Trail Chef: Stove-Free Recipes

Warm weather + short trip = a perfect chance to save time and hassle by leaving your cooking gear at home.

Author:: Rachel Zurer (Recipes by Jennifer Bowen)
Updated:: Feb 14, 2017
Original:: Nov 12, 2014

Trail Tapas

Consider this list merely a starting point for this fun take on Spanish small plates. Raid your pantry for other ideas, and don’t forget to bring some sherry to sip on the side.

Super-Pumped PB&J Cereal

Treat yourself to kid-style cereal that will actually power you through a grown-up day on the trail.

Minty Mocha Coffee

No need to skip your coffee; mint tea adds depth to this cold brew.

Recipes

Great food doesn’t have to mean slaving away over the camp stove. Here are four delectable dishes that slash cleanup from the to-do list.

Do the shakes pictured above look like trail food? We were skeptical, too, until our new Trail Chef, Jennifer Bowen, showed us how easy they are to make.

Snack Recipes

Tired of the same old bars? Switch it up with these great-tasting, on-the-go smoothies.

Use Spice Blends to Improve your Trail Cooking

Recipes

Quick-and-easy trail food doesn’t have to be bland. Mix up some flavor-packed spice blends at home to kick your cooking to a new level of yum.

Dinner Recipes

This Buckeye favorite has rich mole flavors without being especially hot. It’s thinner than normal chili, and usually served over hot dogs or spaghetti.

Dinner Recipes

Toasting spices is a time-honored way to guarantee an even bigger flavor burst. Bonus: Hearty quinoa is a complete protein.

Breakfast Recipes

This Japanese-inspired breakfast is perfect for those who prefer a savory beginning.

Dessert Recipes

Those instructions on the brownie box? Feel free to ignore them. This simple technique will get you a gooey, chocolatey dessert in just a few minutes.

Dinner Recipes

People are always impressed with this authentic-tasting Indian dish. Don’t tell ’em how easy it is.