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Bruce's “spiced up potatoes” - A camping staple

Claire Stabbert - Columnist
Posted 9/10/20

This past Labor Day weekend was an adventure to say the least. Six of us, myself included, went on a camping trip deep into the Adirondacks with no electricity, no running water, and no cell service …

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Bruce's “spiced up potatoes” - A camping staple

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This past Labor Day weekend was an adventure to say the least. Six of us, myself included, went on a camping trip deep into the Adirondacks with no electricity, no running water, and no cell service for four days!!

It was my dear friend April's cabin, which has been passed down from generation to generation since 1900. April has been coming to Camp SoHI each year, and would visit her father who would spend his summers cooking on the gas stove or over the fire pit.

To reach the cabin, we needed to get there by boat, which was an adventure in and of itself, but when we reached shore, we suddenly realized whatever we wanted to bring to the cabin needed to be hiked up 3 flights of wooden steps.

With only two coolers and ice quickly melting, we soon realized we needed to eat what was cold, and cook dinners that did not need refrigeration. Not to mention, each pot that was used needed to be washed with boiled rain water before we left and with our water supply limited, we needed dishes that would fill us, but also not make a mess. This is where the canned potato part comes in.

April's father would make canned potato dishes for breakfast, and when camping in the woods all weekend, there's nothing better than a hearty breakfast (or maybe a shower). I'm sorry I never got to meet her father Bruce Wendler, but he had a beautiful retreat as well as some wonderful camping recipes. If you find yourself on a hiking trip for several days, try Bruce's “spiced up potatoes”.

To make the potatoes, use two cans of sliced white potatoes, about 2 tbsps olive oil, minced garlic, and seasonings of your choice. April used salt and pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and Italian seasoning from the spice cabinet, and paprika would be a wonderful addition as well for color and flavor.

Begin by heating olive oil in a pan (if you do not have a camping pan, you can do this in foil over a fire). Drain the canned white potatoes and add your seasonings of your choice. Fry on medium heat and stir often for desired doneness (around 20 minutes).

I will never forget the memories made on this camping trip, and I encourage everyone to get outdoors when you can and disconnect from society. I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

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