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      SEED Journal

      Time To Get Out And Cook!

      Written By: Dianna Armand

      We made it! Summer is here and the days are long and beautiful. Now is the time to dust off that BBQ , find your camp kitchen gear, or dust off your Jetboil and grab a new fuel canister.  It is the perfect time to practice your outdoor cooking skills. 

      Summer is one of the best times of the year to pick up fresh local produce from your farmers market. Shopping at the farmers market ensures the freshest fruit and vegetables. In most cases you are directly supporting a small family run farm. You know the easiest way to cook summer vegetables and fruit is on the BBQ.

      As we know, the simplest way is often the best. Get your favorite italian dressing, clean and then marinate the vegetables, now grill away. Thes make a great side or main dish, the flavors are mouthwatering fresh. Don’t stop here, the fruit belongs on an open flame as well. Peaches, nectarines, plums, actually most any stone fruit, will be great grilled.  The flavors are even sweeter when you add a little heat. The easiest way to serve is with a little balsamic vinegar glaze.

      BBQ’s are great, but what about cooking over an open flame. There is something satisfying about cooking on a campfire. Maybe it is the flame or the smell, but it is special. In our opinion campfire dinners are some of the best. After a full day of hiking or maybe just sitting under a shade tree catching up on your journaling, a hearty campfire dinner always hits the spot. When cooking on an open fire one of the easiest ways is with foil packets. These little packets are quick and easy, eveyones are customized to their liking, and no dishes to clean up! The packets are great for side dishes or a complete meal. A popular packet meal is desert. Split a banana, add some marshmallows, pieces of a chocolate bar and peanut butter. Wrap it up in foil and put in indirect heat until it is gooey and good. We also found a great website with some awesome recipe ideas for campfire packets at Four Around the World.  

      Another great camping meal saver is the dutch oven. Fill it, bury it in the hot coals and leave it until it is done. Camping with friends? Make a Dutch Oven dinner that everyone can participate in. Dutch Oven chili is a great meal to have everyone join in the making. It doesn’t matter what kind of beans, or kind of canned tomatoes, or even type of meat, (meatless is wonderful too!). Have everyone bring a can or something, don’t forget the onion and the spices. Prep and get everything into the pot, let it cook. It is guaranteed to be easy, tasty and fun!

       

      Whether camping in the backcountry or off the back of your vehicle. There are an assortment of prepackaged and made ahead recipes that are perfect for eating a great meal in the middle of wherever you may be. The easiest and quickest way to cook yourself a great meal is with the Jetboil. We are huge fans of these small and mighty stoves. Imagine a long road trip up the coast, and having the ability to pull off by a cove on the beach and cook a meal?  How about waking up in the morning and having barista quality coffee at the trailhead. Being on trail does not necessarily mean giving up the convenience of a quick meal. In need of some menu ideas, Jetboil’s website has some great recipes. 

      Remember to enjoy the long days of summer, go for a hike, a coastal drive or find a campsite. Live life to the fullest, make memories, and always eat great food. 

      As always let us know where you are exploring and what memories you are making. #seedinthewild #seedontheroad

       *Photos by:

      Hulki Okan Tabak

      Four Around the World

      Missing The Trails?

      Written By: Dianna Armand

      Ever have one of those days where you sit  in front of your computer, trying to get through a pile of work, but all you are able to think about is getting back to the trail? Why just daydream about being in nature, why not get out there? 

      If you are almost anywhere in Orange County there are some of the most amazing hiking trails just a quick car ride away. Let's use our home base, Seed People’s Market in Costa Mesa as a starting point. Where could you end up if you drive just one short hour or less?  

      Our first quick get away is Lake Elsinore. This natural freshwater lake in Riverside county is about 3000 acres in size. There are numerous trails around the lake. One of the longer ones is Walker Canyon trail. It is a 9.2 mile out and back trail in the Temescal Mountains. This trail is lined with excellent examples of Native California WildFlowers. You are also able to explore the canyons right off the trail during your hike. Most of the trail is in direct sun, so make sure to stay hydrated and wear a hat!  While you are in Lake Elsinore make time for the Ortega Falls. As with all waterfalls this is better after a good rain. In the more arid times of year when the water isn't running, it makes for good rock climbing spot. The falls is a shorter hike of less than a mile, but rated as difficult, due to the trail not being clearly marked, and the need to scramble over rocks.

