Ready-Made Camping Desserts

I usually prioritize meals and snacks when camping, but sometimes it's nice to have a bit of a sweet treat after dinner. S'mores are, of course, a classic. And I have a few other things that I've made at various points. Often, though, I find I don't really feel like cooking another thing after already cooking dinner. Usually that means I just skip dessert. Other times I'll go for something ready-made that doesn't require any prep. There are, of course, lots of options for such things. This is just a short list of some of my go-tos.

Camping Desserts

• 2-bite brownies
• candy bars (I like Wunderbar)
• Oreos
• fresh fruit
• ice cream (from a local shop)

Bronte Creek -- Prairie

We had an awesome time at Bronte Creek. It's a great park and there's tonnes of stuff to see and do. It's a bit different than the other provincial parks I've been to and I was initially dubious, but it was great! I just wish we'd had another day to see a bit more of the park. The only real drawback is that there's no way to get between the day use and campground areas without leaving the park. It's one contiguous area, but there's a ravine running through the middle, so it takes a quick jaunt on the 403/QEW to get between the two halves of the park. This made getting back and forth between our campsite and the various other parts of the park a bit tedious, but it was still a great trip overall. I think, in the future, I'd actually prefer doing Bronte Creek as a day trip rather than an overnight camping destination.

Day Use Area

There's a lot to do in the day use area! We started with the Victorian farmhouse and worked our way through the park from there.

Spruce Lane Farmhouse

The farmhouse was a lot of fun to tour. The rooms are filled with all the furnishings that would've been typical of an 1899 household and there are information panels throughout to tell you about what you're seeing and why it's there. Most of the house is set up as a look-but-don't-touch exhibit to protect the many antiques from damage. There are, however, several clearly marked hands-on displays and activities. I especially liked the dumb waiter that you could send between the kitchen and the cellar. And the Kidlet loved getting the chance to try out some of the toys.

The farmhouse is also populated by several volunteers dressed in period clothing. They're on hand to answer any questions visitors have or direct them to things they might've missed. They'll also often be working on various period crafts (embroidery, sewing, woodworking, etc.). It's also these fine Victorian folks who lead many of the children's programs held at Spruce Lane Farm. TF and the Kidlet did the farm tour and got to meet most of the animals and hear about what their roles would've been on the farm and how they would've been cared for.

Nature Centre

The Nature Centre was our next stop along the way. It wasn't as large as some of the other nature centres we've visited, but it was very well done. There were lots of activities for kids to try out. The Kidlet especially liked learning about ladybug life cycles. And the salamander tank was pretty excellent as well. I also really liked the native fish tank. The staff were also incredibly enthusiastic and helpful. The Kidlet was working on the junior ranger program and the wardens were great at encouraging her and suggesting ways she could advance her progress.

Playbarn

This was probably the biggest hit with the Kidlet. It's an old barn that's been converted into a big, multi-level indoor play space. There are slides and ladders and bridges and jumping pits... And it's nice to have a play space for kids to burn off some energy that's out of the sun. There's a section on the lower level that's just for little kids (ages 1-5). The upper level is for big kids only (5-10). There are a couple benches near the entrance where parents can sit while their kids play. Adults aren't allowed in the upper level of the barn, but you can see everything pretty well from below.

There's also an outdoor playground just a few metres from the playbarn if your kids prefer playing outside. And the bird coops (chickens and a peacock), rabbit hutch, and cow pasture are within a few steps of the play areas as well.

Picnic Shelters

Normally I wouldn't bother writing about picnic shelters. Lots of parks have picnic shelters. It's a nice option to have if you want a place to eat that's out of the sun and/or rain, but I wouldn't feel the need to say too much about them. Bronte's picnic shelters are special though. They're not just your standard open-sided shelter that gives you a small roof over a picnic bench or two. Bronte Creek takes their picnic shelters seriously!

Their picnic shelters are very large and sturdy. And, while they're not completely enclosed, they're not completely open either. But, more importantly (and impressively), they're actually equipped for cooking as well as eating. The ones I saw had stainless steel work surfaces, a sink, and what appeared to be a brick oven! Now I understand why you need to reserve the shelters in advance. All the ones we saw while we were there were reserved and being used to host everything from sweet sixteen birthday parties to family reunions.

