Pineapple BBQ Chicken in a Dutch Oven

Cook in the Dutch Oven or Sun Oven for Fantastic Results

I was going to make a pineapple upside down cake for this post, but I am glad my wife suggested making pineapple barbecue chicken.  Our family loves barbecue chicken salad, so this was a great summer meal.  The best part was that I was able to cook it outside in the dutch oven.  If I had started ealy enough I would have opted for the Sun Oven, although it may have been difficult because of the cloud cover we have had.  You can also take your crock pot out to the back porch and cook it outside.  It is enjoyable to find ways to keep the heat out of the kitchen!

After you have cooked this recipe, serve over brown rice or shred the chicken and add to a wonderful leafy salad.  This recipe is very simple, yet delicious:

2 Cups Reconstituted Freeze Dried Pineapple (I cooked 2 Cups of Freeze Dried Pineapple with 2 Cups of Water over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally)

6-8 Pieces of Chicken Breasts and/or Thighs

4 Cups of Barbecue Sauce

For Dutch Oven:  Use a 12" camp dutch oven.  Rub the dutch oven with butter or oil to help the barbecue sauce from sticking so much during cooking.  Mix the pineapple and barbecue sauce together and then pour into the dutch oven.  Add the chicken.  Light 12 Charcoal Brickettes and allow the brickettes to burn for about 10 minutes before placing the dutch oven over the coals.  Cook for 2 hours with the lid off.  If you leave the lid on you will only cook it for 1 1/2 hours but the sauce will be more liquidy.

Sun Oven:  Combine the barbecue sauce and pineapple in your pot and then add the chicken.  Cook for 3 hours.  If possible, re-adjust  the sun oven to keep up with the sun every hour to maintain a consistent temperature in the oven.  If not, you may need to cook for up to 4 hours.

Crock Pot:  Rub the bottom of the crockpot with butter or oil and then add the chicken.  Mix the barbecue sauce and pineapples and then pour over the chicken.  Cook for 3-4 hours on high, or cook 6-8 hours on low.

Featherlite Sleeping Bags

When You Want Lightweight and Compact, Without Sacrificing Warmth

Featherlite 0 Degree Sleeping Bag

Ledge Sports out of Tooele, Utah has an impressive line of synthetic, lightweight, mummy-style sleeping bags.  These bags are much more compact and lightweight than traditional mummy bags, which often weigh 5 pounds or more.  The Featherlite 40 Degree Bag is a great summer bag that has a pack weight of only 2.9 lbs and it has a pack size of 6" x 12".  The Featherlie 20 Degree Bag is a three season bag that weighs in at only 3.4 lbs and has a pack size of 7" x 13".  The Featherlite 0 Degree Bag is a four season bag that is still about half the size and weight of many 0 Degree mummy Bags.  The Featherlite 0 Degree Bag has a pack weight of 3.8 lbs and has a pack size of 8" x 16".

I have used all three of these Featherlite sleeping bags in various conditions and they work very well.  Like all other bags, you have to have  a pad underneath you to achieve the rating of the sleeping bag.  I also sleep cold, so I have to have clothing layers to add extra comfort.  However, the Ledge Featherlite Bags feel to me that they are close in their rating systems to other bags made by Eureka, Slumberjack, Kelty and Vaude.  Many lightweight synthetic bags are very expensive, but these are fairly affordable.  Ledge has even come out with a negative 20 degree Featherlite Bag, but I have not tried it out yet.

Down sleeping bags will weigh significantly less, will pack smaller and retain more loft, but they are much more expensive, harder to maintain and do not provide the same heat protection as synthetic when they are wet.  My only complaint with the Ledge Featherlite sleeping bags is that their zippers are hard to manage most of the time.  I am getting better at holding them just the right way, but they are very finicky.  However, in terms of value, performance, size and weight, the Featherlite sleeping bags are great for backpacking, camping, vacations and 72 hour kits.  In fact, I currently keep a Featherlite 20 degree back in my backpacking assembly, which doubles as my 72 hour kit.

Solar hand cranked Emergency Radios

Hand Crank, Solar Powered Emergency Radios with Built In Flashlights and Cell Phone Chargers

 Eton FR160 Microlink Solar Hand Crank Red Cross Radio/Flashlight/Cell Phone Charger

Eton Corporation is the manufacturer of high quality emergency radios.  They offer a line of self-powered radios.  The internal battery pack on these radios can be charged via solar power, or they can be charged with a built in hand crank.  This means that you have full control over the power.  You don't have to store batteries for these radios.  They are ready to use when you are.

