Camping High Life » Cooking Equipment

5 Fresh and Exciting Camping Barbecue Ideas

Bill — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:10:06 +0000

You consider yourself a master of the grill and you understand that means changing things up from time to time. While there might be some traditional favorites that you always serve while camping, you don’t want things to get stale and predictable. It’s important to come up with menu ideas that will dazzle your friends and family and keep them guessing. When you’re able to come up with that perfect combination of authentic dishes with your own personal twist, that’s when you start to stand out from the rest. And it’s all worthwhile because barbecue is the best way to show off your skills under the summer sun. The right combination of skillfully prepared food in the great outdoors leads to great memories that last a long time. Here are some fresh and exciting ways you can make sure your next barbecue adventure is unique.

Tasty BBQ Pizza – everyone likes juicy steaks and chicken wings, but how about adding a bit of Italian flair to your next barbecue meal? It’s actually a lot less complicated than most barbecue dishes, and you’ll be left with a crispy crust that simply can’t be beat. This is also a great way to give your guests a chance to build their own pizza so they can come up with their ultimate combination of toppings. You’ll also like how easy it is to prepare which means you can make it as an appetizer or a main dish.

BBQ at Night Time – who says you always have to barbecue when it’s sunny anyways? There’s nothing better than a scrumptious meal surrounded by warm nighttime air that only summer can offer. All you need are a few patio lights and some delicious alcoholic beverages so you and your friends can relax. The only downside is you have to control your appetite until it actually gets dark. Of course you can also choose to cook food by campfire if your site allows as well.

Potluck Goodness – while it might seem like a lazy tactic at first, it’s also incredibly smart one. Ask your friends or camping neighbors to bring along one dish so that you can add variety to your overall menu plan. This gives you access to different cooking styles and it’s a great thing to share. Of course you’ll have a job as well which is to handle all of the meat and vegetables that come off your barbecue grill. When you don’t have to worry about side dishes, you can put all of your energy into making sure your barbecue food comes out perfectly.

Use Charcoal for a Change – it might have been a while since you’ve used a charcoal grill, but there’s nothing wrong with adding this blast from the past. Even if you don’t want to go with a full charcoal model, you can find a portable one that will offer you a chance to add authentic taste your food. No matter how fancy modern gas grills, it’s impossible to get the same type of flavor you can from traditional coals. Best of all, a smaller charcoal grill will increase your overall cooking area without costing you a lot of money.

Your Own BBQ Sauce – if you want to add a special element to your barbecue meal that will really stand out from the rest, then why not make your own sauce? A lot of people don’t go to the effort because they think it’s a lot more work than it’s worth. But a basic sauce is quite easy to prepare and overtime you’ll begin to perfect your personal barbecue sauce recipe. This is the perfect way to put a personal signature on all of your food, and pretty soon your friends will be asking you for your secret.

Travel Coffee Mugs: Must-Have Gear For Coffee Addicts

Bill — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:27:06 +0000

Travel coffee mugs are absolute must-have gear for java addicts who love being out and about in the great outdoors. But you need to remember that one travel coffee mug isn’t the same as another. Knowing a few of the differences can make your on-road coffee drinking even more enjoyable.

The first use is obvious: Coffee travel mugs serve as reusable, on-the-go beverage containers. Unlike regular mugs, travel mugs are equipped with lids or covers, reducing the chance of spilling your favorite beverage on your new hiking boots while on the highway. It’s important to have a travel mug that fits your car’s cup-holder securely. Make sure that your mug’s base isn’t too wide to fit well inside the cup-holder and that the position of its handle clears the holder’s base. Get one of these wrong and you’re likely to have get wet. Or burned.

These days, travel coffee mugs come in a multitude of sizes, as well as styles. Whether you drink lots of coffee or it takes only a small amount to satisfy your caffeine lust, you can find the perfect beverage mug. These mugs range from little 8-ounce ones resembling Styrofoam cups to big ones that will hold five or six times as much liquid. The more closely you can match your mug to your coffee consumption, the better.

