Warm Weather Recipes

Here at Outdoor Recreation, we love food almost as much as we love spending time outside. We also love good food: food that is good for the body and good for the soul. As the air outside warms up to a cooperating temperature, it’s time to ditch those heavy soups and pastas and start making more weather-appropriate recipes.

Whether you’re hiking up to Mount Pleasant or kayaking the downtown stretch of the James River, this trail mix will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you energized.  Just mix all the ingredients into one big bowl and fill up your pack before you set out!

River Mix

• ½  cup of unsalted raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• ½  cup of raw unsalted almonds
• ¼ cup raw unsalted sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup golden raisins
• 2 Tbsp. dried cranberries
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or carob chips
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

If you’re looking to do something more intense, and you will need some extra calories for your mountain bike trip or a long day to Falling Springs or Explore Park.  These easy to make, no-bake energy bites will fit in your backpack and keep you full.  Just mix all ingredients into a bowl and press into bars or bites!

Peanut Butter Bites

• 1 cup uncooked oats
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey or agave
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
• ½  cup ground flax seeds
• ½ cup toasted coconut flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

You’re going to need something refreshing after a long day of paddling in the sun. Here’s a smoothie recipe that will replenish some nutrients and taste delicious.  Mix all ingredients into a blender and blend to the consistency of your choosing.  Feel free to use more/less milk depending on how you like your smoothies.

Green Smoothie

• 6-8 chunks of frozen pineapple
• Handful of green grapes
• 1 small banana
• Big handful of spinach
• ½-1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 ripe kiwi (optional)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)

Maybe it’s time for a long weekend and you’ve decided to go camping for a couple nights at James River or Grayson Highlands State Park. On all of our overnight camping trips, we make this signature foil dinner over hot coals.  Just lay all the ingredients into a foil placket (double-wrap it if you went heavy on the meat and potatoes) and let sizzle for 25-30 minutes.  Use plenty of oil on the foil for optimum cooking.  Also, be sure that your ground beef is cooked all the way through before eating.

The Classic Outdoor Rec “Hobo” (Foil) Dinner

• Ground beef
• Chopped Red potatoes
• Corn
• Busch’s baked beans
• Sliced Mushrooms
• Sliced Bell peppers
• Sliced Onions
• Garlic powder
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Salt & pepper
• Taco blend shredded cheese (after cooking)

Need something to go on the side? This classic fruit salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Fruit Salad

• ½ a large Watermelon
• 1 Cantaloupe
• 1 container of Strawberries
• ½ pack of Red grapes (halved)
• 1 container of Blueberries
• 2-3 Kiwis

If you’ve opted to spend a casual, relaxing Saturday in your own backyard, soaking up some sun by the pool or throwing cornhole bags with some pals, here’s a ~healthier~ option than grilling up your typical cheeseburger.

Avocado Turkey Burger

• Turkey patty (use a hint of cayenne pepper)
• Provolone/pepper jack cheese
• Pico de gallo
• Smashed Avocado
• Mayo or Garlic Aioli
• Green leaf lettuce
• toasted Brioche bun