Sunday, July 28, 2013

Carpe Diem: Shopping List for Gourmet Four Family Camping Menu (four days / three nights)


Shop till you drop

With lots of hungry mouths to feed over a four-day camping trip, the shopping list might seem extensive.  But, keep in mind, four families over four days that’s 144 mouths over nine meals.  And those are mouth fresh from hikes, kayaking and generally running around outside, so they are really hungry.  The shopping list is scaled for mostly adults and young children so if your group has older kids, the items and sizes should be increased.  Our bill was about $175.00 which equates to about $19.40 per meal for 16 people.  Not too bad for all the food (and no one went hungry).

The correlating menu also uses left over items from one meal to complete the next.  If your appetites are big, adjust the shopping list accordingly.  Loaded baked potatoes one evening form the basis for Maxwell potatoes the next; while, left over fire-roasted corn is added to campside prepared Pico de Gallo and left over pork making mouth-watering Corn and Pork Quesadillas for lunch.   Also to note, this shopping list accounts for making mixes for pancakes, biscuits, scones and Caesar salad dressing from scratch, which is far easier than people might think.  However, if your interest centers on pre-made mixes and dressings add those to the list instead.  All in all, just stock up on the freshest ingredients available and leave the pre-processed stuff at home.   The outdoors is calling for you to seize the day!

Staples

Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Sugar
Baking soda
Baking powder
Flour
Butter
Onion powder
Garlic Salt
Vanilla extract
Dry Spaghetti
Lemonade mix
Tea Bags
Worcestershire sauce

Shopping List:

2 cans diced tomatoes (28 oz.)
Breadcrumbs (panko or Italian)
1 tin anchovies

3 medium onions
3 zucchinis
3 yellow squash
1 carton fresh mushrooms
2 orange bell peppers
2 bulbs fresh garlic
Fresh herbs: oregano, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, mint, dill, and chives
1 lemon
1 bunch romaine lettuce
Large carton strawberries
Large carton blueberries
12-14 navel oranges
2 apples
1 shallot
2 English cucumbers
14-16 large baking potatoes
4 lbs. fresh green beans
12-14 ears fresh corn in husks
12-14 bananas
2 apples
1 shallot
2 English cucumbers
14-16 large baking potatoes
4 lbs. fresh green beans
12-14 ears fresh corn in husks
12-14 bananas

1 loaf unsliced bread

14-16 pork chops
2 whole chickens
2 lbs. ground beef

2 cans of beer

1 box chocolate cake mix
Small bag and large bag marshmallows
Chocolate bars
Graham crackers
Nuts: Pecans & Almonds
1 package caramel pieces

2 large packages bacon (approximately 2 lbs. per package)
3 packages sausage

Package shredded cheese
8 oz. carton sour cream
4 orange juice concentrate
2 Gallons milk
1-quart heavy cream
2-3 cartons 18 count large eggs
Grated Parmesan cheese
1 package cream cheese (8 oz.)

Options for lunch and snacks
Flour Tortillas
Fresh cilantro
Tortilla chips
10 Ripe Avocados
Serrano peppers
Limes
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Sprouts
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Loaf sliced sandwich bread