Beverage storage is another of the uses of a travel coffee mug. Coffee drinkers who prefer having their home-brewed caffeine to paying take-out prices while on the road can carry multiple servings in one of the large Thermos-like mugs. They can count on the vacuum insulation to keep their beverage hot, or cold, at the temperature it originally was for long periods of time. And they’ll save money, too.

The wide selection of travel coffee mugs can complicate the seemingly simple task of picking one. But it doesn’t have to be a problem. Just make sure to match your lifestyle, hobbies and caffeine habits to the benefits of a specific travel coffee mug for a can’t-fail solution.

BBQ Tips and Tricks

Bill — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 05:55:56 +0000

When the sun comes out in the summer months and the kids get out of school, there’s nothing better than breaking out the old BBQ. Many people have fancy gas grills that come with neat features that make cooking a lot easier. But a BBQ traditionalist will say that grilling with gas is too easy. Gas BBQs today are essentially outdoor kitchens and don’t offer the challenge of cooking with charcoal. Obviously, charcoal creates a more unpredictable cooking experience with an increased chance to burn your food. But with the proper preparation and knowledge of basic tips, you might want to go back to using coals for the great flavour you simply can’t get with gas.

Charcoal BBQs are still the preferred method of cooking for people who want smoky flavour that can be achieved over many hours of slow cooking. And for faster cooking steaks and chicken, a charcoal barbeque will be able to give you a great crisp sear on the outside while keeping food juicy on the inside. If you are using charcoal, you should always make sure to light the fire twenty minutes before you start cooking. And don’t begin grilling until the coals are a light grey colour or you risk the fire rising up and engulfing your food. You should always have a spray water bottle in your hand to cut down the heat if it gets out of control. And don’t leave your BBQ unattended because the drippings from food can lead thing to get wild if you aren’t careful.

It’s always important to maintain your equipment so make sure to keep your grill as clean as possible. Some people wait until the next time they BBQ to clean their coal pit or grill, but you should never let the greasy residue solidify. A clean grill makes for a better tasting cut of meat and eliminates the sticking that ruins so much BBQ food. There is a great tradition of charcoal barbeque grills that has allowed people to enjoy great tasting BBQ for years. So consider going back to your roots and you may rediscover a way of cooking that offers both challenge and juicy flavour.

A Primer on Portable Grills

Bill — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:34:33 +0000

You’re in the great outdoors! Whether it’s the patio out back, or a tent in the outback, outdoor living is great. But, don’t forget the food! Having a great portable grill let’s you set up a kitchen just about anywhere. And the grilled food, even simple fare, takes on a flavor you’ll find so very, very delectable.

You can find a variety of grills at just about any home-improvement outlet, hardware store, or even large variety stores, especially during the summertime. Different models of portable grills employ a number of different fuels. Wood-burning grills have become very popular these last few years. They impart a wonderful flavor to your grilled food. Charcoal-fueled grills are a proven option. And portable gas grills have been very popular these last few decades.

Portable grills come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small, low-to-the-ground models that will satisfactorily grill a couple of hot dogs or hamburgers. Other small grills are waist-high. These types can cost anywhere from twenty to a hundred dollars and will give good service for around five years.

Of course, larger grills are available. Perhaps you’d prefer some larger models for your backyard cookouts. In fact, you can find models selling for up to a thousand dollars or more. And most of these are still portable. Grab a tank of propane, drag your grill down to the beach, and have yourself a great fourth of July cookout. Also, grills made to accommodate large crowds can be wood-burning and charcoal-fueled as well.

