What the F*@# Should I Make for Dinner?

I officially love this book, I came across it in Kitson the other day, and thought it was incredible. I have yet to use any of the recipes but I've heard nothing but fucking great news.
You can buy it or check it out at this link:

http://www.amazon.com/What-Should-Make-Dinner-Everyday/dp/0762441771

Fresh Veggies When You're Backpacking

We all crave fresh vegetables when we backpack, unfortunately weight and shelf-life come into play. However, I have found three great options for keeping your diet fresh and healthy while in the backcountry!

1. CARROTS 

      The wonderful thing about carrots is they can last forever without refrigeration and completely      dry, just in a plastic bag. Even after a week of this they taste as good as new. Plus they taste fantastic with ramen noodles, and help to cut spice if the noodles are spicy. Don't forget they'll also help your eyes on moonlight hikes, and are a great source of vitamin C. 

  

    2.   BASIL

          Basil is light, tastes great and does not need to be refrigerated. Pretty much the perfect backpacking food. It can be used to spice up any mediocre backpacking meal. Its always nice to have some fresh greens when you're away for a while. It is also a great source of Protein, Fiber, Vitamin A and many other vitamins essential when your exerting so much energy on the trails. 

    3.  HOMEGROWN SPROUTS

 

          This is probably one of the coolest products I've seen in a while. You can grow your own sprouts on the trail using a hemp bag and the seeds provided by http://outdoorherbivore.com/products/ . You can attach the bag to the outside of your pack (its incredibly light!) and you just have to water it once a day. This, in my opinion, is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Being able to add sprouts to a classic backpacking sandwich not only raises the nutrition incredibly but also satisfies my fresh craving. The only thing I recommend is if you are in a very hot/dry area water your sprouts more than once a day so they dont dry out, but still be careful and dont overwater. 

Blueberry Cupcakes!

If those two words don't spark joy in you, I'm not sure what will. These blueberry cupcakes with maple frosting were the perfect thing to satisfy my sweet craving. Biting into the first one was like biting into the perfect blueberry pancake slathered in maple syrup, but in cupcake form- so infinitely better! 

                          CUPCAKES                                                  ICING      
                          1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour                1 stick butter                                                          

                          3/4 cup sugar                                                   3 cups confectioner's sugar
                          1/4 tsp baking soda                                          1/4 cup milk
                          1 1/2 tsp baking powder                                  4 T maple syrup
                          1/4 tsp salt
                          1/2 stick melted butter
                          1 egg
                          3/4 cup buttermilk
                          1/4 cup milk
                          1 cup blueberries
                          chocolate chips (optional)

CUPCAKES 

Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl mix melted butter (make sure the butter stays melted) and egg. Add buttermilk and milk and mix thoroughly. Next add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and mix until blended. Then fold blueberries into the batter. If you want that extra chocolate sweet kick, add as much chocolate as you desire, but be careful I love chocolate as much as the next girl but too much in these cupcakes can be sweet/rich overload. Bake these beauties at 350 for 20 minutes or until you can stick a toothpick into the cupcake and it comes out clean. 

ICING

Combine melted butter and confectioner's sugar in a bowl. Next add milk and syrup. Lastly, beat the mixture thoroughly until smooth. Sample as necessary. 

ENJOY!