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Breakfast  There’s nothing to equal the smell of fresh smoked bacon cooking over an outdoor fire as the sun comes up in the quiet, crisp morning against nature’s backdrop. A nourishing morning meal is the most important meal of the day. Children are even more active outdoors, and a good breakfast keeps their energy level high. These breakfast ideas were designed to offer easy yet nourishing meals to start the day out right.

Soups and Stews Our connection with the past and to our ancestors comes alive whenever soups, stews and other old-fashioned one-pot meals are served. When it’s comfort food we’re looking for, these recipes always hit the spot. And with today’s convenient ingredients, these oldtime favorites are made easily and in less time than most of us imagine. Soups and stews are an excellent way of combining assorted foods from different food groups. Because they are slowcooked in liquid, you can enjoy the view without tending the fire so closely. Their heartiness makes them perfect for the outdoors.

Salads Too often our limited thinking of salads begins and ends with lettuce. There are so many delicious vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and other foods that can adapt a simple salad into an entire meal. Successful salad secrets depend on your creativity or a good recipe book. One of my favorite ideas for outdoors is a Fruit Pudding Salad made from canned and/or fresh fruit using instant lemon pudding for a zesty, flavorful dressing.

Sandwiches Sandwiches are the fastest food for simple, sensational, outdoor meals. A variety of breads and a selection of fillings will satisfy hungry hikers and can be easily carried along the trail. Plastic self-sealing bags allow you to pack sliced meats, cheeses and other condiments at home. Store them in a refrigerator or cooler until lunchtime, and have each person prepare a delicious sandwich to their liking.

Hot Dogs and Sausage Hot dogs sound so simple—and they are; for that reason they’re the perfect staple for any camping or outdoor cooking event. In spite of their simplicity, there are many ways to enhance the flavor and presentation of traditional hot dogs by using a little creativity in the preparation. Kids love Monster Dogs or Pigs in a Blanket, which are so easy to prepare. For heartier eaters, Polish Sausage Bake is a meal everyone can enjoy.

Main Dishes It’s easier than most people realize to produce elegant and impressive main dish meals outdoors. Whether you use a camp stove, Dutch oven or other means of cooking, main dish recipes take on a splendid, unique flavor when prepared outdoors.

One-Dish Meals Hearty and satisfying one-dish meals are a boon to any outdoor excursion. Whether you’re on the trail or around a campfire, you’ll find that these simple yet satisfying recipes were designed for quick preparation using readily available ingredients. In addition to traditional stews and poultry dishes, try innovative recipes like Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizzelle. It’s yummy!

Side Dishes When outdoors, you’ll want to pay close attention to healthy, nutritional meals and snacks. Vitamins found in vegetables, proteins from grains and legumes, and energy from carbohydrates are essential for hiking, camping and other activities. Vegetables can be cleaned, prepared and placed in plastic self-sealing storage bags at home.

Butters, Rubs, Marinades, Sauces and Dressings The use of butters, rubs, marinades, sauces and dressings in meal preparation influences the flavor and tenderness of meats, poultry, fish and vegetables. A marinade or rub is easy to prepare and the enhanced flavor is always worth it.

Breads and Doughs As mentioned in the introduction, the earliest impact outdoor cooking had on me was when my father baked biscuits in a Dutch oven. Since then, all my favorite bread, muffin and other dough recipes have been adapted for multiple methods of outdoor cooking. It’s a lot easier to be creative outdoors with dough than you might imagine. One of the simplest, most satisfying and fun recipes is Bread on a Stick.

Desserts I’ve saved the best for last—my award-winning desserts.This is where I have converted those nonbelievers who thought cakes,pies and ice cream were impossible to make outdoors. Some of the best cobblers and pies can be baked inside a Dutch oven—this is an easy and delicious way to use fresh fruits. Other desserts not commonly associated with grilling, such as Shaggy Dogs are delicious when prepared outdoors.