Chef in Your Backpack

Debbie Feisst is the reference/Internet resources librarian in the
Information Services Division of the Edmonton Public Library.

Nicole Bassett is an outdoor enthusiast who grew up in northern British
Columbia. She works in the film and television industries in Toronto,
where she is developing a series based on Chef in Your Backpack.

Surprisingly delicious pancakes on a backpacking trip with friends were
the impetus for this collection of more than 100 relatively simple and
nutritious recipes. Basset decided to pull together her favourite
recipes from her youth, as well as those she enjoyed while travelling
abroad, to provide camp food that is indeed gourmet. Many of the recipes
can be made on a cookstove with just one pot, which is particularly
helpful when it comes to cleanup time.

This simple haute cuisine is not, however, without preparation and
planning. The recipes have “In the Kitchen” and “At Camp”
components that allow you to do most of the preparation at home and then
complete the dish while on the trail. The dishes lend themselves best to
short backpacking trips, as many of the dishes use perishable foods.

The recipes are organized into four sections—“Breakfast,”
“Snacks,” “Lunch,” and “Dinner.” A sample menu may include
Breakfast Couscous, Hiker Delight Cookies, Sautéed Veggie Sandwiches,
Shrimp and Squash Penne or Risotto Without the Pain-O. A well-prepared
index of recipes and ingredients is included. Bassett shares many useful
tips regarding cooking gear, packing and storing food, keeping food safe
from animals, washing up, and the essentials in a “take along spice
rack.”

This small, handy cookbook offers a sure antidote to boring camp meals.