Best Off road and Camping Snacks

Tired of the usual pizza and pasta on your camping and off-roading trips? Don’t ignore the silent rebellion that’s going inside your belly.

In this article, we present you new meal ideas and twists to some classic staples that’ll whet your appetite. Be careful not to drool!

Nashville Hot Chicken Burger

Burger is one of the kings of camping and off-roading meals because a break after an adventure is never complete without it. But if you want to swap your regular beef patty for a chicken one, then the Nashville Hot Chicken Burger is a satisfying alternative with the right amount of kick.

The secret lies in the brown sugar that’s included in the spicy sauce that coats the chicken because it neutralizes the spiciness with a blend of delicate sweetness. The buttermilk is also a soft, subtle addition to the overall flavor.

It’s the ideal treat for people who love spicy food. Once you bite into its crisp and savory meat, you’ll definitely feel the heat inside but it doesn’t end up setting your tongue ablaze, enough to stop you from coming back for more. Hmmm… Kind of like rock crawling in the middle of a breathtaking view.

Nashville Hot Chicken Burger

Sneak a peek inside Sam’s kitchen for this succulent dish.

Chimichurri Sauce

Next stop is the Chimichurri Sauce. The term seems to be of Chinese or Korean origin. But the truth is, it’s a type of sauce that has Argentine roots. Its history can be traced back in the early 16^th century when Argentina and Spain are into Cattle Trade. This prompted the ancestral Argentine cowboys to come up with a special sauce that’ll add flavor to the beef that was normally cooked on their tables.

Some historians believe that the term chimichurri, is basically an evolution of the Basque word, “tximitxurri” which means a mixture of various things (like herbs and spices).

The combination of finely chopped garlic and oregano gives it a distinct invigorating scent and produces a tangy taste. And the good thing about Chimichurri is its versatility because you can use it as a condiment for a steak, but you can also put it on bare bread. The latter’s result is a yummier version of garlic bread.

Chimichurri Sauce

Dine with the Trail Recon Gang and see how it’s done.

Spicy Cheesy Ramen

Ramen is a famous dish hailed from Japan and has since been making waves in the international cuisine. Originally, it’s served with wheat noodles, broth, and other toppings including Tare, a Japanese sauce that provides a sweet taste.

Back in 400 A.D., the early Chinese folks introduced a part of their culture to Japan that includes the delicious art of making ramen. The word ramen is derived from the Chinese term “lamian,” la (for pulled) and mian (for noodles). And it’s not until in 1910 when the Japanese fully called it their own, due to the popularity of the first ever noodle shop Rai Rai Ken; thus, the ramen legacy was born.

Today, it has different versions – from the gourmet style to the instant, more affordable ones that you can purchase on the supermarket. But who said something instant can’t be made just as delicious as the usual? Take the case of the Spicy Cheesy Ramen. The noodle base used for this dish is Indo Mie “Mi Goreng” that’s commonly found in grocery stores.

However, diving into its rich sauce is where the fun begins. Its creamy consistency is the glorious harmony among melted butter, flour, full-cream milk, and grated cheddar cheese. Make it even more exciting by putting some seasonings that go with the pack and top it off with sriracha sauce.

You can even add beef strips and mint leaves on it, for a filling meal and a refreshing aftertaste that follows the fiery yet oh-so-good immersion.

Spicy Cheesy Ramen

Get the full copy of this recipe at The Fat Kid Inside.

Steak and Shrimp Burritos

When it comes to hunger, burritos never cease to satisfy the tummy and the heart. Believe it or not, according to ATTN’s The Real History of Burritos, about 53% of the millennial generation would rather feast on burritos than go on a date. Okay, we get it; eating burritos is like finding your true love!

But did you know that what ended as a beloved Mexican classic started off as something that’s hated? These sandwiches first made heads turn in 1942-1964 as food sustenance for the braceros – agricultural workers meant for short-term labor. At that time, they weren’t given a warm welcome since braceros mainly coming from Central Mexico, have little to no knowledge of the dish that’s only known to exist in the northern part.

Then gradually, burritos gained popularity as early restaurants began noticing and adding a personal touch to them. While the basic burritos only consist of beans and cheese, the modern-day counterpart has come a long way, from being smothered by green chili sauce to the mini ones ala hotdog stew style.

