Tag: outdoors

Dutch Oven Delights: Sweet Rosemary Rolls

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This Dutch oven recipe takes a little bit of extra time, but the end result is worth every anxious moment.

I love Dutch oven cooking, especially since it’s a year round activity!

Dutch Oven Sweet Rosemary Rolls

2 cups whole wheat flour
3 Tbs. fresh rosemary; finely chopped
2 Tbs. active dry yeast
2 tsp. salt
2 1/4 cups warm water; 120° F.
1/2 cup honey
3 Tbs. olive oil
3-4 cups white bread flour
cornmeal

Glaze
2 Tbs. honey
2 Tbs. warm water

In a mixing bowl add flour, rosemary, yeast and salt. Stir to mix. Add warm water, honey, and olive oil; mix well. Stir in white bread flour 1 cup at a time until a soft dough is formed.

Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding flour as necessary until dough is smooth and elastic. Set dough in a ightly oiled bowl then turn dough over so the top has a light coating of oil. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and set in a warm place free from drafts to raise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Lightly grease the edges of a 12″ Dutch oven, then dust bottom of Dutch oven with cornmeal.

Place raised dough on a lightly floured board and punch down. Cut dough into 13 pieces. Form pieces into balls and place them in the prepared Dutch oven, 8 pieces around the ouside edge, 4 in an inner circle, and 1 in the center. Place lid on the Dutch oven and let raise for 30 minutes.

In a small cup or bowl combine honey with water and stir until honey is dissolved. Brush rolls lightly with glaze then bake using 10-12 briquettes on the bottom and 18-20 briquettes top for 20-25 minutes until rolls are golden brown. To ensure even browning make sure to rotate the oven and lid in opposite directions every 5-10 minutes.

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National Wildlife Week

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The time has come to celebrate our wildlife!ram

When: March 16 – 20

You ask why is this post going up midway through the week? I say because it’s not too late to get involved and celebrate!

What is National Wildlife Week?

It is a time to take notice of the beauty around us and the importance of protecting and conserving what is left.It is a time to honor nature and the bounties she provides for us.

What can You do to get involved?

It’s as easy as getting outdoors! Hike, bird watch, animal watch, learn to identify a new plant; any of these and more.

You have the opportunity to not only participate yourself, but to get those around you excited as well. The National Wildlife Week website has a mountain of information and activities for all ages.

In this world we shouldn’t need a special week to commemorate what is gifted to us. Everyday should be a wildlife celebration.

So what are you waiting for?

Categories: activism, Education, environment, nature, outdoor3 Comments

Keeping Warm While Snoozing In The Outdoors

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Snow has piled up outside, threatening to keep us from venturing outdoors. Now spring is tentatively peaking its head out, like a timid deer. Most of our winter activities are still in full swing, but my mind is wandering to warmer temperatures.

This poses the question to me, as it does every turn of the season; How do I stay warm in my sleeping bag?ss850146

There are many things we can do to aid our warmth and make our night times more comfortable. Keep in mind that there is no substitute for a quality sleeping bag. Evaluate your personal needs and when/where you’ll be sharing Mother Nature. Sleep rejuvenates us for the next day, the next hike and grand adventure. Without a good night’s sleep the next day won’t be as wonderful as it could be.

  • Before heading to bed, get your circulation flowing a bit. Do some calming yoga or march in place. This will raise your body temperature, and your sleeping bag will trap this heat.
  • Fluff your bag before climbing in, which allows for the insulation to be more evenly distributed, and it’s fun. Down bags definitely require this as the loft can get scrunched in the stuff sack.
  • Change your socks. Clean socks are more conducive to warmth and don’t stink it up. I have a pair of wool socks that are designated specifically for sleeping.
  • If you’re especially cold wear a pair of glove liners or a knit hat. I’ve been known to wear my knittie on many trips. Summers in the North West can have cold wet nights that seep into your bones.
  • Insulation beneath you is immensely important. The ground is cold and seems to radiate its iciness. A tarp under your tent and a sleeping pad will make a huge difference.
  • Other things to keep in mind: don’t go to bed on an empty stomach. A warm belly equals a warm body. The extra fuel will help maintain body temp, as will staying hydrated.
  • Use the bathroom before bed. It takes a lot of energy to keep urine warm that could be used to keep you warm. Having to crawl out of your sleeping bag and tent to stumble around in the dark is not a fun part of camping, plus you lose all that hard earned heat.
  • Stuff a jacket/sweater or extra clothes into the bottom of your bag if there’s room. The less space there is to heat, the warmer you’ll stay. I’ve discovered when doing this I put my feet on top of the extra clothes and my toes feel much cozier.

We are all built differently. Typically women are colder than men. I am a very cold sleeper, so I use all of these tactics. You may only need some or none of them.

As you climb into your sleeping bag after an evening of star gazing and campfire conversation, know your dreams will be sweeter.

See you on the trail!

Categories: adventure, Education, outdoor women, tipsLeave a comment