What is nice about these radios is that they offer several fantastic features.  The Eton FR160 Microlink shown above has an AM/FM radio which also has the NOAA channels for emergencies.  NOAA is also often referred to as the weatherband.  These frequencies can be used to alert you to weather caused disasters, storms or other natural disasters.  This radio can also charge cell phones and some portable devices depending on the tips you have.

Eton FR500 Solarlink Emergency Hand Crank/Solar Power Shortwave Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger

The Eton FR500 Solarlink goes even a step further.  It can charge cell phones, some portable devices, it has an AM/FM radio, the NOAA channels and also features a shortwave radio.  This gives you the full capacity for picking up a wide range of news alerts.  Both of these radios are compact, work well and are manufactured by a proven company.  These radios might be small, but they pack a ton of protection and great features.

Dehydrated Hash Browns

Tasty and Versatile Hash Brown Potatoes

Dehydrated Hash Brown Potatoes are easy to rehydrate and then cook up like normal hash browns.  You boil water and then soak the hash browns in the hot water for 15 minutes.  You then drain the potatoes and then add butter or oil to your pan and cook.  We recommend cooking the hash browns in Red Feather Real Creamery Butter and add Real Salt and crushed pepper to taste.

What is great about dehydrated hash browns is that they don't stick together, which makes cooking them easy.  The hash browns retain their white color very well.  They look and taste like fresh hash browns.  You could also add these into soups, stews, casseroles, or other dishes where potatoes are called for.  Honeyville Brand Dehydrated Hash Brown Potatoes store for up to 10 years in the unsealed can and then can store for up to a year opened on the shelf in a closed can with the lid.

We put together this video on rehdyrating and cooking hash browns.  Hope you enjoy:

Now that you have seen the video, it is time for you to enjoy some great tasting hash brown potatoes at your next breakfast!

Healthy Coconut Rice Breakfast Dish (Troy Adair)

This recipe comes to us from Kara Bagley.  Kara has amazing culinary skills and she posts her wonderfully healthy recipes and insights at her blog Taste is Trump:  http://goodlookingcook.blogspot.com/

When my wife first made Coconut Rice for us I was a bit skeptical about the taste.  I love sweet brown rice in our Asian inspired dishes, but in a breakfast dish???  I wasn't sure I was going to like it.  Plus, I am not a big breakfast eater to begin with.  However, after two heaping bowls of this dish I was happy and satisfied.  I felt great all day and really didn't need much in the way of lunch.

Without further fanfare, here is the recipe:

1 teaspoon Real Salt

3 Cups Sweet Brown Rice

1 Can Coconut Milk

2 Cups Blueberries

Toppings:

Walnuts, coarsely chopped

Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

Pure Maple Syrup

Bring 6 cups water to a boil, add salt and stir in rice.  Bring back to a boil, place lid over pot and then turn down to simmer.  Allow to simmer for 45-50 minutes.  Stir in coconut milk into the rice.  Serve up in bowls and top with blueberries, shredded coconut and maple syrup to taste.

Adult Lightweight Backpack Assembly

Adult Lightweight Backpack Assembly

For use as a 72 Hour Kit, Backpacking Kit or Camping Kit

Backpack

• Lightweight backpack between 3,000 and 4,000 cubic inches

Water

• 3 Liters (or Quarts) of Water in Nalgene Bottles or Soft Canteens or 3 Empty Gatorade Bottles or Emergency Water Pouches
• One (1) Lightweight Backpacking Filter
• One (1) Pack of Chlorine Dioxide Tablets

Food

• Three (3) Freeze Dried Breakfast Meals
• Six (6) Freeze Dried Entrees
• Snacks

Meal Kit / Cook Set

• Titanium Alcohol Stove  with Titanium Pot and Lid  with 8-10 Ounces of Denatured Alcohol in plastic containers

Or

Esbit Cookset/Stove with 12 Esbit Fuel Tablets

Or

Titanium backpacking canister stove with Titanium Pot and Lid with  Iso/Butane Fuel Canister

• Windscreen for stove selected
• Plastic cup from mess kit
• Titanium Spork or Lexan Spork (or Lexan Spoon and Lexan Fork)

