Orange Campfire Cakes

ORANGE CAKES

Fun to make with kids and adults!

Need to bring:

1 orange per person

Dry pound cake mix that you can just add water to (mix just before using)

OR

Pre-mixed yellow cake mix in a zip lock bag

Aluminum foil

Long grill tongs or something to grab the cakes out of the fire

Cut a cross section off the top of your orange (like you would if you were cutting the top off of a pumpkin to carve it) keep the top piece that you cut off as it will be a lid to your orange cake. With a spoon, clean out the orange innards and either eat them or discard of them. Pour the cake mix batter into each of the oranges, place the top of each orange back on, wrap each orange individually in aluminum foil and place in/around the fire for about 8minutes (take one out to check on it and see if it needs more time).  This makes an individual orange flavored cake for everyone.

Try out the Boundry Waters Canoe Area

Boundary Waters Canoe area in MN and Canada is a great place to do some rugged camping. Hiking, Canoeing and back packing in all of the essentials makes it a true test of survival, yet not too far from help if needed.  I’ve been out there 3 times and I’ve had new adventures each time. There are many outfitters to help with rental equipment, maps, permits and other supplies. The one I like so far is http://www.sawbill.com/ . They’ll show you how to hang your food pack so that the bears won’t get it and they have Showers to use when you return.

What I really enjoy about camping trips in this area is the pure air, the calm sounds of nature, and the simplicity of living off of what you bring.  The water is so clear we would drink it right from the lake, although I’d suggest boiling it or using a hand pump filter to be safe. 

When bringing food, remember that you have to carry this pack a long your journey so it’s best to keep it as light at possible. Also, you don’t want to leave anything behind in the campsites and that includes your garbage, so eliminate as much of the packaging as possible. We brought oatmeal packets, powdered eggs, mac n’ cheese, beef jerky, hard cheese and crackers, summer sausage, rice pilaf, bannock bread with jelly, tang, and instant pudding and powdered milk for dessert. It’s best to conserve space and weight by re-packaging everything into plastic baggies and after they are empty use them for the garbage.

Bannock Bread recipe (can make it wrapped around a stick over the fire or in a greased pan/skillet leaned up next to the fire)

1-cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons milk powder

(could also add dried fruits, cinnamon and other spices)

A great place to buy dehydrated fruits and vegetables is http://store.honeyvillegrain.com/

What to bring other than food? Sleeping bag, light weight tent, light weight 5pc. Aluminum mess kit, matches in a waterproof container, poncho, roll of toilet paper in a plastic baggie, collapsible water carrier, camel back (some packs have the bladder built in for easy carrying), camping dishes cups and silverware, first aid kit


Other items to consider, self inflating camping air mattress, water filter and nalgene bottle, biodegradable soap

Clothing: pack as few clothes as possible, light weight clothes that can be rolled up tight. A t-shirt, 1 sweatshirt, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of long pants, couple pair of socks, flip flops, good hiking boots or walking shoes, and an extra set of undergarments, possibly a swimsuit                    

Since I was 4 years old my grandparents have been taking me camping. I've done it all: camper; tent; under the stars; canoeing; public campground; and hiking in the mountains; all but winter camping!