Today I give you a simple recipe and some awesome Alaskan backcountry pictures! When Todd and I decided to go backpacking up by where we got married last year, we knew we had a rather large stash of 1000 year old Mountain Houses and Backpacker's Pantry freeze dried meals. We dug them out only to discover that, as vegans, we couldn't eat a single one. Poo.
So, I decided to make some oatmeal for us. When I was a child, we always brought along those little, sweetened packets of oatmeal backpacking. My favorite was the Fruit and Cream type. Don't you dare give me any of those Apples and Cinnamon ones, blech! Did you know those little packets have whey in them, though? Why, Quaker!? Why???
Oh well. So if you don't want whey in your oatmeal either, here's how to make your own! I used erythritol but you can use sugar if you like.
Be sure to add freshly picked berries if you have access! This is my favorite breakfast. Bonus points if you eat it in sleeping bag, outside on top of a mountain!
Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packet
Inspired by Quaker Oats
Makes 1 packet
- 1/2 cup dry instant oats
- 2 tsp. erythritol (or sugar)
- 1 tsp. vanilla powder
- 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/8-1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (optional, or cinnamon, etc.)
- boiling water (amount to preference)
- add-ins (berries, fruit, seeds, nuts, etc.)
In a small baggie/canister/bowl add all the ingredients and mix or shake well to combine. When ready to use, place in an appropriate bowl and fill with desired amount of boiling water.Voila. Done.
Awesome Alaska Backpacking Pictures
And now on to some amazing Alaskan photos. Below you'll see some of the berries I put in my oatmeal!
Yes, it was a little late in the season, however, the blueberry situation was OBSCENE! I went bananas...obviously.
Blueberrymania, no? It was pure joy. The Fall colors were very lovely. We don't have these colors quite yet, outside of the mountains.
Still a little ways to go! It was extraordinarily muddy. And here we are, finally at camp! We made it!
This is the Official "My Backpack's Off"' pose, in case you were wondering. There's no quite feeling like it. Don't laugh.
Todd and Bob may have the whole "relaxing" thing down a bit better than I do.
We saw a massive bear print along with scat. So that was special.
This is what vegans bring camping when they don't plan ahead and dehydrate a meal. There is also some chocolate with candied ginger, and lemon drops too!
Todd got a JetBoil for his birthday. What a spoiled boy!
Our furry child hauls his own goodies, of course.
He loves us.
Family picture! We were photobombed by a blueberry...
We were happy to squeeze the last backpacking trip in before the snow flies. It was 32 F when I left for work this morning, so literally, we could have snow any day now! Bring it on.
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