Eating Outside Series: MidWeek Meals Outdoors
There are SO many ways to enjoy food outside! Being outside seems to make everything better! A hike, walk, mountain bike, canoe ride, rock climb, ski tour - whatever activity gets you out there may have your body working hard, but it also has a way of slowing time down to notice and appreciate every little thing. The intricate patterns of each leaf, the sound of the soft breeze weaving through the trees, the smell of fresh pine, the cool feeling of a smooth stone between your fingers, the sweet nutty flavour of a homemade granola bar; The great outdoors can turn the simplest of moments into memorable experiences. In this pause in time, there is nothing but you, nature, and food! The pressures and stresses of daily life have no place here!
So, whether you are an avid outdoor enthusiast, or scarcely dare to leave the comforts of your home, we hope you find some inspiration in this guide that gets you started with enjoying food outside and creating these meaningful moments. Be sure to check out the other guides in this series in the links at the end of this guide.
Cooking Gear / Essentials
First things first, essential tools. What you pack along depends on the scope of your trip or outing and the food you are planning on making. For each activity in this eating outside series, I will outline the essential tools needed, however one thing that spending time outdoors will teach you is that being resourceful is key! So feel free to improvise with what works for you and what you already have on hand. This guide does not include every possible item you will need, but rather is meant to serve as a way to get you started. With time and experience, you will no doubt have you own go-to gear, and meal ideas!
Mid-Week Meals Outside
So often the middle of the week is reserved for working, and playing is reserved for the weekends. Let me tell you though, making a meal outside mid-week can really spice up any old Tuesday! Here are a few options for taking a little more time to yourself before starting your work day, or winding down after a long one by enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner at your favourite outside spot. This could be your local river, park, or even your backyard!
Depending on where you live, be sure to check out the potential fire ban restrictions in your area before starting a fire or using a camp stove.
Menu
Breakfast
Pancakes may feel like a Sunday breakfast, but just imagine how amazing you would feel starting your work-day after a hearty pancake breakfast! Waking up slowly with the sun on a midweek morning to have breakfast over a fire, or camp stove alongside a trickling stream sounds elaborate, doesn’t it? It can be SO simple! Those moments it will give you of quiet to take those deep breaths, or read a few pages of a book are worth it when it comes to preparing yourself for the day ahead. We have what you need to do this all planned out, so all you need to do is gather the items from the lists in this guide, and scope out a spot to have your breakfast outside.
So all you need to do is, pack up the items from the list of essentials and anything else you might like to bring along. Then, pre-make your favourite Anita’s Organic Pancake & Waffle mix the night before.
Breakfast Essentials:
Favourite Anita’s Pancake Mix:
Pan (cast iron recommended)
Bin or backpack
Stove (pocket-stove or camp stove)
Flipper
Maple syrup
Coffee or Tea
Aeropress, or preferred coffee-making method
Fresh fruit
Book
Hand wipes/paper towel
Camp chair
Bag for waste
Oil or butter for frying
Folding table, picnic table, or flat surface
Multigrain Pancakes & Waffles
Made with seven whole grains, this mix makes light and fluffy pancakes full of our signature whole grain flours.
Gluten Free Pancakes & Waffles
Made with our gluten-free oat and brown rice flours, this mix makes delicious pancakes, and light, fluffy waffles that are sure to satisfy.
Dinner
A fun food to make over the fire is flatbread! You and your dinner guests can have the best time making personal-sized flat breads with you favourite toppings. This flatbread pizza can be made over a fire, on a grill, in a pan, or in your backyard on your BBQ! The key is to pre-make the flatbread dough and prep your toppings ahead of time.
Dinner Essentials
Flatbread dough, pre-made
Your favourite toppings (tomato sauce, pesto sauce, shredded cheese, fresh basil, peppers…)
Your favourite ice cold beverage
Camp chair
Pan or grill
Fire starter/kindling
Wood
Matches/lighter
Hand wipes/paper towel
Container for any leftovers
Bag for waste
Spatula flipper
Enamel plates and mugs
Utensils
Flatbread Pizza
This flatbread recipe is bound to become a classic when you are craving quick, homemade comfort food. We love baking our flatbread on a BBQ or over a campfire!
We’d love to see your favourite ways to enjoy food outside this summer, so be sure to tag or mention @anitasorganic or #makeitwithanitas when you share your adventures on Instagram or Facebook!
Check out these other guides in our eating outside series:
PICNICKING WITH YOUR KIDS
DAY HIKING/BIKING WITH YOUR DOG