Trail Food: Grab n Go!

Grab 'n Go!

by Barbara Ouradnik

 

Our family loves camping and hiking.  Even before our two boys were able to hike on their own, we would load them in a front or back carrier and head out to breathe in the fresh air and startle a few squirrels. Off the beaten path trails made us feel as if we were the first explorers to set foot in some areas (how did that trail marker get there?).  

When the boys were small, we would have to load the backpacks with everything from extra diapers and bottles to Cheerios and pieces of cheese.  As they got older, their tastes became much more discriminating, and fruit leather and fish crackers replaced the cheerios.  

Now that our sons are grown, they pack their own snacks, which have thankfully turned back to healthier choices.  The common thread has always been to pack something portable, nutritious (sometimes a struggle) and easy to eat.  Grab and go snacks provide that little boost of energy when you have just made it up a steep incline, walked around the lake, or to satisfy that ever-present craving for chocolate (that would be me).

Now, I don’t claim to offer any top-secret recipes or unusual concoctions; but below I have listed a couple of long-time favorite snacks that we have found are difficult to stop munching once you get started.

Depending on your area of the country or the tastes you grew up with, you might grab something completely different. My friends in different states are always sharing ideas about things that would never have crossed my mind, and I thought it would be fun to hear some of the different quick snacky-things you pack when you go out on a hike, a picnic, or even on a plane.   

Please join the fun and let us know what you enjoy!

Puppy Chow

This is a “make-ahead and take it with you” snack.  Be sure to bring a tub full!!!

·         9 c. Rice Chex cereal

·         1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

·         ½ c. peanut butter

·         ¼ c. butter

·         1 tsp. vanilla

·         1 ½ c. powdered sugar

Measure the cereal into a large bowl and set aside.

In a 1 quart microwavable bowl, microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter, uncovered on high for 1 minute; stir.  If needed, microwave an additional 30 seconds until the mixture can be stirred smooth.  Be sure not to overcook.

Stir in the vanilla

Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal, stirring until it is evenly coated.

Pour into a 2 gallon re-sealable plastic bag (I prefer to use a large bowl with a lid)

Add powdered sugar.  Seal the bag; shake until the cereal is well coated.

 You can try letting it cool, but there usually isn’t any left at that point.  If there is, store it in an airtight container.

Prep time: 15 minutes 

Makes 18 servings (yeah, right…in my house this is usually consumed by 2 teenagers!)

G.O.R.P.

(Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts)

Our family has differing opinions about the various ingredients to add to this easy-to-make trail mix.  So over the years, it has become “GORPAO” (Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts and/or).  Be creative when making this snack!  We mix up a giant batch to last a whole week of camping.

·         2 c. party peanuts

·         2 c. raisins

·         2 c. plain M&Ms

Stir it up and throw it in a re-sealable bag! 

 It doesn’t get any easier than that!

Other ideas to add:

·         Dried fruit (mango, apricots, cranberries, bananas, etc.)

·         Butterscotch chips

·         Reese’s pieces

·         Granola

·         Mini marshmallows

·         Pretzels