Summertime Festivals can be HOT.

When I’m hot, the last thing I want to do is stand over a stove to cook, or worse yet- build a campfire. Perhaps you have jelly legs from dancing all night, or a severe case of “couch lock” (camp chair lock?).

Cooking ain’t happening.

I used to be optimistic and bring supplies for at least one hot meal every fest. Like clockwork, that meal would be carted back home after every festival. More often than not, the food would then get tossed out because it’s soggy, or of questionable safety due to ice shortages.

I stopped wasting my money (and valuable cooler space) during those sweltering months and came up with my simple no-cook menu.

**Shopping list at bottom of post**

Breakfast

Think of it as continental. All of these items are basically “grab and go”, and easy ways to get some energy in you before you’re totally awake.

Bagels and cream(y) cheese- I usually buy the individually foil wrapped, creamy swiss wedges instead of traditional cream cheese. The giggling bovine spread will do double duty in your lunch wraps later, and comes in a variety of flavors.

I usually buy the individually foil wrapped, creamy swiss wedges instead of traditional cream cheese. The giggling bovine spread will do double duty in your lunch wraps later, and comes in a variety of flavors. Hard boiled eggs- You will see this on the list a couple of times, as they are good protein boost throughout the day. I always boil a dozen and throw them in this egg keeper:

Sweet bites- Individually wrapped biscotti, muffins, and pastries are a perennial hit. We always grab a bag of powdered mini donuts, but never the chocolate ones! Heat, remember?

Fruit- I bring all the fruit I can grab. Festi-favorites are: cherries, grapes, apples, clementine oranges, and kiwis (eat them straight out of the skin with a spoon!).

I bring all the fruit I can grab. Festi-favorites are: cherries, grapes, apples, clementine oranges, and kiwis (eat them straight out of the skin with a spoon!). Coffee- If you enjoy iced coffee, the easiest method is to brew a double-strength pot at home, and transfer to a jug for travel. Dress it up to your preference (sugar, creamer, etc.) with half the glass filled with ice.

Except on the hottest of mornings, coffee is my one exception to the “No-cook” rule; I’ll break out the camp stove and boil water for coffee. I’m not equipped to interact with humans pre-caffienation in order to buy it.

I NEED THE COFFEE BEFORE I CAN GET THE COFFEE.

It’s unlikely (but possible) that you’ll be camped within reasonable walking distance of a decent coffee vendor with espresso drinks.

It’s likely that you’ll walk >15 minutes, then stand in line >20 minutes for coffee made by The-Guy-Who-Sold-You-Grilled-Cheese-at-3am-Last-Night.

It’s entirely possible that when you reach the front of the line, they will have just sold the last cup. Grilled-Cheese-Guy will suggest you step to the side while he brews a fresh pot, in the crusty drip-coffee maker you suspect used to be white. This ancient fire hazard machine shares a power strip with 3 electric skillets, 2 strings of twinkle lights, and a boom box playing “Bob Marley’s Greatest Hits”. While you wait, you try not to notice that GCG hasn’t washed his hands between making change and throwing strips of bacon on the griddle. When finally your cup is presented to you, GCG (Should I ask his real name? We’ve spent so much time together…) chuckles when you ask about cream and sugar.

“Nah, man.”

So that, children, is why we always bring our own coffee.

Lunch & Dinner

Turkey & Cheese Wraps- I buy several of the small plastic pouches of lunch meat. They usually cost <$1 each, and they’ll stay watertight until opened. Spread the aforementioned creamy swiss on a tortilla, or add the sliced cheese of your choice. Tomato and avocado are always a fresh note in a sandwich wrap. Tortillas are key here, as BREAD WILL GET SQUISHED in transit.

I buy several of the small plastic pouches of lunch meat. They usually cost <$1 each, and they’ll stay watertight until opened. Spread the aforementioned creamy swiss on a tortilla, or add the sliced cheese of your choice. Tomato and avocado are always a fresh note in a sandwich wrap. Tortillas are key here, as BREAD WILL GET SQUISHED in transit. Summer sausage, cheese and crackers- add a fancy flavored mustard for extra kick to this classic. Pairs well with apples or pears.

add a fancy flavored mustard for extra kick to this classic. Pairs well with apples or pears. Prepared supermarket salads- Last summer, we happened upon some pre-made salads in completely watertight containers. They were a fresh, self contained meal, and even came complete with its own bowl and fork!

Snacks

More than likely, your weekend will be sporadic grazing sessions as opposed to formal mealtimes. My favorites:

Cheese- String cheese and the mini wax covered goudas are GOOD-a. (I can’t help myself.)

String cheese and the mini wax covered goudas are GOOD-a. (I can’t help myself.) Nuts- More protien. Trail mix (sans chocolate) is one option, but shelled peanuts and pistachios are easy to share around the campsite.

More protien. Trail mix (sans chocolate) is one option, but shelled peanuts and pistachios are easy to share around the campsite. Fruit & Veg- Same list as above; but dip apple wedges into soft cheese, or baby carrots into peanut butter.

Cheese crackers- I love chips as much as you do, but they’ll be a bag of greasy dust by the time you get to camp. So, opt for chips in a can or snack crackers in a box.

I love chips as much as you do, but they’ll be a bag of greasy dust by the time you get to camp. So, opt for chips in a can or snack crackers in a box. Hard Boiled Eggs- I told you we’d come back to these. They’re good any time. Be sure to pack some salt & pepper in your kitchen box for these.

Granola bars- An old favorite. Keep a few in your bag for a quick bite of dance fuel between sets.

An old favorite. Keep a few in your bag for a quick bite of dance fuel between sets. Candy- Red licorice or other candy that will withstand high temps. (Do I have to say, “NO CHOCOLATE” again?) Hard candies and suckers will combat dry mouth, so pack a few when you head down to the stage.

Happy Festi-Camping! -KT

The Shopping List: (For 2 people)

Fruit & Vegetables:

Cherries, grapes, apples, strawberries, kiwis and clementines

2 avocados

1 tomato or carton of grape tomatoes

Pre-made salads (1 per person)

Bag of baby carrots

Dairy & Eggs

Dozen eggs for boiling

Creamy Swiss cheese wedges (any flavor)

Sliced sandwich cheese

String cheese

Baby goudas

Coffee creamer (powdered or individual cups)

Meat

Single serving lunch meat packs

Summer sausage

Grains

Tortillas

Wheat Crackers

Bagels

Powdered donuts, indiviually wrapped pastry, or biscotti

Misc