Food
Just few ideas from the webmaster:
Use fresh pasta - OK, its more expensive, but it takes just 2 mins to cook, so less waiting around, less fuel used and therefore cheaper to run.
Use tortillas instead of bread - they are indestructible, don't dry out or crumble and stay fresher, longer. Perfect.
OK - this is one i haven't tried, but I will! Buy a pint of UHT milk and add to a (large) water bottle. Then add 2 eggs, 400g of flour and a tablespoon of sugar... shake well and pack.. the result? instant pancakes for breakfast! Brilliant!
Just because we are camping doesn't mean we have to eat rubbish food! Little things like Oxo cubes add loads of flavour for no weight or cost. Also try the pasta flavouring cubes (you can also get them for rice and potatoes)... again, no weight or cost, but loads of flavour!
Try to avoid tins or jars - they are very heavy!!
Expedition Food Ideas by Laura Gadsby (Gold 2003 - ish!)
We found the following food for our expedition. I have made a few comments about each. Always try any meals out before you go to check that you like them and the portions are adequate *.
Pasta:
Pasta can be brought from just about any shop. It is very cheap and is a good source of energy. We found that 'quick cook' pasta did take less time to cook but was no where near as filling as ordinary pasta.
* Suitability for carrying: Pasta is quite bulky but not particularly heavy to carry. Make sure you only carry what you need (most packages have a portion indicator on the side, but remember you will probably be starving). Choose pasta that has only small air holes ie not tubes.
* Taste: Pasta must be served with a sauce. It is not very nice on its own.
* Cooking Time: Approximately 10 minutes. Always check the packet.
* Cost: Very cheap.
* Servings: You can usually only cook enough pasta in a tranja dixie for 3-4 people.
* Useful Hint: Use the lid of the tranja to drain the pasta. Do not put the pasta in until the water is boiling.
Rice:
Rice is also easy to find. It is cheap and you do not use as much space as pasta. Boil in the bag pasta is ideal as it is ready packaged in small portions.
* Suitability for carrying: Rice does not take up as much space as pasta as you do not need as much for a meal. It is very light for carrying.
* Taste: Rice must be served with a sauce. It is bland on its own.
* Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes. Always check the packet.
* Cost: Very cheap
* Servings: A mug or 2 packets of boil in the bag serves about 3 people.
* Useful Hint: Do not let the water level boil down. Always make sure there is enough water to cover the rice, even after 15 minutes of boiling.
Beanfeast:
Beanfeast or Asda meat-free sauces are dried soya bean sauces that come in different flavours.
* Suitability for carrying: As they are dried they are very light and not bulky.
* Taste: We tried Bolognese and Original (like the filling of cottage pie). They are a great accompaniment to rice or pasta. Everyone said that they were tasty.
* Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
* Cost: They are not expensive. Asda ones are less then £1 a packet.
* Servings: One packet serves around 3 people.
* Useful Hint: Make sure that you remember to take a stirring implement so that the sauce is not lumpy. Fill the tranja dixie that the beanfeast was cooked in with water when you have finished (with a little washing up liquid) - it makes cleaning easier. The trick with dehydrated food is to let is soak in cold water for as long as possible before putting it on the stove - the longer it has to re-hydrate, the better!
John West Tuna Packets:
These are ideal for lunches. They can be eaten on their or can be put on bread.
* Suitability for carrying: They are light and small.
* Tate: They are just Tuna in a packet with either water of sunflower oil. If you like tinned tuna, you will like them.
* Cooking Time: They do not need to be cooked.
* Cost: They are about 70p per packet.
* Servings: A packet s for one person.
* Useful hint: if you want to take sandwiches, take bread wrapped in tin foil and use tuna for filling. The tuna in oil is ideal, as no better is needed.
Supernoodles:
Supernoodles are good for a snack, but are not really filling enough for a main meal.
* Suitability for carrying: They are light and small.
* Taste: They come with a packet of flavourings which means that they can be Eaton on their own. A variety of flavours are available.
* They cook very quickly, usually in about 3 minutes.
* Cost: Cheap, about 80p per packet
* Servings: One packet serves 1-2 people. Remember they are only filling enough for a snack, or part of a main meal.
* Useful Hint: Stir regularly, as they stick to the bottom easily.
Oatso Simple:
This is like porridge and is warm and filling, ideal for breakfast.
* Suitability for carrying: The sachets are small and light, but made of paper, so its worth wrapping them in plastic. (Take them out of the box first!)
* Taste: It comes in a variety of flavours - we liked 'Golden Honey'.
* Cooking Time: Oatso Simple can either be cooked in a dixie (if cooking for several people) which takes about 5 minutes or boiling water can be added gradually to it in a bowl or mug, which is quicker.
* Cost: Less than £2 for 8 sachets.
* Servings: 6 packets are roughly enough for 4 people.
* Useful Hint: The water should be boiling before adding the sachet contents. Don't worry if it initially looks disgusting, keep stirring and the lumps will disappear. Cook until required consistency.
Pineapple Chunks:
These pineapple chunks come in small, clear plastic pots and are refreshing as a lunchtime snack, or as a dessert.
* Suitability for carrying: They are small, but as they contain juice. they are not especially light.
* Taste: Pineapple chunks - what can you say?
* Cooking Time: not necessary.
* Cost: Around £2 for two.
* Servings: Each pot serves one.
* Useful Hint: Make sure its not at the bottom of your rucksack or it may get squashed and leak.
* = remember that different people eat different amounts. Boys often will eat more than girls will - and you will eat more on expedition than you will on a practice!
