INTRODUCTION :
When it comes to outdoor excursions, proper fueling is essential for a successful and enjoyable experience. Whether you're hiking, climbing, biking, or camping, having the right snacks on hand can make all the difference in terms of energy levels and overall enjoyment. But with so many store-bought options available, it can be hard to know which snacks are the best for your needs. That's why homemade treats are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts. Not only are they often healthier and more nutritious than store-bought options, but they also allow you to tailor your snacks to your specific needs and preferences.
This blog post will provide a variety of homemade treat ideas to fuel your next outdoor adventure. From trail mixes and energy bars to jerky and snack sticks, we'll cover a range of snacks that are perfect for different types of outdoor activities. We'll also provide tips and recipes to help you create your own homemade treats. So, whether you're planning a day hike or a week-long camping trip, you'll find inspiration and ideas in this post to help you fuel your outdoor excursions with homemade treats.
HOMEMADE TRAILS MIXES :
Homemade trail mixes are a perfect snack for outdoor excursions, particularly for hiking and backpacking. Not only are they easy to make, but they also provide a convenient and portable source of energy. Trail mix is a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and sometimes chocolate or other sweets. These ingredients provide a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, which can help sustain energy levels and keep hunger at bay.
When creating your own trail mix, the key is to strike a balance between sweet and savory ingredients. Dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots provide natural sweetness, while nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and peanuts provide protein and healthy fats. You can also add some seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower for extra crunch. Chocolate chips or M&M's can be added for a sweet treat.
Here are some examples of different trail mix combinations:
- Classic trail mix: raisins, peanuts, almonds, and chocolate chips
- Berry trail mix: dried cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries mixed with almonds and pumpkin seeds
- Tropical trail mix: dried pineapple, papaya, and coconut mixed with macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips.
To make your own homemade trail mix, you can mix and match ingredients according to your preference. You can also add some spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Here is a recipe for a homemade trail mix that you can try:
- Classic Trail Mix
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and store in an airtight container.
DIY ENERGY BARS :
DIY energy bars are a great option for outdoor excursions, especially for activities that require sustained energy, such as biking or climbing. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit your individual needs and preferences.
The key to making your own energy bars is to use ingredients that provide a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Some examples of ingredients that can be used to make energy bars include:
- Rolled oats
- Peanut butter, almond butter or other nut butter
- Honey or maple syrup
- Dried fruits
- Nuts and seeds
- Chocolate chips
- Protein powder
Here is a recipe for a simple and delicious energy bar that you can make at home:
- Peanut Butter and Honey Energy Bars
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or peanuts)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, and honey.
- Mix in the dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish that is lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour or until firm.
- Cut into bars and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
You can experiment with different ingredient combinations and ratios to suit your taste and energy needs. Some other ideas for energy bars include using almond butter and honey, or using dates as a natural sweetener. You can also add some protein powder for added energy boost.
HOMEMADE JERKY AND SNACK STICKS :
Jerky is a type of dried meat that can be made from a variety of meats including beef, turkey, chicken, and even fish. The key to making your own jerky is to use lean cuts of meat, marinate it in a flavorful liquid, and then dry it in a dehydrator or oven.
Snack sticks are similar to jerky but are made from ground meat and are shaped into sticks. They are typically made from beef, pork, or turkey. The key to making your own snack sticks is to use lean cuts of meat, season them with a variety of spices, and then stuff them into sausage casings.
Here is a recipe for a simple and delicious homemade beef jerky:
- Classic Beef Jerky
- 2 lbs lean beef (sirloin, flank steak or round)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Add the beef strips to the marinade and toss to coat.
- Place the beef on a dehydrator tray or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Dry in a dehydrator at 160 degrees for 4-6 hours or in a oven at the lowest temperature for 4-6 hours.
- Once done, let it cool for a bit and store in an airtight container.
And here is a recipe for homemade snack sticks:
- Classic Snack Sticks
- 2 lbs ground beef or pork
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Sausage casings
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper.
- Mix well and stuff the mixture into the sausage casings.
- Dry in a dehydrator at 160 degrees for 4-6 hours or in a oven at the lowest temperature for 4-6 hours.
- Once done, let it cool for a bit and store in an airtight container
EASY AND NUTRITIONS HOMEMADE SNACKS FOR CAMPING :
Easy and nutritious homemade snacks are essential for any camping trip. Not only do they provide much-needed fuel and energy for outdoor activities, but they also offer a great opportunity to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal while enjoying nature. Here are some ideas for easy and nutritious homemade snacks that you can take on your next camping trip.
- Trail Mix - Trail mix is a classic camping snack that is easy to make and packed with nutrients. You can make your own trail mix by combining a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and chocolate chips. Some popular ingredients include almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and raisins.
- Energy Bars - Energy bars are a great option for camping trips because they are easy to make and can be stored for long periods of time. There are many different recipes for energy bars, but a simple and nutritious option is to make them with oats, nut butter, honey, and dried fruit.
- Homemade Jerky - Jerky is a great option for camping trips because it is high in protein and can be stored for long periods of time. You can make your own jerky by marinating lean cuts of meat in a flavorful liquid and then dehydrating them. Some popular flavors include teriyaki, spicy, and smoky.
- Fruit and Vegetable Snacks - Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great option for camping trips because they are easy to pack and provide a great source of vitamins and minerals. Some popular options include apples, berries, carrots, and celery.
- Popcorn - Popcorn is a great option for camping trips because it is easy to make and can be customized with a variety of flavors. To make popcorn on a camping trip, you can use a camping stove or a portable popcorn maker.
THE BEST HOMEMADE SNACKS FOR A DAY OF FISHING OR HUNTING :
Fishing and hunting trips can be a great way to spend a day outdoors, but it's important to fuel your body with the right snacks to keep your energy levels up. Homemade snacks are a great option for fishing and hunting trips because they are easy to make, easy to pack, and can be customized to your taste. Here are some ideas for the best homemade snacks for a day of fishing or hunting.
- Trail Mix - Trail mix is a classic camping snack that is easy to make and packed with nutrients. You can make your own trail mix by combining a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and chocolate chips. Some popular ingredients include almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and raisins.
- Energy Bars - Energy bars are a great option for fishing and hunting trips because they are easy to make and can be stored for long periods of time. There are many different recipes for energy bars, but a simple and nutritious option is to make them with oats, nut butter, honey, and dried fruit.
- Jerky - Jerky is a great option for fishing and hunting trips because it is high in protein and can be stored for long periods of time. You can make your own jerky by marinating lean cuts of meat in a flavorful liquid and then dehydrating them. Some popular flavors include teriyaki, spicy, and smoky.
- Sandwich - Sandwiches are a great option for fishing and hunting trips because they are easy to make and can be customized with a variety of ingredients. Some popular sandwich options include peanut butter and jelly, turkey and cheese, and tuna salad.
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables - Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great option for fishing and hunting trips because they provide a great source of vitamins and minerals. Some popular options include apples, berries, carrots, and celery.
CONCLUSION :
In conclusion, homemade snacks are a great option for outdoor excursions, such as camping, fishing, and hunting trips, because they are easy to make, easy to pack, and can be customized to your taste. Homemade trail mix, energy bars, jerky, sandwiches, and fresh fruits and vegetables are all great options for fueling your body on your next outdoor adventure.
Proper fueling is essential for any outdoor excursion and homemade snacks are the best way to ensure that you have the energy and nutrients you need to make the most of your trip. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying snacks that will keep you going all day long.
So, next time you head out for a camping, fishing, or hunting trip, be sure to pack some homemade snacks to fuel your body and give you the energy you need to make the most of your outdoor excursion.
