This summer, many of us are opting to stay home and vacation rather than spend the money to go somewhere out-of-town. If your family is one of those that has decided to ”stay-cation” this summer, don’t be bummed out…you can still have a great time right at home! All it takes it a little imagination and some great recipes! The key to “stay-cationing” is to make it fun…stir things up a bit and do things you normally wouldn’t do like setting up the camper or a tent and go camping in your own back yard….your kids will love it! If you are camping this summer, remember that no matter where you do it, no camping trip is complete without great food. Something about being outside not only makes you hungrier, it also somehow makes the food taste better too!
When I was young, we camped a lot, both at campgrounds and in our back yard, and when we camped, no trip was complete without Hobo Dinner Bundles. These tasty bundles are an all-in-one meal that’s cooked in a foil packet and they’re lots of fun to do. The bonus is that your kids won’t know they are eating something that is good for them! These tasty burger bundles are topped with vegetables and bacon then wrapped in foil packets and cooked over a grill or campfire (or even in your oven). The foil makes cleanup super easy for mom and fun for the kids because they can eat dinner right out of the packets! To really get into the hobo spirit, encourage everyone to dress for dinner in their “best” hobo clothing, spread a blanket on your deck or patio, use large colorful bandannas for napkins, and (clean) empty jelly jars for drinking. Your kids will love it! To complete your hobo-themed dinner, get some clean sticks from the yard and make S’mores for dessert!
Hobo Dinner Bundles 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 1 cup bread crumbs 1 egg, beaten 1/4 cup lemon juice or white vinegar 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 tsp. garlic salt 1 tsp. black pepper 4 medium red potatoes, skin-on and sliced thin 1 large onion, sliced thin 4 carrots, peeled and cut into strips 4 slices bacon1. In a large bowl combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, lemon juice or vinegar, grated cheese, green bell pepper, garlic salt and pepper. Using your hands, gently combine meat mixture and shape into 4 patties.
2. Place each patty in the center of 2 layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil (pieces should be large enough to cover and close).
3. On each patty, place potato slices, onion slice, and carrots.
4. Cut each piece of bacon in 1/2 and place both pieces on top of vegetables in each bundle.
5. Seal aluminum foil tightly and cook, seam-side up, on campfire, grill or in a preheated 350 degree F oven for approximately 45 minutes. Note: If using your oven, place foil packets on a baking sheet to catch any grease drips.
S’Mores 4 graham crackers, broken in half (8 squares) 2 milk chocolate bars, each broken in half 4 large marshmallows1. Top each of the 4 graham cracker squares with 1 chocolate piece and set aside.
2. Toast 4 marshmallows over a campfire or hot grill using a long-handles fork or long, clean stick (grownups should help kids with this). Using a 2nd fork, carefully slide each toasted marshmallow onto each chocolate-topped graham cracker square.
3. Cover each marshmallow with a second graham cracker square to make a sandwich.
I hope each of you enjoys your summer, and remember that whether your vacationing away from home or “stay-cationing” right in your own back yard, make it fun…..be creative…and eat great food!