In this section, we'll look at a few recipes and cooking techniques. Again, anyone reading this is welcome to comment, ask questions, or offer suggestions or recipes.

This is a wonderful dish even for people that don't especially like fish.

Basically, you simply take some aluminum foil and lay the cleaned and scaled trout (6" to 9" long) side by side on the foil. Sprinkle salt and pepper inside each, just enough for flavor. Put a bit of butter or margarine inside each. If available, add a few drops of lemon juice (you can also use wood sorrel, aka: Lemon Grass). Fold the foil over and crimp all the way around so that the fish are sealed, then place the packet in the fire. Don't put it directly into hot coals...you want to cook it, not turn it into crispy critters. If you have a grill, such as from an old discarded stove, that is perfect, because you can cook on one side for about 5 minutes after it starts sizzling, turn it over, cook for 5 minutes, turn it over one more time, and cook for a last 5 minutes.

Take care when opening the foil because it will be filled with hot steam. It isn't unusual for the skin to come off with the foil, and since the meat has been steamed, it will usually fall right off the bones. Talk about a tasty, easy, and quick treat! My daughter hates fish, but the last time I made these out in camp, she ate 8 of them!

HOMEMADE PANCAKE MIX

10 c. all-purpose flour (3 lbs.)
2 1/2 c. instant nonfat dry milk
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. baking power
2 tbsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir together to blend well. Put in a large airtight container. Label. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 to 8 months. Makes about 13 cups of pancake mix. This mix works for both waffles and pancakes, and is perfect for camping. Out in camp, it can be used to coat fish, blossoms (for pan frying), or about anywhere else where you'd need flour.

TO MAKE PANCAKES OR WAFFLES:

2 c. homemade pancake mix
1 c. water
1 egg
2 tbsp. oil (waffles - 3 tbsp.)

Beat smooth with a wire whisk or fork. This makes eight (4 inch) pancakes or four large waffles.

Here is one syrup recipe: (Better than "store bought".) 1 1/2 c. water 1 tsp. vanilla 1/4 c. pure maple syrup

Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil gently until sugar is completely dissolved. Store in tightly covered container in the cupboard. Keeps indefinitely.

Put 2 cups of water in a pan, heat it until just boiling. Add sugar gradually, constantly stirring, until it won't dissolve any more. Remove from heat. Add 1 teaspoon of pure maple extract, stir in, then add 1/2 cup of cream (canned milk will work) and stir well. You *can* add food color if you want it to look brownish.

This is excellent served warm over pancakes, waffles, or french toast, and I've used it to sweeten coffee...it makes a rather good cup of coffee! Note that if it solidifies, simply heat it up to turn it liquid again. It should be stored in a cold place or in the fridge.

Though some people might cringe at the idea, snakes do make a good source of food, and usually they aren't hard to catch. The reason I'm specifically saying Rattlesnake is so people will know that this recipe applies to them as well.

I like to take herbs with me out into the woods, so if you don't have any of the seasonings listed here, you can do without.



1 rattlesnake
1 teaspoon basil
1 clove garlic (can be wild garlic)
1 can cream sauce
1 teaspoon pepper
1 jar sliced mushrooms
1 teaspoon rosemary
2 lemons or limes, sliced thin

Skin the snake, dress, and wash in cold water. Cut into 3-inch sections and place in cassrole dish. (Or use aluminum foil.) Cover with cream sauce. Add mushrooms, lemons/limes, slivered garlic, basil, pepper, and rosemary. Cover with lid, or foil. Place in pre-heated 350 degrees and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until done. (or in low coals for the same amount of time)

On cold, drizzly, or snowy mornings, here is an idea that will be really welcome.

Heat two cups of water, and to this, add a package of powdered jello. This is good for warming you, it will give you energy, it tastes good, and it even has a medicinal use...it will sooth an upset stomach, too.