Dry mixes are premade containers that contain the ingredients to make food items. This allows you to make things without taking all the ingredients on a camping trip. That way, you don’t have to measure them whenever you want to make something. You also don’t have to bring all the recipes. It’s all in the container.
Advantages of having dry mixes on hand
Having dry mixes on hand when you go camping has many advantages.
Lightweight and Portable – They don’t add unnecessary bulk to your camp packing and are light enough to add to your backpack if you do a lot of hiking.
Long Shelf Life – Dry mixes usually have a much longer shelf life than anything with perishable ingredients. This way, you can stay camping longer and still enjoy the items the dry mixes will make.
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Convenience – Who wants to have to measure all your dry ingredients right at your campsite? I know I don’t; that’s why I prefer to bring them already measured out to make things faster.
Helps to Minimize Waste – Sometimes, when you are out camping, waste removal might be a little more difficult than at an RV park or home. By measuring everything out, you don’t have to worry about the packaging of things being thrown out.
Quick and Easy Preparation – When camping, you might not be able to use a fully equipped kitchen. With premade dry mixes, you can prepare your meals quicker and more easily over the campfire or portable stove.
Cost-Effective – If you can buy the ingredients in bulk in your area, it can save you money in the long run. It’s much cheaper than buying pre-packaged, ready-to-eat camping meals.
Emergency Preparedness – Having dry mixes around can be a valuable part of an emergency preparedness kit. They can provide a quick and easy way to give you food for unexpected situations.
Recipes for Sweet Dry Mixes
Pancake Mix – Mix 2 cups flour, 2 Tbsp sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt together in a large bowl. Add water or milk until you like the consistency when ready to make pancakes.
Hot Cocoa – I always have a big jar of this in our pantry or in the van. Paul likes this in the winter or the summer. Mix well in a food processor: 3 cups dry milk, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 1/2 cups cocoa powder, and 1 1/2 cup finely chopped chocolate chips (white). Put 1/3 cup of the mix with 1 cup of hot milk or water and enjoy.
Cobbler Topping – This is a great mix to have ready whenever you get some fresh fruit. I like to make a big batch to have when I need it. Mix 8 3/4 cups of flour, 5 1/4 cups of sugar, 2 Tbsp baking soda, and 1 Tbsp salt. When you’re ready to make, add 2/3 cup of melted butter, 3/4 cup of milk, 1 Tbsp vanilla, one egg, and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. Put 1/2 of the butter on the bottom of a baking dish or an Omnia oven. Add 3 cups of fruit (fresh or frozen). Drop spoons of the mixture onto the top of the fruit. Drizzle the remainder of the butter and bake for 350/30 min.
Chocolate Chip Cookies – You can’t beat these cookies when it comes to a nice, warm dessert. Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 cup chocolate chips. Add 1 cup softened butter, two large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Enjoy!
Brownie Mix – These brownies are so easy to make that they might just become your favorite camping go-to dessert. Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks. Mix 1/2 cup of melted butter, two large eggs, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Pour into a cast-iron skillet or Omnia oven, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Recipes for Cooking Dry Mixes
Cornbread – Whenever we go camping, we always like to make a big pot of chili over the open fire. What better side to a bowl of chili is warm cornbread? Mix 2 cups cornmeal, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 Tbsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. When the chili is almost done, add 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup melted butter, and two large eggs to the dry mixture. Add to a cast-iron skillet or Omnia oven and cook over an open fire. Now that’s camp cooking!
Rice-a-Roni Chicken Rice – This is a mixture I like to keep at home and take with me whenever we go camping. Mix 1 cup long grain rice, 1 cup broken thin spaghetti, 1 tsp parsley flakes, 1/2 tsp pepper, 2 Tbsp chicken or beef bouillon granules. When you’re ready to make it for dinner, just add 2 Tbsp butter into a pan to saute the dry mixture until browned. Add 2 cups of water and simmer until all is absorbed.
Spanish Rice – Whenever we go camping, I like to have a taco night. It’s easy and fun for the whole family. This rice is the perfect addition. Combine 1/2 cup of broken thin spaghetti, 3/4 cup rice, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp minced onion, 1 Tbsp dried tomato powder/bouillon, and 1/2 tsp chili powder. When ready to make, just brown 2 Tbsp butter, add the dry mixture and 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and simmer until the rice is soft. If you can’t find tomato powder or bouillon, add 1 cup of fresh or canned diced tomatoes.
Brown Gravy – This is always a good thing to have on hand when making dinner. Who doesn’t like brown gravy on anything? Mix 1/4 cup flour, 1 Tbsp beef bouillon granules, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp pepper, and a dash of dried parsley. Add 2 cups cold water and heat up until just boiling.
Spicy Beans and Rice – Whether it’s hot or cold, I like to have a soup mix on hand. This one is so easy it’s almost cheating. Mix 1 cup instant rice, 1/2 cup dry black beans, 2 Tbsp minced onion, 1 Tbsp dried bell peppers, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. When ready, add 2 cups of boiling water and let it simmer until the beans and rice are cooked through—about 20 minutes.
Easy Seasonings
Ranch Seasoning – This one is something that I always keep in the pantry and take with me when we go camping. Mix 4 Tbsp onion powder, 1 Tbsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp pepper, 2 Tbsp parsley, 1 tsp chives, 1 tsp dill, and 1 tsp sugar. This can be used as a seasoning by adding milk and mayo or sour cream for a dip.
Taco Seasoning – I use this on tacos and anything else I want to have that Mexican flavor. Combine 2 Tbsp onion powder, 2 Tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp crushed red pepper, 1 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1 Tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 Tbsp arrowroot powder (so it won’t cake).
Curry Powder – Paul’s favorite food is anything curry. That is why I always have this on hand and take some with us when we travel in the van. Mix 2 Tbsp ground coriander, 2 Tbsp ground cumin, 1 Tbsp turmeric, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
Italian Seasoning – In my opinion, there is always a need for this seasoning. Combine 2 Tbsp dried basil, 2 Tbsp oregano, 2 Tbsp thyme, 1 Tbsp rosemary, 1 Tbsp marjoram, 1 Tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. I personally put it on and in everything.
Storage
Proper storage is crucial to keep your dry mixes fresh and prevent them from becoming stale or contaminated.
Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to store them. It helps prevent moisture. The bags are really easy to stow in any small place in your RV or camper van.
Make sure you label everything you make so It’s easy to grab when you are ready to cook. The last thing you want to do is mix up some brownie mix and get brown gravy!
Divide your large batches of dry mix into smaller containers to bring with you camping.
Finally
Dry mixes are great to have at home in your pantry or put into smaller airtight containers or zip-lock bags for transport while camping. There is no need to buy these mixes at the store and not know all the ingredients. These are super easy to make and last about 6 to 9 months if properly stored.
Nibbler Tip: Please don’t forget the labels. It’s extremely important to know what is in each container.
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