Pool

The pool was one of the things we didn't have time to check out during our visit. I'm sure it would've been a lot of fun if we'd gone though. Bronte Creek has a huge pool: 1.8 acres! It ranges from a few centimetres deep around the edges to ~2m deep in the centre. Hopefully if we head out that way again we'll get a chance to go for a swim.

Trails

We didn't get a chance to hike all the day use trails, but we did a couple of them. I really enjoyed the scenery and flora. And we saw a tonne of caterpillars along the way. I think the biggest disappointment for me was that there were no interpretive guides at the trail heads. TF managed to find an mp3 audio guide for one of the trails and I really enjoyed listening to the info about the area. But, I think, on the whole, I prefer the written guides.

Half Moon Valley Trail

This was a pretty little 2km trail with sections of boardwalk (always a hit with the Kidlet). The trailhead is just a short walk from the farmhouse so, although we didn't do it this way, it would make for an easy add-on after the tour. The Trillium Trail also picks up here. We didn't do that one, but it looks like it'd be a good choice if you want something a little shorter and easier than Half Moon Valley. It's a 1km loop and the website says it's wheelchair and stroller friendly.

The Half Moon Valley Trail also hooks up with the Ravine Lookout Trail, so if you're feeling up for a longer walk, you can combine the two (which is what we did). I remember one of the two including a very steep climb and I think it was Half Moon. It took some doing to get to the top and you definitely needed hand holds for parts of it, but it was actually pretty fun. There were also stairs along the way. So, definitely not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Fun if you're looking for something to shake things up a bit though.

Ravine Lookout Trail

As the name implies, this trail gives you some cool views and the creek and the ravine. I was a little disappointed that the lookout didn't include telescopes like some of the other park lookouts we've visited, but it was still a very pretty view. This is a linear trail, so you'll either want to be prepared to walk it in both directions or have someone who's willing to bring the car around to pick you up at the other end. (Thanks, TF!) It's ~2.7km each way.

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Campgrounds

The campgrounds are across the ravine from the day use area. There are no bridges or paths across the ravine in the park, so you can only get from one to the other by exiting the park and driving around to the opposite side. This involves a quick trip on the 403 and usually takes 10-15 minutes by car. There campsites are arranged in four loops: Ravine, Woodland, Savannah, and Prairie. We stayed in the Prairie loop which is the one nearest the entrance to the park.

Field and Forest Trail

This is a nice 3.5km loop over relatively level terrain and easily accessed from the campgrounds. The field section was full of pretty wildflowers and a huge number of swallows swooping busily about. And the forest section was pleasantly cool and shady and full of interesting trees and fungus. I think I preferred the day use trails overall, but it's nice to have the option of a trail that can be used without having to leave the campground side of the park.

Prairie Loop

Most of the Prairie loop seemed to be fairly open with fewer trees and less shade than I generally prefer. Luckily we managed to nab one of the pleasingly well-treed and reasonably shady sites. There's a mini comfort station (featuring two gender neutral flush toilets) in the centre of the loop. And they have a playground located between the Prairie and Savannah loops. Bronte Creek does have yurts, but none of them are on the Paririe loop.

The Campsite -- 121

This turned out to be a great site. One side gets shade in the morning, the other gets shade in the afternoon. There's a water spigot right at the entrance to the site. And there's a path straight to the comfort station going off one side. It's also reasonably well-treed and private. I was quite happy with it.

As is pretty standard for most parks I've visited, the site included a picnic table and a fire pit. The fire pit on this site had a metal ring with a hinged grate than could be swung across to cover ~1/2 the top. Pretty standard campsite stuff. Only worth noting because I've stay at some campsites that have been frustratingly lacking in the firepit/fire ring department. So I like to make note of the specifics offered.

S'mores

The classic campfire dessert. (And some variations!)

Classic S'mores

Ingredients

• 2 graham crackers
• 1 square of milk chocolate
• 1 marshmallow

Directions

1. Place the chocolate on one of the graham crackers.
2. Toast the marshmallow.
3. Place the hot, toasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate and cap with the remaining graham cracker.

