We plan so much around our campouts. Clothing, gear, recreational equipment, kitchen supplies… and yet, despite all of the planning, why is it that we munch on disappointingly bland food? 

According to Mai-Yan Kwan, founder of Dirty Gourmet, you can easily cease my suffering and enjoy flavorful food while camping.

In a demonstration at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver, Kwan spoke to the audience in a frank tone. “Why is it that we settle for bland camp food?”

My mind turned inward, thinking about the last road trip I went on, and the 5 nights of instant mashed potatoes I settled for. 

So yeah, maybe Mai-Yan is on to something. According to her, all we had to do was save a few camp friendly containers (jars with rubber sealed lids, Tupperware, etc) and we’d be one step closer to leaving bland food behind. 

“Honestly, just change a few of the ingredients you pack,” Kwan said while vigorously shaking a mason jar containing 4 eggs. “If you start to burn something, just do what I do. I always tell my friends that burnt food is just more ‘rustic.’” Despite cooking three things simultaneously including spiced nuts and a breakfast dish as well as a few campfire cocktails. 

By remembering to measure out something simple like olive oil ahead of time, then you can completely revolutionize the way you car-camp.