But the cooking contraption, whether fueled by wood, charcoal, or propane, isn’t the only thing you’ll need. A must-have is a set of tongs. Purchase a sturdy pair that feels good in your hands, that you can operate deftly. Stainless steel would be the best. You might get some magnetized tongs that will attach firmly to your grill while you transport it. An infrared thermometer is another consideration. It will come in handy for a large cookout. This type of thermometer can monitor the temperature of several different types of food without having to insert it into the food itself. Of course, you’ll want a fork with a long handle. A long-handled flipper is good to have. A long, multipurpose knife will be useful as well. These too should probably be of stainless steel. Don’t forget an apron. And a big white puffy hat would seal the deal, guaranteeing a good laugh from your hungry guests.

As you can see, from the grill itself to the accessories to have on hand, there are any number of choices to make when deciding to become an outdoor chef. When you shop, be sure to compare the selections and prices at a number of stores. A terrific idea would be to check out the choices online. A surprise deal is most likely to show up there and save you a platter-full of bucks. Just remember, be safe, grill responsibly. Your portable grill will give you lots of enjoyment, great memories and some darn good eats.

Camco 57301 Olympian RV 4100 Tabletop Grill

Camco Olympian RV 4100 Tabletop Grill is designed for RV and outdoor uses. This high quality heavy duty cast aluminum barbecue increases flavor without…

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

Price: $88.40

Portable Gas Grill for Camping

Bill — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:50:38 +0000

Planning ahead to an upcoming camping trip and wondering what you’ll eat? If you invest a bit of money in a portable gas grill, it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll eat better on your trip than you would imagine possible for camping.

When people think of camping food, they think of granola for snacks and beans for meals. Certainly, these are great forms of fiber and protein, respectively, but they’re not the most fun or tasty things to eat, especially after one or two meals.

Buying a portable gas grill really opens up the possibilities you have for eating while you camp. Whether just cooking for yourself, or for the whole family, these small grills can accommodate a lot more than you would expect.

There are several factors that make these ideal camping grills:

Portability. Obviously, portable grills are portable. But it’s not just that they’re small that makes them so. Most good portable gas grills will also be made very easy to carry. They will fold up, collapse, or detach form their legs or stand (if they have legs or a stand – some are table-top and great for picnic tables). What’s more, many come with carrying cases that have sturdy handles, so it’s not hard to get the grill to your campsite, no matter how far from your car.
Easy on fuel. Gas grills don’t use too much fuel, and portable grills aren’t powered by those big tanks that large grills are. Small, disposable (though don’t dispose of them in the woods) propane tanks are much lighter and easier to bring with you. And of course, a portable gas grill is conveniently fueled as well: no need to gather firewood and keep flames at the right temperature for your meal. Just turn it on, and adjust the heat accordingly. It’s so much easier than cooking over a fire.
Easy to clean up. Sure, you could try to take a charcoal grill camping with you. But what do you do with the spent coals? You can’t leave them there in the forest. You could haul them to a garbage can, but you have to wait until they cool all the way down. And they’re obviously a pain to bring home. With a portable gas grill, simply switch the grill off, let it cool a few minutes, and you’re ready to go.

To learn more about portable gas grills for camping go to Portable Gas Grill Review.

Options When Buying Portable Stoves

Bill — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:44:47 +0000

There are a lot of different benefits of getting a portable stove. You have the convenience factor. Since these things are relatively light weight, you can store them into a backpack as you go on a hiking and camping trip. They are also relatively inexpensive so you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get one of these. Another benefit of having one is you can actually save money as well by bringing and cooking your own food on vacations instead of having to pay for overpriced meals. When it comes to getting one of these types of stoves, there are many different options that you will have. So let’s take a look at what the different types of portable stoves that you can buy.

Do Not Give Up Luxuries When Camping With Portable Electric Burners

Bill — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:08:54 +0000

Most vehicles today have electric ports to plug in electronics such as DVD players and other devices. These ports can also be used with portable electric burners when camping so that the campfire does not have to be the only way to cook. There is no need to rough it anymore when cooking can be made easy this way.