Light

• Lightweight headlamp or lightweight wind-up flashlight

Clothing to Wear

• Synthetic pants or sport-style pants (non-cotton)
• Long-sleeve high collar shirt (non-cotton)
• Sturdy athletic style shoes or low-top trail (trekking) shoes
• Micro Light or Lightweight wool socks
• Nylon or Silk Underwear

Clothing System

• Balaclava (full ski mask)
• Wool or Fleece ski cap
• Hat for shade
• Sunglasses
• Extra pair of lightweight wool socks
• Wool mittens/gloves or fleece mittens/gloves
• Waterproof/Breathable rain jacket and pants
• Synthetic or Fleece zip up pullover/sweater
• Bandana
• Microlight or Lightweight wool underwear bottoms or Lightweight synthetic underwear bottoms
• Microlight or Lightweight wool underwear long-sleeved top or Lightweight synthetic underwear long-sleeved top
• Short nylon or silk underwear

Sleeping System

• Lightweight synthetic or lightweight down sleeping bag
• Closed cell sleeping pad or lightweight inflatable sleeping pad
• Bivy Sack
• Ground cloth (emergency mylar sleeping bag or emergency mylar blanket)

Hygiene

• Small ultralight toothbrush
• Baking soda or Dr. Bronners castile soap for toothpaste
• Alcohol gel or foaming sanitizer
• Small package of wet wipes
• Toilet paper
• Wash cloth
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen

First Aid

• Small first aid kit with common medications and Sawyer Extractor
• Three (3) N95 masks
• Personal essential items (inhaler, medications, etc)

Misc.

• Lightweight pocket knife or multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
• Waterproof stuff sack or trash bag

Shelter

• Lightweight Double Wall or Lightweight Single Wall Tent

Firestarting

• Cotton balls or cotton lint
• Windproof/Waterproof matches in plastic Ziploc bag
• Magnesium Firestarter
• Mini Lighter

The Key to a Great 72 hour kit?

The key is.......Water, Water, Water.......and more Water.  Plus, make sure you have a water filtration device or water purification tablets.

Obviously that is not everything that makes up a 72 hour kit, but for most of us water and water filtration are at the top of the list.  Many individuals focus on their gear lists and fancy gadgets, but fail to recognize the importance of water and access to potable water.

Water storage and portage does create some issues.  One problem is that water is heavy.  You are looking at about 9 pounds per gallon when considering the water weight and container.  To help with this carrying weight, drink some of your water immediately.  Many agencies and experts feel that it is best to hold off on drinking water initially and wait for up to 24 hours.  In my own experience and in talking to other folks who I consider wilderness survival experts, it would seem that it is better to start drinking immediately.  There are several reasons for this.  1)  The exertion of carrying the extra water weight can lead to increased stress and perspiration.  Water inside of you is much easier to transport!  2)  Maintaining your existing level of hydration is important.  Once you are dehydrated it is difficult to return to a hydrated state.  Furthermore, your senses become dulled, your logic is impaired and you may become incoherent.  3)  The initial portion of an emergency and/or physical activity will often require more of your body.

A good recommendation is to store 1 gallon per person per day.  However, for an emergency kit this would prove to be too heavy.  3 Liters is usually a better recommendation as long as you have additional access to water.  If you do store 3 gallons, drink two of them as soon as possible.

Water storage can be an issue.  Build up of harmful bacteria can begin in water bottles due to light, heat and duration in a container.  A great way to avoid these issues is to store the Coast Guard Water Rations, or water pouches.  These pouches are usually good for 5 years and stand up to changes in weather better.  If you do store water in bottles, rotate frequently with a maximum of 3 months in between rotation.

In terms of filters, a great way to go are the AquaMira FrontierPro Filters.  These filters usually cost under $25.00 and are good for up to 50 gallons.  They are small, lightweight and extremely effective.  Keep one of these filters in your pack and know where reliable water sources are.  This allows you to expand your water capacity.

Another option is to purchase a pump style filter made by Katadyn or MSR.  Some of these units can filter 1,000's of gallons of water, but are heavier and bulkier.  Many folks also use water purification tablets made by Katadyn or AquaMira.  These are extremely lightweight and compact.

Whatever you decide to do, make water your focus and you won't be sorry.  The next post includes what I call an adult lightweight backpacking assembly with a list of components.  This is my pack for backpacking, camping and emergencies.