Appalachian trail mix

This mix comes from Craig Bumgarner which was included in Edward B Garvey's book, Appalachian Hiker. The basic mix, Herbed tomato blend; mushroom curry in-the-pines; Syrian salad

Article Tools
Bookmark and Share

For backpacking and camping — or just an easily prepared, delicious meal — try...

RELATED CONTENT

SANDRA KOCHER

About nine years ago, a college student named Craig Bumgarner stopped along the Vermont section of the Appalachian Trail, whipped up a tasty casserole, and shared the meal with veteran hiker Edward B. Garvey. Ed, who had already walked the many miles of the Trail from Georgia, was on his way to Maine. Later—when Mr. Garvey described his more-than-2,000-mile trek in the book Appalachian Hiker (Appalachian Books, 197 1. $4.95)—he wrote enthusiastically about Craig's delicious, protein—balanced combination of two grains and one legume ... and backpackers all over the country began experimenting with variations on that original recipe!

THE BASIC MIX

To prepare this lightweight, nutritious dish, you'll need 2 cups of brown rice (short or long grain), 1 cup of barley, 1 cup of lentils, and 4 teaspoons of salt. Then, add 2 parts water to 1 part Mix ... bring it to a boil for 1 minute ... reduce the heat ... and simmer—covered—for 40 to 60 minutes. (You can cut the cooking time if you precrack your grain ingredients in a grinder or a blender.) One cup of the dry mixture (which can be packed in individual-serving-sized plastic bags before you hit the trail) will—once cooked—satisfy two very hungry hikers .. . or three or four less active people.

And, although the basic Mix is scrumptious, other ingredients can be substituted or added ... when you're in the mood for a change or just want to cook up a special treat. I've tried a number of variations on the recipe over the years and have come up with these three personal favorites:

HERBED TOMATO BLEND

In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of Mix, 1 teaspoon of sweet basil, 1 tablespoon of parsley, 1/4 teaspoon of oregano, and 2-1/2 cups of tomato juice to a boil for 1 minute, and then reduce the heat to low. Cook the mixture for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, andif desired-sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. NOTE: The proportions mentioned are for dried herbs. Triple the quantities when these ingredients are used fresh. MUSHROOM CURRY IN-THE-PINES Heat 1 tablespoon of butter (or vegetable oil) in a pot and stir in 1 chopped onion (or 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes) and 1 teaspoon of curry powder. Next. add 2-1/4 cups of water, 1 cup of Mix, and 1 package of dry mushroom soup (or substitute 1 /2 cup of dried mushroom pieces and 1/2 cup of milk powder). Stir the curry well, and bring it to a boil for 1 minute. Then, reduce the heat (or place the pan over a few glowing coals), add 1/2 cup of raisins, and let the dish Yammer for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally, serve the spicy treat with peanuts, sunflower seeds, and/or grated coconut.

Page: 1 | 2 | Next >>


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
Last Name: *
Address: *
City: *
State/Province: *
Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.