Sugaring Season: Camp Recipes With Maple

Fresh-baked maple cookie at Seyon Lodge State Park 

Despite the up and down weather, there’s a sweet smell in the air, which means it must be maple season! In honor of our official state tree and state flavor, here are some suggestions on how to incorporate maple into your camp recipes.

Oatmeal Deluxe

Oatmeal has a well-deserved reputation as a healthy breakfast, but after too many mornings of gooey goodness, let’s face it, it can get a bit monotonous! Luckily, fresh maple syrup is the perfect accompaniment. Bonus: it’s simple to prepare over the campfire- just boil some water and let your oats sit for 5 minutes. To jazz up your basic bowl, there are many options to try. Nuts, seeds, berries, dried fruit, coconut flakes or even chocolate chips are all easy to pack, store and carry in camp. You could even create a DIY Oatmeal Bar that allows everyone to customize their own breakfast!

http://thefirstmess.com/2012/08/30/diy-healthy-instant-oatmeal-recipe/

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/oatmeal-with-works

Fabulous Flapjacks 

Pancakes with maple syrup just might be the gold standard of camp breakfast. Probably my first memory of camp cooking is standing by the fire on my tiptoes and trying to flip the pancakes without getting them in the dust.  (If I recall, my success rate was not high but of course that is besides the point.) As with oatmeal, you can use a bisquik mix if you like, or make your own mixture ahead of time.

Here is a simple recipe for whole-grain pancake mix to make ahead of time:

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/whole-grain-pancakes

Classic pancake breakfast at Grand Isle State Park

Over-21 Bonus: Have you ever considered beer pancakes? The carbonation leads to an extra-fluffy cake. Some recipes call for a lighter lager, another recipe uses Guinness. As with beer itself, everyone has their own favorite. This is a great way to use up your leftover cans of Vermont craft brew from the night before! 

http://www.backpacker.com/skills/recipe-beer-pancakes

Toast With A Twist 

Sick of pancakes? French toats is another great vehicle for maple syrup.

http://www.mnn.com/food/recipes/photos/gourmet-backpacking-breakfast-recipes/campfire-french-toast

Maple Bacon Glaze 

For meat lovers, this glaze is simple and adds a sweet kick. The recipe calls for slab bacon, but you might swap out other kinds of meat that would work just as well! 

http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a22952/campfire-bacon-maple-citrus-glaze-recipe-fw0614/