Family Camping | Lake Palestine Resort

Delicious Berry Desserts

September 26, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

Camping means time spent outdoors with people who matter. It affords you a relaxing atmosphere and no alarm clocks to make you get up in the morning until you want to. You look forward to enjoying juicy burgers with the family and cooking S’Mores over the campfire. It’s also a great time to enjoy some fresh berries and make some tasty camping desserts.

One popular and delicious fresh berry dessert for camping is berry shortcake. You may be familiar with strawberry shortcake, but you can actually enjoy your favorite berry with the dessert for a nice treat. All you need are fresh berries, angel food cake, and whipped cream. If you like a more sweet berry mixture, you can add sugar to your berries and let it sit until syrup is formed. This is an easy and delicious treat when you are camping.

Another favorite dessert is cobbler. Just like with the shortcake, you can make it with your favorite berry, plus it’s super easy. Start with your berries and add some sugar. Allow the mixture to sit until the berries are sweet enough for your liking. When you are ready to bake the dessert, you can put just about any type of topping on that you like. You may want to use your grandma’s favorite recipe or a boxed cake mix. Either way, you can create a delicious fresh berry dessert while you are camping.

As you can see, whether you want a baked dessert using fresh berries or eaten as is, you can have a delicious treat while you are camping. They can be eaten by themselves or added to other ingredients for something you and your friends and family can enjoy on your camping trip.

Easy Ways to Remove a Splinter

August 25, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

Everyone has had a splinter at some point in their lives. The worst part is struggling and fighting to get them out. If you try one of the following three methods, you can remove them as easy as pie.

1. Grab Some Tape

If you notice a piece of the splinter protruding from the skin, you should try this method. Basically, you apply a piece of tape, allow it to adhere to the splinter, then tear it off in the opposite direction from the way the splinter went in. This is extremely important since pulling it the wrong way can cause the splinter to sink further into the skin

2. Vinegar Bath

Grab some vinegar and soak your finger in it for about a half-hour. This may seem off the wall, but it will cause the offending splinter to rise to the surface. At this point, you can take some tweezers, grasp it and remove it without any issues. Use vinegar that has not been diluted in order to increase the effectiveness.

3. Egg Shell Film

The film in the inside of an eggshell actually has some use. Apply this to the splinter and let it dry. Once that happens, pull on the film and the splinter should come right out. As you were told earlier, always pull in the opposite direction from the way that it went in. This will ensure that the problem gets better without getting any worse.

The next time you get a splinter, there is no need for you to panic. Looking for a needle to dig it out will not be necessary either. Using one of the ideas that were mentioned to you here means that you will be able to safely remove it without going through a ton of trouble.

Summer Salads for Healthy Camping Meals

July 21, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

Summertime is almost upon us and many of us are anxiously waiting for the weather to warm up so we can plan our annual camping trips. When you camp, one activity that you probably enjoy is mealtime. There are many things you can enjoy while camping, including hamburgers or hot dogs grilled over a campfire, foil packages filled with delicious meats and vegetables or light summer salads to help cool you down on those hot, muggy evenings. Continue reading to learn two different light summer salads that are perfect for camping.

– Strawberry Jello Salad

1 can (15-ounces) crushed pineapple in its own juice
1 packet (4-ounces) strawberry Jello
1 tub (8-ounces) Cool Whip
1 container (16-ounces) cottage cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Place the pineapple in a colander and allow to drain until all liquid is gone.

In a large bowl, combine jello and cottage cheese together. Once this is incorporated, gently fold in the cool whip, pineapple and walnuts until mixed thoroughly. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

* Tip: For an easy to manage side dish or dessert, place the strawberry jello salad in individual covered containers and keep in your cooler until ready to serve.

– Summertime Pasta Salad

1 (16-ounce) package of fusilli (spiral-shaped) pasta
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/4 pound cubed salami or pepperoni
1/4 pound cubed cheese (Provolone, Colby-Jack or Cheddar)
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 (16-ounce) bottle of Italian dressing

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and cool.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli, black olives, cubed cheese and salami together and stir to mix well. Then, add Italian dressing and mix to coat all ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta salad and mix thoroughly.

Both of these side dishes can be made ahead of time and are simple to make. Enjoy one of these cooling salads on your next camping trip.

Camping & RVing with the Kids

June 9, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

It’s a wonderful thing to share with the younger generation. The beautiful scenery and pure air of the outdoors as well as the wildlife and starry nights can’t be bought or duplicated. On any given weekend, a meteor may cross the night sky that would not only be a pleasure for your kids but also any of their friends that are invited to join on the trip. Just one camping trip can persuade your kids to enjoy the environment and all it has to offer. Below are some camping tips that should make the next outing a wonderful family experience.

Before embarking on an overnight trip with kids who haven’t camped before, you could try practicing having a campout at home, whether in your backyard or in your living room.

