 minutes. Now, divide the dough creating 2 balls and roll each out to a 1/8" thickness on a floured surface (I use sheets of floured waxed paper) and either cut into squares (about 3") or triangles, cover so they don't dry out. Fry in deep, hot oil on both sides until lightly browned, only fry a few at a time so the oil stays hot, when done drain on paper towels.
  These puffy, "sofa pillows" are great drizzled with honey, or sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar ...

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:: Jalapeno Peanut Butter Bites ::

1 Can Whole Jalapenos  /  Peanut Butter, creamy

  Cut the stem end of each jalapeno off, cut (lengthwise) down the center and remove the seeds and membrane (if desired) leaving 2 long, empty halves. Fill the empty cavity of a jalapeno half with peanut butter and down it in one bite, wash it down with a gulp of your favorite beer.
  Repeat as necessary, or until all jalapenos, and/or beer, are consumed...

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:: Trout Fisherman's Coctail ::

3 pan sized Trout  /  1 tsp. Salt  /  1/2 tsp. Pepper
2 large Bay Leaves  /  1/2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 tsp. dried Thyme  /  Coctail Sauce  /  Lemon Wedges

  Gut and remove the head and tail from fish. Slice fish into pieces about 3 inches long. Put the fish pieces, along with the other ingredients, into a saucepan, cover with water and boil for about 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fish and let cool, then remove the skin and bones.
  To serve, place pieces of fish onto crackers and top with a dab of your favorite coctail sauce and a squeeze of lemon.

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:: Hot Cocoa Mix ::

2 cups Non-Dairy Creamer  /  1/2 cup Non-Fat Dry Milk
3/4 cup Cocoa Powder, unsweetened
1-1/2 cup Sugar  /  1/4 tsp. Salt

  Mix everything together well and store in an airtight  container. Use 2-to-3 tsp. in a cup of hot water, mix well. Try different flavors of creamer. Add mini-marshmallows for a treat...

:: Hot Mocha Mix ::

2 cups Non-Dairy Creamer  /  1/2 cup Non-Fat Dry Milk
3/4 cup Cocoa Powder, unsweetened
1-1/2 cup Sugar  /  1/4 tsp. Salt

  Mix everything together well and store in an airtight  container. Use 2-to-3 tsp. in a cup of hot water, mix well. Try different flavors of creamer...



TIP... Put a pot of water on to heat when you start eating, that way you'll have hot water so the kids can do dishes when your done eating (yea, like that'll ever happen)...

Tip... Instant mashed potatoes make great thickening agents when one of your masterpieces comes out a little too thin. They're also good for creating heartier soups and stews...

Tip... If you hate to cook or are just plain bad at it, just volunteer to make the first (minor) meal and do it so "BAD" that you will never get asked again...

Tip... If you use non-stick frying pans when out boondockin' or RV'ing, store them stacked with paper plates or paper towels in between. That way they won't get all scratched up during travel...

Tip... Channel-Lock pliers make good pot-grippers creating an extra handle, they're great for steadying large pots, Dutch ovens and frying pans...

Tip... Egg rings make creating perfectly round eggs a snap. If you don't have real egg-cooking-rings you can use canning-rings, you know the lids without centers that hold the lid on when canning your own produce. They're just the right size for English muffins and hamburger buns...

Tip... Save your used plastic margarine tubs, they make great storage containers for the camp kitchen...

  These simple crackers or biscuits, also known as Tooth Dullers or Sheet Iron Crackers, are traditionally made from flour, water and salt and will keep for a long, long time. They're mainly used for long excursions, military campaings and sea voyages, they're so hard its best to dip them in your coffee or some other liquid (unless you have really strong teeth)...

-Basic Hardtack Recipe-

4 cups flour
2 cups water
4 tsp salt

 Dissolve the salt in water and work it into flour (can be whole sheat). The dough should be firm, but not too sticky or dry. Flatten the dough onto a cookie sheet 1/4" to 1/2" (army style) thick,  cut into 3" x  3"squares and lightly pierce with holes about 1/2" apart using a fork, nail or knife tip. Do the same on the reverse side if your making the 1/2" thick biscuits. Bake in 350 degree oven on an ungreased cookie sheet until the edges are brown and the dough is hard and dry. Let it cool completly (in an area with low humidity) before packing in an airtight container.

