Question by Zoah Ng: Making plans for camping…Where When and How? South Bay Area. Preferably a campground with kayaking/canoeing.
My babe have been pressuring me to take her and our friends out camping. First time camper looking for a campground to put up tents where we can also do some kayaking or canoeing. Also, I need tips of essential things to bring…and any favorite campfire food? lol Any other suggestions would be great, I’m open to anything (i.e. games, food, pranks…etc.) I want to rough it out and show how manly and organize I am to my babe lol…

Best answer:

Answer by David H
Go to Livermore and camp at Del Valle Resivoir. It’s not South Bay, But it has some great camp sites and the kayaking and canoing can’t be beat. They even rent kayaks and canoes if you don’t have one of your own. Good Luck!

Essential things:
food, tent, water, sleeping bags, pillows, kitchen utinsels, cast iron fry pan or camp Dutch oven, cutting board, lantern, flash light, towels, fishing poles and bait, first aid kit, cards, camera; plates, fork, spoon, and knife for each person, swim suits (optional on every trip I make) bug repelent, soap wash sponge, super soakers, frisbee,

recipes:

2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Peach Cobbler
Coleen Sloan

1 large can sliced peaches, undrained
1 box spice cake mix
¾ can lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7-Up)

In a preheated and oiled 12” Dutch oven, pour the peaches into the bottom. Sprinkle the cake mix over the peaches. Do not stir! Drizzle about ¾ of a can of soda over the cake mix. Cover and bake at 350o for about 35 to 45 minutes.
Serves 6 to 8

Dave’s Dutch Tamale Pie
Dave Herzog

1 lb. ground turkey (try lean ground round)
1 ½ Tbs. chili powder
½ tsp. cumin
1 tsp. fajita seasoning
2 Tbs. garlic, minced
1 28oz. can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz. can whole kernel corn (try hominy, YUM!)
1 8 oz. can diced green chilies
1 ½ c. shredded Colby cheddar cheese
½ c. chicken broth
1 12 oz. box corn muffin mix
½ c. milk
2 Tbs. melted butter or vegetable oil
1 large egg

In a 12” deep Dutch oven, brown turkey with chili powder,
cumin, and minced garlic. Add tomatoes, corn and chilies. Stir well. Add broth, stir. Layer cheese over the top of meat mixture.
Mix corn bread mix, milk, butter, and egg. Spoon over turkey mix and cheese evenly. Cover and bake at about 375o for 35 to 45 minutes until bread is firm and baked through.
Serves 6

Quick Camp Stroganoff
Phillip Herzog, Dave’s Brother

1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 medium onion
1 8 oz. can diced or sliced black olives, drained
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 pt. sour cream
Egg noodles or rice, cooked (more for lovers and less for picky eaters)

Prepare rice or noodles according to box directions, or do it your way. While rice or noodles are cooking, in a 10” Dutch oven, brown ground beef, drain when browned. Add taco seasoning and diced onions, mix well
Stir in olives, soup, and sour cream. Heat through till bubbly. Serve over hot noodles or rice.
Serves 4 to 8

Chicken or Pork Tortilla Casserole

4 chicken breasts cooked and shredded or 1 lb. cooked and cubed pork
½ pound tortilla chips
1 pound cheddar cheese, grated, add some pepper jack cheese
2 Ortega chilies, diced

Mix together:
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk or sour cream
1 large chopped onion
1 7 oz can green chili salsa

Grease a 12 inch Dutch oven. Crumble half of the chips into bottom; then layer of chicken, a layer of soup mixture, a layer of cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese.
Bake at 300° for 1 ½ hours Serves 8

Kickin’ Tuna Salad

1 can Tuna
1 ½ tsp. horseradish
2 shakes Tabasco sauce
1 small dill pickle
1 shake cayenne
1 Tbs. or more of Mayonnaise
1/2 stalk of celery
Diced Red Pepper, optional to taste
Squirt of brown mustard

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and stir well. Cover and let rest overnight in a refrigerator for the best flavor. Makes 2 to 3 sandwiches or 1 big salad

Impress her even more by hiring me to take care of all the cooking for you while the two of you have fun! email me if you want more details on what I can do for your camping trip and cooking.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!