pigs in a blanket

(serves 4)

This is my dad's favorite thing to make for his grandsons. Thanks to Alia who helped me to realize that lil' smokies can travel well in the winter!

for the dough:
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 butter
1/3 cup reconstituted milk

12 lil' smokies

*mix flour, baking powder, and salt
*cut in butter and add milk slowly until dough forms a crumbly ball
*roll dough into 12 smaller balls and roll each ball into a flat 4 inch circle with you nalgene bottle or just between your hands
*place a lil' smokey in the center of each circle and wrap the dough around
*heat butter or oil in a pan and fry until golden brown on all sides


variations:
*if you're feeling lazy you can use pre-made refrigerator rolls (like Pillsbury Grands)

*for more flavor add a slice of you favorite cheese inside each roll.

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Beef Empanadas with a Side of Beef

Empanadas!

(serves 4)

These take a little more effort, but are always a hit. The fact that you are making pastry dough outside should earn you extra points.

for the dough:
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 butter
1/3 cup reconstituted milk

fillings:
nutty/fruity - 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit with 2 Tbs chopped nuts, 1 Tbs butter, 1 Tbs brown sugar

chicken curry - 1 packet chicken, 1 Tbs chopped nuts, 1 tsp curry powder, 2 Tbs shredded cheese

taco meat - 1/2 ground beef cooked with diced onion, garlic powder and a dash of tomato base

veggie - 1/2 reconstituted veggies of you choice, 2 Tbs leftover cooked quinoa, 1 Tbs. butter, 2 Tbs cheese

*mix flour, baking powder, and salt
*cut in butter and add milk slowly until dough forms a crumbly ball
*roll dough into 12 smaller balls and roll each ball into a flat 4 inch circle with you nalgene bottle or just between your hands
*place a spoonful of filling on one side of each circle and fold in half making sure to seal the edge
*heat butter or oil in a pan and fry empanandas until brown on both sides

Mug-o-Noodles

(serves 1)

This dish is great for winter travelers who want something easy yet satisfying. I also like to bring ramen along for emergency meals since you can eat it hot or "raw"

12 oz boiling water
top ramen
3 Tbs. potato pearls
2 Tbs. cubed cheese
2 Tbs cubed meat (salami, summer sausage, cooked bacon, etc)
2 Tbs. dehydrated peas and carrots
hot sauce to taste

*crunch up ramen and put in 20 oz mug with boiling water and seasoning packet and cover for 1 minute
*add potato pearls, veggies, meat, and cheese and stir
*top with hot sauce if desired

vegetarians can omit meat, and add more cheese and veggies!

Philly-style Pasta

(serves 4)

when you have a snow fridge to store your food in, your dreams of cooking with fresh ingredients becomes a reality!

1/2 pound noodles
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 cup tomato base
4 oz. cream cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp oregano

*brown the beef in a skillet or frybake, drain and set aside
*bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add pasta and cook for 10 minutes
* drain pasta, using 1 cup of the water to mix with the tomato base and spices
*combine all ingredients and stir over low heat until cheese is melted

Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa

(serves 1)

when the mercury drops below freezing, pack some extra flavor (and calories) into your hot cocoa

4 Tbs cocoa powder
2 Tbs powdered milk
2 Tbs brown sugar
2 Tbs peanut butter
1 1/2 cups hot water

*combine all ingredients and enjoy!

Baked Potato Soup

(serves 2)

this soup has all the fixings of your favorite baked potato

4 cups water
1/2 cup powdered milk
2 Tbs. flour
2 Tbs. dried onions
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp oil
1/2 cup potato pearls
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
2 Tbs bacon bits

* Combine all the ingredients except potatoes and cheese in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
* Remove from heat and add the potato pearls slowly while stirring rigorously
* Add cheese and cover until melted
* Serve with bacon, salt and pepper to taste