 The hardtack will be easy to eat right out of the oven, but, as it ages it gets quite hard and will pretty much be as chewey as a brick...

HARDTACK
:: Johnny Cakes ::

* 1 cup cornmeal
* 1 cup Water, boiling
* 1/2 tsp. Salt
* 1 tsp. Sugar
* 1/2 cup Milk

 The original, old time recipe just has flour water and salt. The sugar and milk are optional here, it just smoothes things out a little.
 Start by mixing the cornmeal, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Add the boiling water and beat until well blended, let this stand for a few minutes so the cornmeal soakes up the water, add some milk for a thinner batter which will pour. Have your favorite skillet or griddle nice and hot and lube it with some butter, margarine or bacon grease. You can pat your dough out about 1/2" thick into a round and cut this, pie fashion into fourths or just spoon it onto the hot griddle and push the top down with the back of your spoon. If you opted for the thinner batter (with milk), pour it like you would pancake batter. Either way it takes about 8 to 10 minutes to cook, turn about half way thru.
 I like mine with butter and drizzled with honey...


Ants On A Log
Boondockers Black Eyes
Boondockers Frank'n Tacos
 Be sure to check out Boondockers other pages, like our Camp Cookery pages for recipes, outdoor Tips pages, and our Vintage Gear Museum with yesterdays relics (you'll probably recognize a few)...

Boondockers
HushPuppies

* 1 cup Handy Baking Mix
* 3 Green Onions, sliced thin
* 1 cup Buttermilk
* 1/2 cup Cornmeal
* 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
* 1/4 cup Water, warm

 Mix your dry ingredients together (except soda) in a bowl, add the soda to the warm water and add this to the buttermilk, add this to the dry ingredients. Fry in  hot oil, shortening or fat in a skillet until crispy. Don't overload the pan, the oil will cool down too much and the hushpuppies will be soggy).
 Be sure to make a lot of 'em, they're a great after dinner snackin' food. If you like em'
spicy, add some finely chopped jalapeno pepper...
Eggs in a Basket
Easy
Indian Fry Bread

*1 cup Handy Baking Mix
*1/4 cup warm Water

 Add warm water (about 1/4 cup) to Baking Mix and mix to make a soft workable dough. Divide into 2 portions and roll out into round patties about 1/4" thick, I do this between sheets of wax paper (dust with flour first). Fry in hot oil on both sides until browned.
 Great topped with butter and drizzled with honey...

Boondockers Easy Cornbread made with
Boondockers Handy Baking Mix
Armadillo Eggs
1/2 lb. Jack Cheese, shredded
1/2 lb. Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1/2 lb. Bulk Ground
HOT Sausage
1-1/2 cup Handy Baking Mix
15 Canned or Fresh Jalapeno's
1 Egg, beaten
1 Pkg. Pork Shake-N-Bake

 Mix the cheeses together well and blend 1/2 of the cheese mix with the sausage and the Baking Mix (you can use Bisquick), you can do this at home in a food processor or just use your hands if out Boondockin'. Now, cut the tops off the jalapeno's, remove the innards and stuff with the remaining cheese mix. Take a generous spoonfull of the sausage mix and pat or roll it out to about 1/4" thick, wrap it around a stuffed jalapeno enclosing it inside. Dip the Armadillo Egg in the egg batter and then shake in a bag with the Shake-N-Bake, do this to all of the jalapeno's. Cook over medium heat in a heavy cast-iron skillet or dutch oven, turning so all sides get browned, until done. Don't overcook.
 Be sure to have lots of cold beer or other cold beverage on hand...


Grilling Tips

TIP... Use tender cuts of meat for grilling - like you would normally use for broiling at home. You can also use less tender cuts if they are marinated or tenderized by pounding...

TIP... Fat means flavor! But, its ok to trim away excess fat along the edges, try to purchase beef with internal fat, also known as marbling...