In fact, there’s one burrito version called Steak and Shrimp Burritos. What’s amazing about it is it defies the connotation on steaks and shrimps that are only eaten as heavy, main course meals. The combination of fresh cilantro and lemon paired with the diced steak and shrimp inside, gives it a zesty, mouthwatering taste.

What could be more fun than getting your hands on this juicy sandwich that bursts with everything you need after exploring the Alpine Loop Trail in Colorado or the Mojave Road in Arizona and California? See Marco’s Best Steak and Shrimp Burrito for more details.

Steak and Shrimp Burritos

Camp Oven Scones

No meal is ever complete without a dessert. Scones are very popular not only because of their simplicity but also because of their playful taste. What you probably don’t know is that such marvelous treats date back in as early as 1513 or further in Scotland where the traditional version was formed.

The term itself came from the Gaelic word sgonn, or a mass quite big with an indefinite shape because it’s originally baked in huge pieces until cut into round shapes fit for serving. Scottish fur traders are responsible for making it known to the world in the 18^th century. A whole version of scones is called “bannock” but the sliced, bite size ones are called “scones.”

Unlike some tried-and-tested scones, the camp oven scones provide mild sweetness as they dance in your mouth. Plus, they’re easier to make than the fancy variant because they only require three ingredients. You may also pair them with jam, cream, or grated cheese like the traditional ones but you can get more creative with them if you like.

Camp Oven Scones

Spice Islands History

Just when you thought that spices and food are what brings people together, the opposite can be said way back in the 16^th century. Empires were built but wars were also fought especially among the early Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese Colonizers, all for the sake of spices.

During this time, two spices sparked conflict and interest in exploration; the cloves which come from the buds of clove trees have oils that are extracted for medicinal purposes. In fact, they’re even applied on gums to relieve someone suffering from toothache. The other are nutmegs. The main essence of nutmegs can be used to create jam and syrup, while the red colorants in the middle are what you call, “mates” used to produce cosmetics for women.

Due to the different uses of the two spices, they have attracted many curious eyes because they also meant a large amount of fortune. As a matter fact, a small sack of nutmeg is enough to get you a big house in London.

Sadly, the precious spices can only be found in the remote place of Banda, inside the province of Moluccas (Maluku), one of Indonesia’s breathtaking yet mysterious islands.

In 1607, the people of Banda suffered under the brutal regime of Dutch Governor Yan Peterson Kun. Under his rule, he ordered the systematic genocide or mass murder of the tribal chiefs. It’s a strategic plan to get the nutmegs anytime he wishes to, without anyone opposing him.

Healthy Herbs and Spices

Without herbs and spices, the food we eat are basically tasteless. But their popularity is not only due to the flavor they add to them but also because of their health benefits to the human body. Here are some of those herbs and spices.

• Turmeric – gets its orange appearance from a compound, curcumin. The curcumin has healing properties against dementia and inflammation. You may add it to your smoothie or tea but the recommended amount is 1.4mg/lb of your weight.
• Cinnamon – may provide a sweet taste to your food but it surprisingly reduces the risk of a high blood sugar level. This is because it increases antioxidants in your body by 13% which lowers your need for insulin by 20%. You may put it on apples and cookies.
• Basil – originally comes from Southeast Asian Countries. It’s a good remedy against a swollen digestive tract to allow proper nutrient absorption. It also contains beta caryophyllene (BCP) that works against arthritis.
• Garlic – has a very strong scent but contains nitric oxide responsible for reducing high blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, garlic produces this substance that relaxes your blood vessels, so there will be an even amount of blood circulation. This process is called vasodilation.
• Lemongrass – has a citrus and gingery taste (due to vitamin C) that’s effective against fungal infections. It also contains sedative properties that fight against anxiety and insomnia.
• Ginger – is loved by many because of its multipurpose nature. It can be a treatment against motion sickness as well as other digestive problems.
• Saffron – is very expensive because of the tedious process of obtaining it. However, it contains manganese which aids in proper nerve and brain function. And since it helps you think clearly and enhance your concentration, it’s a good anti-depressant.

Conclusion

The saying, what you eat is what you are perfectly describes the impact of food on people’s lives since time immemorial. Hopefully, by the time you dig in to one of our highly-recommended off-road and camping snacks with your preferred spices, you get to taste the feeling of victory among cultures that came out triumphant despite the struggle. Besides, life is a one, big adventure and the world is our playground. Let your thoughts be heard by commenting below.

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John Albert

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