TennesseeBackpacker.com

Ok, an important disclaimer: these recipes have worked out well for me.  It goes without saying that you should always experiment with any meal before you carry it into the backcountry.  This page is still a work in progress and I'll be adding more recipes soon. The following are some of my favorites.

Darn Good Chili

So this is the recipe and not store-bought page, but I start one of my favorite camp meals with Bear Creek's "Darn Good Chili" mix.  There's nothing better when backpacking, especially in cold weather, than a hearty chili dinner.

Camp Chili

1/2 package "Darn Good Chili" mix packet

1 beef bouillon cube

1 cup TVP

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3 tablespoons tomato powder

3 1/2 cups water

Combine all ingredients and let soak for 30 minutes. Boil and simmer until ready. Add soup crackers if desired. Serves 2

http://www.bearcreekcountrykitchens.com/soups.php

Creamy Chicken Vegetable Rice

1 cup instant rice

4 tablespoons dehydrated vegetables

1 cheese packet from Mac and Cheese box

1/4 cup dehydrated milk

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

3 cups water

1 7 ounce chicken pouch

Combine all ingredients and soak for 30 minutes. Boil and simmer until ready. Serves 2

A few items will pop up regularly in these recipes so here's a bit of info on them:

TVP is textured vegetable protein. It's a meat substitute in many of these recipes that is derived from soy. It provides about the same protein as beef, has little or no fat, and is very shelf stable. When used properly, TVP and ground beef have a similar texture.  Beef bouillon cubes are used with TVP to provide the beef flavor. TVP can be found in most natural foods stores and online.

Many of these recipes use tomato powder and dehydrated mixed vegetables. I typically buy these online from sites such as Harmony House Foods. If you have the time and patience, they can be made at homje with a food dehydrater. I like to let recipes with dehydrated items soak for a bit to reduce fuel consumption.

Chicken Potluck

1 cup instant rice

4 tablespoons dehydrated vegetables

1 teaspoon butterbuds

1 package onion soup mix

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 7 ounce chicken pouch

2 cups water

Combine all ingredients and let soak for 30 minutes. Boil and simmer until ready. Serves 2

Sloppy Joes

1 package Sloppy Joe mix

1 cup TVP

3 tablespoons tomato powder

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 beef bouillon cube

1 teaspoon minces onion

2 cups water

Bring to a boil. Let simmer until ready. Serves 2

Cafe au Lait

2 tablespoons dry milk

1 tablespoon instant coffee

1 cup water

This recipe can be served either hot (boil water first then add milk and coffee), or cold to conserve fuel but still get that morning caffeine kick.