3 non cook meals

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The evening meal is more than just nutrition. There is comfort in preparing the food and chatting with fellow walk-ers. It is a chance to debrief and reflect on the day, a chance to be still and feel at home in the wilderness.

On a warm evening a non-cook meal is refreshing and still a great way to wind down from the day.

There are also those days, where you stumble into camp late, feelling - well, tired - and the idea of firing up the stove seems a hassle compared to just crawling into the sleeping bag.

During at total fire ban the risk of a bushfire starting and becoming out of control quickly is very real. For this rea-son using camping stove is illegal in some states during TOBANs.

Another great reason for no cook meals is that you can lighten your pack by leaving the stove, fuel and other cooking gear at home.

Share you ideas and suggestions here [Yummiest - No cook meals]

3 NON COOK MEALS

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COUSCOUS SALAD

You will need to pack:

• 100 grams CousCous (common instant eg San Remo)• 20 grams of dried peas• A small (~80 grams) tin of flavoured tuna or chicken

In camp place the couscous and peas in a bowl and pour in enough clean water to cover. Let it rest for about 15 minutes. The peas will still be crunchy, I like crunchy peas - but if you don’t, pre-soak the peas for about 20 minutes. Now fluff the couscous using a fork then add your tin of meat. Now sit back and enjoy.

Tips:

• I find this a large meal, I would generally find 80 grams of couscous plenty.• Much of the flavour comes from the tin, I like more subtle flavours.• If you prefer lighter, I am happy substituting the tin for a bit of salami...• Add the couscous and peas to a snaplock bag at home. You can prepare and eat from the bag.• Add some bonus spices, salt and pepper to flavour as you wish.• Some salad foods like corn and capsican can dehydrate well and be a nice addition.• This also works well as a lunch on longer walks.• Try it at home first.

In your local cafe you pay a premium for a yummy couscous salad - It is an easy, yummy and light weight meal out in the bush.

Okay, I know this is a lunch thing, but it works well as a evening dinner as well. You can have it as simple as peanut butter, or get a little more adventurous with salami and cheese. Maybe carry a container of antipasto (which also dehy-drates well). Instead of traditional bread spreads you can also try dips, same as for the nachos. My friends give me a hard time for this but I like salami, cheese and honey - the salty and sweet work well together. I keep telling my friends not to bag it till you try it :)

WRAPS

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This is really just corn chips and dip. Lightweight, tasty, a surprising amount of energy and a nice treat.

For short walks you may want to carry a fresh dip, otherwise most dips from the supermarket dehydrate easily. Once dehydrated, powder it in a blender (thanks for the tip Mark F). Rehydrates quickly with water and a stir, a splash of oil helps liven it up a bit more.

I tried this on a three day walk, out of curiosity. It was nice to just curl up in my hammock munch on the chips whilst enjoying the nearby creek. I followed it up with a bit of scroggin for desert.

Other Ideas?

Here are a few other ideas that are worth a try, experiment and see what works for you:

• Instant Rice (cooked, then dehydrated rice - rehydrated in cool water in a few minutes)

• Freeze dried meals -- but add some extra flavouring

• Cold soup - with some bread

• There are lots of heavier options with tinned mince, sausages, spaghetti etc

• Carry some dried fruit (mango & apple) to much on as a dessert.

Stoves in Total Fire Bans

During the warmer months Total Fire Bans (TOBANs) will be declared on hot, dry and / or windy days. The rules vary across the country as to what cooking equipment can be used. It is safe to say that campfires are banned during a TOBAN. In NSW the RFS says “Portable gas / electric BBQs are banned in NSW State Forests, National Parks or Regional Parks on Total Fire Ban days”(ref http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=1110) ie you can’t use camping stoves on bushwalks. In Tassy “Bushwalkers are therefore advised that the only cooking appliance that can be used on Total Fire Ban days are LPG (Butane or Propane) cookers or stoves providing that they are clear of any flammable material for a distance of one metre. Subject to Environmental Regulations & Local Government By-Laws & any restrictions in parks & reserves.” Ie no method, other than liquid fuel or solid fuel stoves. Keep up to date with the latest rules and fire conditions for the area you are walking in. If you are out of communications and unsure, assume there is a total fire ban declared on hot or warm windy days.

NACHOS

66 | BWA December 2013

BWA December 2013 | 67