If you’re cooking for a trip in the backcountry, consider some of the following items for your menu. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list or complete cookbook and does not supercede any merit badge requirements - if you have any questions or would like to make something that is not listed here, check with the Cooking Badge Counselor (Mr Matthew Harms). If you’re looking for some specific recipes, take a look at the Backcountry Cookbook.
Use this planning worksheet when you are planning meals with your patrol:
<aside> <img src="/icons/warning_yellow.svg" alt="/icons/warning_yellow.svg" width="40px" /> When menu planning, make sure that you're aware of food allergies & strong preferences (e.g. don’t bring canned tuna as a main course if no one likes it)
</aside>
Stay away from classic breakfast food like bacon/eggs/pancakes. While delicious they are either too complicated & messy for the backcountry, or require refrigeration. Combine several of the items listed here for a full breakfast. If planning a hot/cooked breakfast, make sure your trip has time allotted for that.
<aside> ☕ What about coffee?? Adults (not Scouts!) on a trip who are looking for their coffee fix may want to consider instant coffee. Starbucks Via and Cafe Bustello are 2 popular options that are sold in individual serving packets. If you want the real thing, a plastic pourover cone is lightweight and easy to use in the backcountry.
</aside>
Think about snackable foods for lunch, as you will typically not cook anything for lunch on the trail. Combine several for a full lunch.