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Variations

Dark Chocolate S'mores

Ingredients

• 2 graham crackers
• 1 square of dark chocolate
• 1 marshmallow

Strawberry S'mores

Ingredients

• 2 graham crackers
• 1/2 strawberry, sliced
• 1 square of chocolate
• 1 marshmallow

Directions

1. Place strawberry slices between graham cracker and chocolate.
2. Assemble as directed for classic s'mores.

Peanut Butter Cup S'mores

Ingredients

• 2 graham crackers
• 1 Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
• 1 marshmallow

Brownie S'mores

Ingredients

• 2 graham crackers
• 1 2-bite brownie, halved horizontally
• 1 marshmallow

Directions

1. Use brownie in place of chocolate.

Chunky Monkey S'mores

Ingredients

• 2 graham crackers
• ~1 Tbsp. crunchy peanut butter
• 1 or 2 crosswise slices of banana
• 1 square of chocolate
• 1 marshmallow

Directions

1. Spread both graham crackers with peanut butter.
2. Place banana slice(s) on top of one of the graham crackers.
3. Place chocolate on top of banana slice(s).
4. Toast marshmallow and place it on top of chocolate.
5. Cap with remaining graham cracker (peanut butter side down).

Fat Elvis S'mores

Ingredients

• 2 graham crackers
• ~1 Tbsp. peanut butter
• 1/2 slice of bacon
• 1 or two crosswise slices of banana
• 1 marshmallow

I've made a car camping version of this recipe a few times now and it's worked out pretty well. I think it could be adapted to backpacking fairly easily as well.

It's taken me a while to get the hang of putting together good camp menus. I don't normally use a lot of mixes and packaged ingredients in my cooking, so I don't tend to think of such things when planning meals. That said, they are very well suited to camping and backpacking. Having a mix means needing to bring fewer ingredients. And they're usually pretty shelf stable as well. It's a nice way to keep things quick and simple when you have limited tools, time, and carrying capacity.

I recommend cooking this in a large cast iron skillet or dutch oven over the fire/hot coals. If your cooking vessel doesn't have a lid, you'll want to bring along tin foil to cover it with or else the biscuits won't cook properly.

Chicken and Biscuits

Ingredients

• 400g cooked chicken breast pieces
• 4 c. water
• 1 c. milk
• 1 packet dry cream of vegetable soup mix
• 1/4 c. dried vegetables
• 1/4 c. freeze-dried broccoli
• 1 tube Pillsbury Country Biscuits¹ (or similar)
• black pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Combine chicken, water, milk, cream soup mix, vegetables, and broccoli and give it a stir.
2. Separate the biscuits and place them on top.
3. Cover and cook until biscuits are done.
4. Season with a bit of pepper, if desired.

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Variations

Backpacking Version

I've adapted this to cook a smaller portion in a pot on a stove for backpacking. If you are willing and able to build a fire and want to feed a crowd, then feel free to double these amounts and cook it in a larger vessel over a fire.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 1/2 Tbsp. dry skim milk powder
• 1/2 packet dry cream of vegetable soup mix
• 2 Tbsp. dried vegetables
• 2 Tbsp. freeze-dried broccoli
• 1 can chicken breast chunks
• 2 c. water
• pepper

Biscuits

• 1 c. Bisquick
• 1 Tbsp. dry skim milk powder
• 1/3 c. water

Directions

Before You Go

1. Combine milk powder, soup mix, dried veggies, and broccoli in a baggie.
2. Combine Bisquick and second measure of milk powder in a separate baggie.

At Camp

1. Combine contents of first baggie (with the soup mix), chicken (no need to drain), and 2 c. water.
2. Add 1/3 c. water to second baggie (with Bisquick) and mix to make a dough.
3. Top the chicken mixture with chunks of dough.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, until biscuits/dumplings are mostly cooked.
5. Remove from heat (but keep covered) and let stand until dumplings are cooked through.
6. Season to taste with pepper, if desired.

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¹ It seems that Pillsbury may have discontinued their tubes of chilled country biscuit dough. It looks like they have "Southern Homestyle Biscuits" that are pretty similar, but I've never seen them in the shops here. I guess next time I make this I get to try it with "Flaky Dinner Rolls" or something instead. ^Back