Those Campfire Recipes ~ Tailgate Tacos

I'm always checking out new to me items in the grocery store and trying to figure out how I can create meals in the campsite...my requirements? Little prep and bonus points for non-refrigeration.  I found a couple of items recently that turned into Tailgate Tacos.

Albertson's has dehydrated refried beans in a seven oz. package. Add water and simmer for five, count'em, 5 minutes and you're set. I've seen bulk dehydrated beans at Winco also, but this is already measured, a big plus for me. Walmart stocks vacuum packed pre-cooked and seasoned ground beef. Six ounces of goodness just ready to heat up. These two items inspired me to an easy first night camp dinner.

Tailgate Tacos
makes 10 tacos

One 7 oz. package Mexicali Rose Instant Mexican Refried Beans
Two and one half cups water
One package Rosarita Spicy Seasoned Beef Crumbles
One package El Paso Stand and Stuff Taco Shells
One 8 oz. package Shredded Mexican Cheese
One 14 oz. Package Shredded Cabbage
Hot Sauce or Salsa

Mix water, beans and ground meat in skillet and simmer 5 minutes or until beans are fully re-hydrated. Layer taco shells with meat/bean mix, shredded cheese, cabbage and salsa. Eat :)

©Marcia Mauskopf 2014

Late Night Surfing ~ The Arizona Trail

Can't sleep either? Here is the full length documentary The Walk Across America.

Rocking Ancient Art ~ V-Bar-V Heritage Site, Sedona AZ

Southern Sinagua Rock Art in Sedona AZ                                                                         @Marcia Mauskopf

My GF Pat Bullock Williams always has the best ideas :) Recently she wanted to go check out these petraglyphs just outside of Sedona...now, I had been out this way before, even on the road out to the site, but never quite made the last half mile to the parking lot.

V-Bar-V Heritage site is both an easy drive and easy hike that can be done by almost anyone. Note that you do need a Red Rock pass to park, but admission is free beyond that. Once parking your car, the petroglyphs are only about a half mile away on a wide trail that runs through shady forest. Start your visit by taking the main trail to the Visitor Center and make sure to bring water as there is none on the property. While the hike is short you will want to spend quite some time viewing the rock art.

So what will you see when you get to the site? Only the largest and most well preserved petroglyphs in the Verde Valley. Created by the Southern Sinaugua Tribe, the glyphs were drawn between A.D. 1150 and 1400. It's awe inspiring to know that they have survived so many centuries of wind and rain as well as the hand of man and I highly recommend visiting this site at least once, I know I'll be back very soon.

For more information go to Verde Valley Archeology Center.

Late Night Surfing ~ When You Just Can't Find Jiffy Pop

A fast and dirty way to have popcorn by the campfire :)

Those Campfire Recipes ~ Pigs In A Blanket

Want to surprise every one on your next trip outdoors? Serve up some Pigs In A Blanket paired with spicy brown mustard and you will be pronounced camp chef royalty. Easy to make with the help of your trusty dutch oven and oh.so.good.

You'll need:
1 dutch oven liner
aluminum foil
2 packages refrigerated crescent rolls
1 package little smoky cheese and beef sausages
non-stick spray
charcoal
dutch oven.

Light 20 coals. Lightly grease liner with non-stick spray. Cut each crescent roll into 3 triangles and wrap a sausage in each one.* Spray liner and arrange on tray one deep. you will have to make this in at least 2 batches depending on your size dutch oven.

 Crumble 4 balls of aluminum foil and place on bottom of dutch oven. This will hold your liner above the surface of the dutch oven ensuring more even cooking. Put liner in oven and make sure lid is on tight. Place oven on 7 evenly spread coals and put another 13 coals on the lid. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with mustard.

*Note: little smokies have about 40 pieces in the package and you actually have enough crescent rolls for 48 so cut 40 pieces of dough and reserve the rest to stuff with something else or just enjoy a crescent roll or two for yourself.

Pigs In A Blanket. Everyone was so surprised when these showed up at a camp potluck.   Copyright Marcia Mauskopf 2014

 

Late Night Surfing~ The Dakota Fire Hole

A Little bit different kind of "Cook Stove".

Late Night Surfing ~ Awesome Car Camping Idea

How to extend the square footage of your living space in wooded areas. A rope, a tarp and tent gives you shelter for all your gear.