Fall.. A Great Time for Camping

Can you smell it? The crispness in the air, caramel apples, pumpkin pies, warm cider. Just imagine waking up in the outdoors, the smell of the campfire, bundled up snuggling close with the kiddos and your hands wrapped around a hot cup of Joe. It's that beautiful season of fall, perfect time to pitch that tent or crank out that camper for a few last runs before the winter. If you have been sad faced about being stuck indoors for the winter here are a few good reasons you can use to say out a bit longer :)

SAVING MONEY: There's a good place to start, right? Since popular camping holidays have subsided and the summer rush is over, campground rates are cheaper since they aren't in such high demand. Scoot on out and get the best spot!

FAMILY FESTIVITIES: Why not enjoy the perks of fall where it really feels like fall, outside! Buy a few pumpkins for carving or painting with the kids, apples for making homemade carmel apples, see below for a apple cider recipe you can make over the campfire!

WEATHER: Who doesn't love relaxing in a hoodie and eating s'mores next to the campfire! You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the fall leaves changing color with the added bonus of no bugs! When I was camping as a child I remember going on hikes in the fall and trying to step on the fallen leaves because I loved the sound of them crackling under my feet.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: There are less crowds, still great fishing, and it won't be so hot out so you can enjoy sleeping in your tent everyone cuddled up next to each other. Camping is such a great way to make memories that last, get the most out of the season!

Apple Cider Recipe:
1 gallon apple cider
2 apples
2 oranges
2 apple cinnamon tea bags
1 Campfire pot

You will need 1 gallon of apple cider (NOT apple juice), add 2 tart, firm apples, thinly sliced, 2 oranges also thinly sliced and 2 apple cinnamon tea bags. Place all in a campfire-suitable pot with a lid and allow to simmer for about an hour or so (or longer if you like a stronger flavor).

* Don't forget to apply a small amount of dish soap on the outside of pot for easy clean up.
Find Fall camping gear for the family www.FamilyTentCamping.com

Aebleskiver Holiday Campfire Recipe

Family Holiday traditions are made,from a particular destination to a favorite meal shared by the family for special occasions or holidays. We discovered these tasty eats in Solvang,California and has been part of our family tradition since 1978. Has since been passed on to our kids to carry on the tradition. This recipe can be prepared over a traditional home stove or over an open campfire, for tips on cooking over a campfire.

AEBLESKIVER (PANCAKE BALL)RECIPE:
These are delicious for breakfast,lunch, or Sunday night supper. A special pan, called an Aebleskiver pan, Monk's pan or Danish cake pan is needed for frying them.
Items needed: (for approx 2+ dozens)
2 Cups buttermilk
2 Cups flour
2 Eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 Tbsp sugar
4 Tbsp melted butter
Mixing directions:
Seperate the eggs and beat the whites stiff. Mix all the other ingredients together at one time and beat until smooth. Fold in the egg whites last (lightly- do not over mix). Put about a Tablespoon full of vegetable oil or shortening in the bottom of each Aebleskiver pan cup and have hot (ready for batter). Pour in about 2 Tablespoons full of batter into each cup. As soon as they get bubbly around the edges 1/4 turn onto its side quickly, using an ice pick or wooden skewer or if your Danish you can use a long knitting needle. Continue cooking turning the ball in 1/4 turns until completely enclosed and the the needle or skewer comes out clean.
Serve hot with warm syrup, warm jam (any flavor)or powdered sugar.
These also reheat great in a toaster oven for a late night dessert.
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How to make Campfire Cupcakes

A GREAT CAMPFIRE DESSERT TO SHARE AROUND THE CAMPFIRE!

INGREDIENTS: * 6-10 large naval oranges. * 1 box of spice-cake mix. * Eggs and oil,(if required for cake mix recipe) UTENSILS TO PACK: Spoon,tongs,knife,container for mixing. NOTE:Eggs can be cracked into a wide mouth bottle for easy transporting. STEPS FOR MAKING CAMPFIRE CUPCAKES: 1) While the campfire is burning, cut off and set aside the naval end of each orange. Hollow out the oranges, as you would a carving pumpkin, reserving the juice and pulp. 2) In a seperate container, prepare the spice-cake batter per the box's instructions, substituting the oranges juice for any liquids, Stir in the chopped pulp. 3) Fill each orange 1/3 full with cake batter and replace the orange "lid." 4) Snuggle the oranges close to the hot coals but away from the open flame and rotate them every 3-5 minutes with the tongs. The rind will singe black. 5) The cupcakes are ready when the expanding cake lifts the oranges lids 9about 10 minutes). Not very often do you find a campfire dessert that taste's good and is good for you! Best enjoyed with family and friends.. For more great recipes,camping resources and gear for your next camping trip, visit us on Facebook or our website www.FamilyTentCamping.com Recipe shared from Dave Bybee of Sierra magazine