Camp cookout: Amplify your camping cuisine

Balmy summer temperatures are a sure indicator of an increase in outdoor activities. A popular activity of many outdoor enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest is camping. What better way to enjoy the outdoors than to spend a few nights under the stars?

Preparing and eating meals cooked over an open flame is often the centerpiece of a camping excursion. Throwing burgers on a camp stove or roasting hot dogs over a fire may be easy, but they can also get boring. Camping meals should definitely be easy, and an exciting meal can be an excellent way to cap off a day spent in the wilderness.

One easy way to add some spice to your meals is to do just that: add spices. Take those hamburger patties and add some of your favorite spices. Greek seasoning and feta crumbles add some Mediterranean flair to a burger while chili powder, cumin, garlic, and pepper jack cheese add a southwestern twist. An Italian burger can be made using basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, and an Asian burger can be made using garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce.

Aluminum foil is a handy tool for the camping chefs who want to try something completely different. Fish filets, chicken breast, pork chops, beef steaks, potatoes, and vegetables can be cooked in a foil packet. Create a foil packet by placing ingredients on one side of a strip of foil. Fold the foil in half over the food ingredients and roll up the three open sides to create a pouch. Now the packet can be popped directly into the campfire for cooking.

For an even easier pouch meal, try combining all the meal ingredients in one packet. An entire individual meal can be prepared in a single packet and customized to suit each member of the group. Spray the foil with cooking spray or lightly coat with olive or canola oil so the ingredients do not stick to the foil. Then add the following ingredients:

4-6 ounces of chicken, beef, or pork, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 medium potato, chopped (for variety try Yukon gold, red, or sweet varieties)

1/4 cup roughly chopped onion

1/2 cup baby carrots

1/2 cup fresh green beans

1 Tbsp minced garlic

1-2 Tbsp olive oil, drizzled over top

Salt and pepper to taste

Place foil packet directly in fire until meat is thoroughly cooked and enjoy! Make mealtime your next great adventure.

Whitney Beck is a University of Idaho dietetics student.