      Now for an Orange County trail. Black Star Canyon Falls is located in Silverado Canyon and is a 6.7 mile out and back trail. Many hikers consider this trail a great place to practice your technical scrambling skills. Feel free to bring Fido on this trail with you too!  The trail leads you alongside and sometimes through river beds and on dirt paths. In the rainy season there is a waterfall at the end. About 5 miles in from the trailhead there is the Black Star Canyon Indian Village Site. The Togva people once made this canyon their home, You are still able to see the remnants of this tribe including mortar holes in the rock. Warning, beware of poison oak on this trail.

      Looking for an easier trail, with less strenuous terrain, then don’t forget about our Beaches. The San Clemente Beach Trail runs along the railroad tracks and has no elevation gain. This is great for walking, running or biking. It passes over vernal pools and offers a beautiful  coastal view on the entirety of the trail. 

      Love the beach but want something more strenuous to hike on the coast, check out Crystal Cove State Park. The park offers more than 18 miles of trails traversing 2400 acres of native terrain.  There are also 3 environmentally friendly campgrounds, for more adventurous hikers. 

      A great hike for the entire family is the Dana Point Headlands. Start by exploring the interpretive center located at the end of Green Lantern above Dana Point Harbor. The center is small but informative and strives to encourage conversation of the headlands. From here you can take the Dana Point Preserve Trail. It is clearly marked with cables and only about .5 miles long. There are beautiful coastal views that often include whales and dolphins. Pick a day, just a few hours out of your week, is guaranteed to refresh your spirit and fill your soul. So pick a day, get up and get on the trail.

      #seedinthewild #seedonthetrail #getoutdoors

      "Keep close to Nature’s heart... and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean", John Muir

      *Photos by:

      Megan Ellis

      Dex Ezekiel 

      Mark Rightmire

      Handcraft Your Happy Hour with Camp Craft Cocktails

      Handcraft Your Happy Hour with Camp Craft Cocktails

      If you're anything like me and not a mixologist and creating great cocktails at home is just as hard as trying to learn a new language, then I have some great news for you.

      Whether you are an avid home mixologist or not, Camp Craft Cocktails is bound to take your cocktail game to the next level.  Just add 12oz of your favorite spirit (we recommend Vodka or Tequila) and refrigerate! If alcohol isn't your thing, no worries, just add boiling water instead.

      Why we love them: They are delicious, come in a variety of different flavors, and are packaged in a mason jar you can reuse! Another thing we really love is that the business is woman-owned and operated right here in the USA!

       Step by Step How-To

      1. Choose your cocktail

      -- Bloody Mary (Horseradish Sriracha Salt, Pickles, Peppercorn, Cilantro, Lemon)

      -- Hibiscus Ginger Lemon (Hibiscus, Ginger, Lemon, Hibiscus Infused Cane Sugar)

      -- Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita (Pineapple, Jalapeno, Citrus Cane Sugar, Lime)

      -- Sage & Tumeric (Sage, Orange, Black Pepper, Diaspora Co turmeric-infused NON-GMO vegan cane sugar.)

      -- Brunch Punch (Dried Cherries, Pineapple, Oranges, and Citrus Infused non-GMO vegan sugar. )

       

      2. Add Alcohol

      Vodka goes well with all of the  cocktails, and it is what I prefer. The Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita was created for tequila, but vodka can be used if you prefer a spicy martini. The Aromatic Citrus and Hibiscus Ginger Lemon are great with the following: Tequila Blanco, Gin, Whiskey, Bourbon, Rum, Vodka, Rum.

      If alcohol is not your thing? That's okay, Click here to learn how to make you Camp jar zero proof!

       

      3. Infuse Three Days

      Add liquor, cap, and refrigerate for three full days.

       

      4. Serve Cocktails

      Once infused, strain shots into individual glasses or one large pitcher if serving all at once. Pair with soda water, juice, tonic, or a little bit of each. Straining shots ensures a smooth cocktail and the chance to re-infuse a second time.

       

      5. Serve Cocktails

      The best part of the process - sit back, relax, and sip the greatness you created.Â