First Meals at the Shack

Oh my wonderful plywood hunting shack perched near the top of a ridge. A perfect place to relax away from the rat race. It is an off-grid, dry cabin suitable for weekend getaways and camping trips. So far there are no utilities - no running water and no refrigeration. What follows are my first attempts with preparing hot and satisfying meals in off-grid conditions.

My Off-grid Kitchen Facilities

My "kitchen" at the Shack includes a dilapidated gas BBQ grill outdoors, a small wood stove indoors, no running water, no utilities, and no refrigeration. I have a refrigerator that the previous owners left. But I do not have utilities connected and I have no immediate plans to do so. Thus far, the refrigerator makes a fine mouse-proof dry goods pantry.

I really like hamburgers and hot dogs but didn't want to eat only hamburgers and hot dogs. I wanted easy and tasty meals. Usually meals for one. And because I carry in my water, I didn't want to have many dishes to wash after each meal.  Cooking in foil packets turned out to be a great solution.

Hobo Packs

My first few meals cooked inside consisted of meat chunks and veggies baked in tinfoil. I didn't didn't realize that someone had given this style of cooking a name. It's called a Hobo Pack.  I just learned that today while trying to find additional easy, off-grid recipes.

My version includes whatever meat was for sale at the grocery store closest to the shack. Cubed or sliced into smaller pieces. Sliced onions and bell peppers. Sprinkled with "hot shots" pepper.  I love my hot shots. If I can have only one spice available, I'd choose hot shots every time.

Hot Shot pepper blend

I have added cubed potatoes when I have some.  I spray the inside of the foil with a cooking spray if I am adding potatoes in order to keep the potatoes from sticking.  Then all I do is wrap the foil tightly and toss the pack into the coals to cook.  I turn the pack several times during cooking.

I warm flour tortillas on a skillet, on top of the wood stove, or laid across the top of the hobo pack inside the stove, to serve with these hobo packs.

I was able to finally find a small enameled cast iron dutch oven that fits perfectly into my stove.  Between that amazing little dutch oven and the endless flexibility of cooking in tin foil packs, I will surely eat well while at The Shack.

Give it a Try

I'm not good with sharing recipes, since I just throw things together. But I can assure you that if I end up with tender and tasty meals, you can too. If you need an easy way to cook while camping or off-grid, but aren't sure where to start, the Food Network provides a list of 50 Things to Grill in Foil.


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Gotta Have It Stock Pot

I just realized tonight that I should share my stock pot recommendation with you.  I love my stock pot and have given them as gifts over the years. But I hadn't realize how excited I am about them until tonight.  I am ridiculously in love with this kitchen item.

IKEA Stock Pot

I am not a talented cook. Let's face it, I'm not very good in the kitchen.  I think that is even more testament of the quality of this pan.  More proof that you should get this pot if you are looking for a good stock pot. If it helps me cook successfully, just imagine what you could do with it.

When I moved to Maryland, I moved to a neighborhood that has an IKEA store. I had never heard of IKEA previously.  If you don't know about it, you really should look it up. If there isn't a store near you, you can order over the internet or through mail order catalogs.

IKEA is a home furnishings store.  I have purchased book cases, chairs, entertainment units, and other small furniture items. I have also brought home a whole host of smaller items such as planters, kitchen utensils, and of course, my beloved stock pans.  I love much of their stuff. Not everything, but a large share of it.

With the stock pans, I had originally purchased two different sizes.  A 5 qt. and a smaller one that was about half that size.  During my last move I either lost or donated the small one. And boy have I regretted that loss.  I miss it dearly.

I have used my stockpots for cooking rice, making stews, baking things in the oven, and so one. They are perfect when making big meals for several people.  I'm not sure why, but I don't tend to burn things as frequently in these stock pans.  I guess it is due to the stainless steel and the thickness of the bottom.  Somehow, it seems to heat more evenly than other pots and pans I've had.  And my rice... perfect every time.  But I wasn't able to make good rice before owning this pan.  There is the tiniest steam vent in the lid, otherwise the lid fits perfectly on the pan.  I guess that's part of why it cooks so well.  I never have to worry about making bad rice when I use my IKEA stock pot.

Why am I thinking about that silly little pan tonight enough to write about it?  Because I have an ex-co-worker that I haven't seen since she changed jobs.  We are meeting at the local IKEA store tomorrow in order to visit and shop.  I am very excited to be scheduled to see her since we haven't done a good job of scheduling visits since her departure.  I am also more excited than I should be that I will be able to replace my smaller stock pot. 

Watch out Trish and IKEA, here I come!  I've missed you both.



Written by Dawn Rae 
Disclaimer: In affiliation with Amazon.com, Dawn Rae is a blogger and content 
writer who may earn compensation from the sale of Amazon products.