The New Trailside Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes for the Camp Chef
The compact, easy-to-use format is a not inconsiderable asset of this inclusive, attractive handbook on preparing meals while enjoying the outdoors. In calling this a “gourmet camp cookbook,” the authors aren’t just “putting on the dog.” Although the champagne-and-caviar route is not the direction they follow, their book certainly promotes campsite meals that are a cut above hot dogs and hamburgers. Underscoring their advice is their laudable sentiment that the “best part of planning a camping trip is organizing the food.” For them, a good, nutritious breakfast is essential, while lunch should be quick and not slow down the trip. Snacks add energy and boost morale, but dinner is where campers should pull out all the stops, the authors advocating using fancy recipes and making the meal an extravagant affair. Of course, a great supply of recipes is provided for all these occasions, and very helpful fundamental information is discussed, including buying supplies in bulk, keeping food “critter proof,” building campfires, and the process of food dehydration. Final words are addressed to living off the land rather than taking supplies with you. --Brad Hooper