Many people love to go camping and getting out into the wilderness is a great way to reduce stress. One issue with camping is getting food cooked properly over a campfire or portable propane stove. A campfire is not going to offer even cooking heat and propane stoves can be dangerous because of the gas that has to be carried around.

Another alternative is using portable electric burners that can be plugged into the electric socket in the vehicles. Portable electric stoves can be much safer and can offer the even cooking that is needed for most types of foods. Why bother with fighting with the campfire when cooking can be so much easier?

A portable electric burner can also keep foods warm while everyone is getting their food. Many times there are going to be a great deal of people who are going to be waiting to eat and the food can typically go cold before everyone makes a plate. This is the best way to make sure everyone gets hot food which is still comforting when camping.

When camping, the best way to cook and to keep food warm is with portable electric burners. These burners cook more evenly than a campfire can and offers a bit of luxury when getting away from it all. These can be plugged into the electrical outlets that most cars come standard with today to offer convenience and a way to charge up electronics.

What you need in Your Caravan Kitchen

Bill — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:03:29 +0000

If you are in the process of designing your caravan for a road trip, one of the most important things to consider is the kitchen. Arguably the most important part of the caravan is the kitchen, since it allows you to live for extended periods of time without having to eat at restaurants or live out of a cooler all the time. There are a few things that are pretty much necessities for your caravan or camper. Let’s take a look at them.

First and foremost, you will need a refrigerator. A good caravan fridge should be able to work all the time. This means that if your caravan can supply dependable electricity, you can get away with an electric unit that will fit. Keep in mind that when parked, you will need a generator to supply electricity to the refrigerator. Another option that often works out cheaper in the long run is getting a gas fridge. These units run on either propane or kerosene, depending on the unit. They are great for use in situations without reliable electricity. You can even get one that can work on both electricity and gas. They are called mult-fuel fridges.

Another caravan kitchen necessity is a stove. Some people can get by with a simple tabletop burner, but others like to have an oven as well. You can buy specially made small range ovens that are perfect for use in caravans. Lastly, you will want a small sink for preparing food and washing up. There are sinks made for this exact purpose that drain into tanks that you empty later. Before going shopping though, you should use a tape measure and get the dimensions for the kitchen areas that the appliances will go. This way, you won’t need to return bulky appliances that are too big to fit into the space you have.

Dansons Little Guy Infrared Grill

Bill — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:07:30 +0000

Taking the family on the road doesn’t mean that you can no longer enjoy the benefits of a grill. Most times, when you go camping, you have to load up a bulky grill that is loaded down with charcoal, and then upon reloading, is loaded full of dust and ash. These hassles can easily be avoided by picking up Dansons Little Guy Infrared Grill – the Portable Propane Gas Infrared Grill. This little grill, while being small, packs a mighty punch when it comes to searing up your steaks to the perfect temperature. When you’re finished, the propane can be shut off, and the grill cleaned, to be reloaded into your vehicle without any mess.

The grill comes in at 25″ x 19″ x 15 “, and weighs in at 25 pounds. The infrared burner helps bring you the temperature, and cooking performance of most high end grills that you use in your garage, or on the back deck, but instead, in a much smaller, portable size. You can adjust the cooking temperature, to completely sear a steak, up to 600 degrees. With temperatures that hot, your steaks, and other meat, is sure to be juicy, with a perfectly seared top and bottom.

When you are done enjoying your dinner, and your environment, you can easily begin cleanup by simply pulling out the removable grease pan, dumping it into an approved container, and wiping it down. Clean off the grill surface, and then fold the legs back underneath the unit. Once you’ve gotten it cleaned, and folded up, you are ready to load it back into the vehicle, and continue on with your trip. Eating well on the go has never been easier, and now that you don’t have to deal with charcoal on your camping trips, you are doing yourself, your car, your clothes, and the environment a favor. This is the perfect infrared grill for the family on the go!

Portable Gas Grill for Camping