Travel Ideas (Camping)

"Mossies" (mosquitoes) have you going batty on your camping trip? Don't fret. Here are some great ideas that can chase those pesky bugs away...and keep your campsite smelling like incense outdoors. By the way, these ideas work whether you are tent or motor home camping or even sitting around a backyard fire pit. 

Sage: it isn't just for cooking. Bundle up a bunch of sage and burn it in your campfire. Any variety of sage will do.

Lemon balm: a natural herb that can be rubbed onto the skin or thrown into a campfire to repel mosquitoes. Lemon balm can be found in the wild or as potted plants in a store. Fresh or dried leaves might also be found at a local health or natural food store. So stock up and bring some along on your next trip.

Citronella: most people may be familiar with the candle form of this natural remedy. Another option is the citronella plant's leaves which can be burned in a campfire.
  
Cedar: cedar bark burned in an outdoor fire makes another great "mossie" and bug repellent.

Now who doesn't enjoy grilling outdoors while camping? That's one of the great pastimes that goes with camping like peanut butter goes with jelly. Here are a few tips to take ordinary grilling to (possibly) a new experience.

Rosemary: forget the meat marinade. If you are using a coal fired grill, use a bundle of rosemary instead. Once the coals are uniformly gray and ashy, cover them with fresh rosemary branches. Whether you are cooking meats or vegetables, the rosemary provides a savory herb flavor.
Peaches: ever grill fruit? Give it a try! If you like peach pie filling, you'll enjoy this alternative on a grill. Use a little brown sugar and cinnamon. The heat from the grill caramelizes the sugar and makes this an ultra-tasty, warm and delicious treat. Just slice peaches in half and remove the pit. Brush all sides of the peaches with either grapeseed or vegetable oil and place on the grill - cut side down first for 5 minutes or until peach has nice grill markings. Turn peaches and tenderize peaches for 10-15 minutes on the heat. Enjoy!

Ceasar Salad On The Grill: no, I'm not joking. Use 6-8 small to medium Hearts of Romaine lettuce, sliced in half. Brush Romaine on all sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place Romaine on medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, until nicely charred. Put cooked Romaine on plates and drizzle with your choice of Caesar dressing, croutons, anchovies (optional) and parmesan cheese. Bon appetite!

Grilled Banana Smores: all you need are some bananas, marshmallows, chocolate chips and some Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Easy, smeasy! Slice the bananas length-wise then place on tin foil. Fill sliced bananas with the marshmallows and chocolate chips. Wrap in the tin foil then cook on the grill for 5-6 minutes. Unwrap bananas and top with the cereal. Once cooled, go for it!

Grilled Watermelon: yes, grilled watermelon...also known as watermelon steak. Since the grill changes the watermelon's granular texture so much, some will compare it to the texture of seared raw Ahi tuna. You can leave the rind on or slice it off - your preference. Create wedges approximately 1 1/2 inches thick then lightly sprinkle with salt on both sides. Stand wedges on their edges for about half an hour on a rack to let drain. Then rinse wedges in cool water. Take a paper towel and gently press each side of wedge to remove excess water (just until you can feel the watermelon crunch a bit). Brush wedges lightly on both sides with olive oil. Grill over high heat until grill marks have formed and melon is slightly softened (about 5 minutes). Remove from grill and sprinkle wedges with sea salt and pepper then eat.

Grilled Pineapple: marinade pineapple slices in a little honey and cinnamon. Grill it...thats all. Great served on top of ice cream (if you have it).

Roasted Starburst Candy: sounds crazy, I know. But for my candy fans everywhere who love this slightly tart and fruity candy chew, here is a different way to enjoy it. Put candy on a stick and roast it over an open campfire, like a marshmallow. Watch as the outside of the Starburst gets crunchy while the inside softens to a warm, bubbly, gooey mess. Great alternative to your average marshmallow.

Camping means eating and whenever a picnic table (or any outdoor table) needs setting, it is always subject to wind. These clips help keep a tablecloth in place. I bought them at Bed, Bath and Beyond ($5.99 for set of 2) and they are designed primarily for holding towels on beach chairs. But, they work at a picnic too.

More tips to come...so stay tuned!