TIP... To minimize curling make slashes along the edges of steaks, chops  and slices of ham...

TIP... Brush or spray the grill with cooking oil before heating to minimize sticking when cooking foods which tend to stick, like fish and lean meats...

TIP... Don't use a fork to turn your grilled foods, it pierces the meat which allows the juices to escape. Get a good pair of tongs to do your turning...

TIP... Steaks and chops should be at least 1-inch thick. If they're too thin they will be overcooked by the time  they have a chance to brown properly...

TIP... Fish fillets don't really need to be turned while cooking, however chicken and ribs should be turned every 15 minutes or so, steaks, chops, ham slices and other meats only need to be turned once...

TIP... Salt & pepper your food after turning, the salt draws moisture out of meats...

TIP... Fish and lean meats that tend to stick can be cooked on a sheet of oiled Foil directly on the grill...

Onion "Hoe Cake" Rings
Health Rising Flour
 Try this healthier alternative to self-rising flour from an Aussie site (site not active anymore).

 * 1/2 cup Unbleached White Flour
 * 1/2 cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
 * 1-1/2 tsp. Rumford Baking Powder
 * 1/2 tsp Sea Salt

 Multiply the ingredients to make larger batches and store in gallon size ziploc freezer bags. It doesn't rise as much as regular self-rising flour due to the whole-wheat flour, but has a much "heartier, and more wholesome flavor".  I like Rumford baking powder because it doesn't contain aluminum, but you can use your own favorite baking powder if you prefer...

More Grilling Tips

TIP... To spice-up your grilled meats use different flavored mustards. Of course they're great on sandwiches, too...

TIP... If your also going to use your marinade as a dipping sauce for your finished meat - don't use any you have been dipping your basting brush into unless you bring it to a full-boil first, this kills any bacteria that may be present from your brush touching the raw meat, or make some extra marinade and keep it seperated from the basting batch.

TIP... Parboil long-cooking vegetables, like carrots and potatoes, before grilling if your cooking with faster cooking veggies,that way they will all be done at the same time...

TIP... When using skewers, oil them before skewing ingredients, it makes it much easier to remove your grilled food...

Tip... When "Direct Cooking" quick-cooking foods, like steaks, burgers and fish, put your coals in a single layer directly under your food...

TIP... For that extra special flavor, sprinkle soaked wood chips onto hot coals just before cooking. Besides the traditional hickory and mesquite, try fruit wood, like apple or cherry, also try herbs, like sage...

TIP... For those thicker cuts of meat, use a meat thermometer to make sure your meal is done...

TIP... For extended grilling sessions, like over 45 min. add some fresh coals around the edges of the already heated ones, by the time the first round of coals dies down the fresh ones will be ready to take their place...

Tip... Be sure to store your dry charcoal indoors,in a dry place, away from excess humidity and rain...

TIP... When can you can tell when your coals are ready? They will be at least 75% ash-gray...

TIP... Use a pair of heavy-duty, fire-proof mitts or gloves when grilling, welder's gloves work well...

TIP... Parboil veggies for a more even cooking time! When using skewers, grill basket, perforated wok or even foil packets with mixed veggies, parboil the tougher, slower cooking veggies (like carrots, potatoes, etc.) so they will be done at the same time as the quicker ones (like zucchini, tomatoes, etc.)...



Fish Grilling Tips

TIP... Overcooked fish will be dry and lacking in flavor. Remember, fish will continue to cook when removed from the grill, so test for doneness and remove when its "almost done" letting it rest a bit, covered with a sheet of foil, to finish cooking...

TIP... A wood skewer will penetrate and flake fish easily if its done, you will feel some resistance while inserting if its not...

TIP... Thin fish fillets don't really need to be turned while cooking, but, thick fish steaks, depending on their thickness, should be turned...

TIP... Lean fish should be brushed with olive oil or basted every-now-and-then when grilling so it doesn't dry out and stick to the grill...

TIP... Lean fish will tend to stick and fall through the grill when turned or removed can be cooked on a sheet of oiled foil directly on the grill. Puncture the foil with a sharp fork so juices will drain...

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