By Alicia Crowder
10 Rules of the Kitchen for Outdoor Camping
Outdoor camping means that you are sharing your living space, including your kitchen area, with all of the other creatures of nature. There are dangers associated with wild animals and the smells of food. Avoiding fire hazards is also crucial. Arriving at the campsite prepared is essential to following the 10 rules of the kitchen for outdoor camping.
Tents
It is not safe to use any heating elements inside of a tent. Keep your kitchen outside of your tent where you are less likely to start a fire.
Trees and Shrubs
A fire should never be started in an area where it may touch any nearby trees or dry shrubbery.
Unattended Fires
A fire should be fully extinguished before leaving it unattended. Douse with a generous amount of water.
Properly Sealed Containers
Make sure that all food items are contained in a sealed, airtight container that will not let out any odors.
Food Residue
Clean any pots and utensils used for cooking thoroughly so that there are no food remnants left to attract wild animals and bugs.
Camping Stoves
If you are operating a propane or butane stove, do not put these anywhere near any other fires such as the campfire.
Lids
For pots and Dutch ovens, cook with a lid on if possible to reduce smell, increase flavor, finish the cooking more quickly and prevent the addition of insects to the dish.
Fire Extinguisher
Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
Cooking Equipment
Use only cooking equipment that is fireproof. Beware of allowing handles that may melt to get too close to the fire.
Portions and Preparation
Bring handy items such as heavy-duty aluminum foil. Have your food portions packed in Ziploc bags and use other frozen foods and block ice to keep your food cool and to prevent food from spoiling in the cooler.
About the Author:
Alicia Crowder is a full-time freelance writer. Her portfolio includes work for Free Press Houston, Nevermore magazine, Public News and online content. She has published one non-fiction book and written book reviews for multiple sites. Crowder also has experience as a technical writer of construction project specifications and computer software user manuals.
Photo Credits:
http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/brooklyn-camping-adams-nydn.jpg
