People say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that’s especially true when camping. It’s important to prepare well for an active day ahead so feeding the family – or just yourself – well is vital.
A traditional fry up is one way, but there are other breakfasts that can be just as filling and much more imaginative.
Orange Eggs
A simple but very different way to cook eggs that also ensures you eat one of your five a day.
- 1 orange
- 1 egg
Cut the orange in half and scoop out the fruit to eat. Break one egg into half of the peel and then cap with the other before wrapping in foil. Put into your campfire so the egg can bake. Depending on the heat of the fire this will take between five and 10 minutes. Eat with the orange.
Corn And Eggs
Sweetcorn goes very well with eggs and brings an all-important vegetable (and one most kids will eat) into the meal.
- Bacon, cut into pieces
- 6 eggs
- Half a can of sweetcorn
Beat the eggs with a fork and then add the corn. Start by cooking the bacon in a frying pan and once mostly cooked, tip in the egg and corn mixture to cook. Serve hot; there’s enough for four people here.
Breakfast Scramble
If there’s a very physical day ahead, a big breakfast can set everyone up with energy. A scramble (often just called a mess) uses whatever you have around for ingredients. What’s below is just a suggestion, so enjoy what you have to hand.
- 1 egg per person
- 1 onion
- 1 green pepper
- Mushrooms
- Diced bacon or sausage
- Grated cheese
Start by dicing the onion, green pepper and mushroom. Start by cooking the bacon or sausage, then add the vegetables, letting the grease cook them. Beat the eggs and then add to the pan with the grated cheese. Allow the eggs to cook through so they set and then serve.
Eggs In A Bag
A novel way to cook bacon and eggs can work well if you’re using a campfire. Best of all, there’s no washing up of pans afterwards.
- Brown paper bag
- 1 egg
- 3 rashers bacon
Separate the rashers of bacon and use them to line the bottom of the paper bag. After this, break the egg into the bag and fold down the top of the bag twice. Poke a stick through the bag and suspend over the campfire.
The grease in the bacon will cook everything as it heats. Be careful not to have it too close to the fire or your breakfast might end up burnt.
Porridge
The great thing about porridge is that it releases its energy slowly so there’s no feeling of flagging before lunch. That can prove very useful when you’re planning a morning hiking. Cooking proper porridge on the camp stove is best, and needn’t take long, but packets of instant porridge will work well. Sweeten with honey and add some fruit, such as berries.
Cold Breakfasts
If you don’t want to cook, have some plain yogurt and either slice a banana into it or add berries such as blueberries, strawberries or raspberries (or a mix of the three) for a very quick, tasty, and healthy meal.