This summer, my camping buddy Cyndi and I decided we wanted to do a “tour” of campgrounds in northern Illinois, near our homes. We have limited resources and time, so I needed to choose the right spots for us. Admittedly, my first choice wound up being a great place to go back to, but only …
Knowing how to build a campfire is one of the best skills a person can have. Not only will it make you the hero of the backyard camp out, but it can also be an excellent survival skill should the need ever come up. It may seem easy to start a fire but starting one …
When inviting friends and family to spend time in the backyard, there is always one dilemma. Is it better to light up a campfire or make a barbecue? It’s difficult to answer this question since they both come with many benefits. A campfire allows you to warm up and relax looking at the fire, while …
Camping is one of the best recreational activities you can do if you are tired of crowds, noise, and all the distractions of modern life. Getting some fresh air and taking the time to reconnect with nature has a wonderful and rejuvenating effect that can be an excellent recharge. However, it is incredibly important that …
It’s coming up to that time of the year again. Fall colors, pumpkin spiced lattes, and jack-o-lanterns! Pumpkins transform from tasty vegetables into spooky decorations. Many of us will spend some quality time with friends and family carving out decorative pumpkins for Halloween. The problem with using fresh vegetables for decorations is that they don’t …
Blueberries are a powerhouse in the kitchen. These delicious little berries add a burst of sweet flavor wherever they’re used. It’s a guilt-free indulgence too, since they’re a well-known antioxidant superfood. I don’t know about you, but I can’t resist a meal that has blueberries, no matter for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. Where I …
A cooking diary is a popular way to track your success as you enjoy barbecuing, grilling, or open-fire cooking. You’ll use your notes to discern why some cooking methods delivered better results than others. A food diary will help you to master any recipe, including vegetarian ones. You can use it to write any food intolerances …
In strictly culinary terms, broiling and grilling are essentially the same. However, there are subtle differences you should know to choose the best method for your personal use at any given meal. Let’s look and see the definitions, similarities, differences, and fine details that may help you decide which is best for your purposes. What …
Motion sensor lights are a fantastic solution for outdoor lighting. They light up the area when you’re there, and you don’t have to worry about leaving lights on when you are not using them. The question is, though, are they actually energy-saving? Does the extra technology necessary for a motion-activated light use up more energy …
If you pride yourself in your grilling skills, you know that it’s not only a messy process at times, but it can also lead to injuries. From uncomfortable burns to singed hair, it’s the price that we sometimes pay for good food. The good news is that it’s all avoidable! A BBQ lover myself and …