It’s that time of year when we relish the sights and scents of everything fall. Camping in your RV is a perfect place to enjoy autumn’s pleasures! Warm food and drink by the campfire keep you warm both inside and out. Here are three easy and flavorful camping recipes to help you enjoy pumpkin, spice, and everything nice.
1. Mulled cider
When I think about fall flavors, one favorite that comes to mind is apple cider. If you’re in a part of the country with local cider, start with that as your base. If not, apple juice will also do the trick. Start with 3 cups of cider or juice for every two or three people. You can keep the spices easy by using apple or pumpkin pie spice, or you can make your own mix with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sliced ginger (if that’s your style).
Ingredients you’ll need:
3 cups of cider or juice for every 2 to 3 people
Spices of your choice (cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, or dried spice combinations like apple or pumpkin pie spice)
Directions:
Warm your ingredients over the campfire or on your stovetop. Bring it to a boil and then simmer the ingredients for about ten minutes. Strain out the cinnamon stick and cloves before enjoying.
If hot apple ginger cider doesn’t appeal to you, experiment with adding rum, bourbon or herbal tea into the mix. And if you don’t care for apple cider, hot chocolate of all types is easy and delicious to make while you’re camping. (Hot chocolate also lends itself well to customization.)
2. Campfire beans
Beans cooked over a campfire have been a staple since the cowboys were riding out west. Whether beans are your side dish or your centerpiece, it’s fun (and warming) to keep them simmering on the campfire on a cool, fall day.
Ingredients you’ll need:
Large dutch oven
Meat of your choice (a few strips of bacon or a pound of sausage)
Chopped onion and garlic, to taste
4 to 6 cans of beans of your choice (black, kidney, chili, etc.)
1 can of baked beans
2 cups of ketchup
A few cups of BBQ sauce, to taste
Salt, pepper, hot sauce to taste
Water as needed
Directions:
Start with your meat. Fry up the bacon, cook up the sausage, etc. Feel free to use a vegetarian substitute if you prefer. When the meat’s about halfway done, add the chopped onion. Throw in the garlic when you’re almost done with the meat. Add everything else, stir well and simmer. Add water as needed, stir, continue to simmer for at least an hour without opening the dutch oven. Simmer for as many hours as your heart desires, as long as you don’t let it get super dry, and just add water as needed. Pair with some campfire biscuits, bread, or potatoes to complete the meal.
3. Baked apples
Ingredients you’ll need:
1 apple per person (Granny Smith apples work well, or go with whatever hardy local apple is available)
1/2 tablespoon of butter or coconut oil per person (recommended)
1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar or coconut sugar per person (optional)
Your fillings of choice (raisins & walnuts, cinnamon & coconut shreds, chocolate & cinnamon, chocolate & marshmallow, apple or pumpkin pie spices, etc.)
Directions:
Start by coring the apple from the top, leaving the bottom intact so it can hold the ingredients. Mix all of the other ingredients you’re using and fill the apple. (Pro Tip: Having a fillings bar can make this a really fun activity for kids!)
Double wrap each apple with aluminum foil, and consider labeling which way is up and/or putting your initials on your apple. Finally, place the apple in the coals for 20 to 25 minutes before carefully opening and enjoying.
I hope these recipes inspire you as you plan your next camping trip! Whether you’re in an RV or not, these recipes are easily modified for the stovetop.
If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy this article on storage hacks for your RV or how to visit Hot Springs, Arkansas.