In preparation, you should try to get the kids pumped about their weekend adventure and ask them what they would want to do and see on the family fun weekend. After creating a list, let your kids pack their things so that they will feel involved. You also should let your kids bring a few of their favorite toys or stuffed animals so they can feel comfortable in a new environment.

While on the campsite you should keep a positive attitude so that everyone has a fun and relaxing time. It’s always important that everyone knows where the campsite is located so that no one gets lost or disoriented, make sure that everybody knows the lot number and location. Giving everyone a whistle to blow in the event that someone is falling behind while hiking or during other group activities can help in keeping the group together.

Whenever you go camping, there’s always plenty to see and do. You should check out the wildlife of the local area to enhance the experience and enjoy any activities offered to visitors. Bring fun stuff like volleyballs, swimming equipment devices, campfire goodies, Frisbees and such to make your next family adventure the best yet.

Easy Camping Desserts for the Whole Family

May 26, 2018 by lakepale_kLz9Xky

There’s no reason to give up delicious desserts when you’re camping. You can feed a crowd with little more than a few ingredients and a nice, hot fire. We found some you might like to try the next time you’re camping with us.

Image Source: Mother Nature Network

Blueberry Cobbler – You can use a disposable aluminum pan or make this in your Dutch Oven. Either way it is absolutely delicious. You’ll need some tasty blueberries, sugar, flour, and canned biscuits. That’s it! Once you add them all together you have a real crowd-pleaser.

Camp Tiramisu – Oh, this is so, so good. You can make some of it ahead and bring it to camp in plastic bags. You’ll need instant espresso powder, a smidge of Kahlua, instant white chocolate pudding mix, powdered milk, a dozen or so ladyfingers, and a dark chocolate bar.

Skillet Cookies – You can use your trusty cast iron pan for this and make one big cookie for the whole group. You’ll be mixing butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, quick oats, salt, soda, and chocolate chips.

These are some camping desserts to get you started. You can find many more at 11 “To Die For” Camping Recipes. We hope your camping is as sweet as your desserts.

Some Helpful Items to Bring for the Kids

May 12, 2018 by lakepale_kLz9Xky

If you have children in your home you have probably customized your environment for everyone from the infants to the teens. You may have step stools, booster chairs, and other items to help them be a part of the family gatherings. There are a few things you can bring along on your camping trip to make things easier for all of you as well. Some are useful and some are fun.

These Washi Tape Walking Sticks are a big hit with the kids. They can help make them and each can customize their own. Get them involved in making them and they will love using them as you take a hike with the family. The walking sticks are as useful as they are cute because they can assist those little legs on the trip.

They’ll love this Crank Lantern and you won’t have to be concerned about batteries or having an electrical outlet. The kids will enjoy helping to keep it cranked up to illuminate your way in the dark.

This Hanging Closet Organizer will help you keep the kids clothes up off the floor. Each child can have their own shelf and can also use it to hold the treasures they collect along the way. It’s easy to store and very light weight.

We’ve seen a lot of portable cots for kids lately and parents seem to like them quite a bit. The kids think they are cool and most are made to collapse and pack away in a few simple motions. They can hold up to 100 lbs. and will keep the little ones up off the floor.

You can see some more ideas for making your camping trip a big success for you and the whole family at 14 Must-Haves for Camping with Kids. Sometimes one or two specialty items can make the most difference in convenience for all.

Camping Friends You Haven’t Met Yet

April 28, 2018 by lakepale_kLz9Xky

Campers are, by nature, friendly people. They are more likely than the general public to wave as you pass by their campsite, say hello to you in the store, and offer help when they see you struggle with something.

We love seeing those of our campers who met each other here in the campground and have now been friends for years. Over time they have begun to look forward to each other’s arrival and it’s fun to watch them laugh and hug when they see each other again. Soon they are catching up over a meal or a campfire and updating each other on who got engaged, married, had a baby, graduated, or unfortunately, fell ill.

Many of them don’t stay in touch when they go back to their “real lives” or only on Facebook or Instagram. When they see each other in the summer, though, you’d think they were best friends and had known each other forever. We love when that happens. And when they call to make their reservation and check to be sure the others have made theirs, we just have to smile. Camping families are not fair weather families. They are extended families that really matter to each other. They laugh together, cry together, and are sad when they have to part but time disappears when they are together.

We just consider ourselves lucky to be able to experience it and a lot of those families feel like family members to us, too. We can’t wait to see you all and hear what’s been going on in your life since you were here last.

Amish Onion Patties for the Win

April 21, 2018 by lakepale_kLz9Xky

If you’ve ever tried to make your own onion rings you know it can be time consuming and messy. Most recipes call for dredging the onion rings in seasoned flour, an egg mixture, and then in bread crumbs. By the time you finish this process your fingers and the counter can be quite a mess.

These Amish Onion Patties will taste like your beloved onion rings and are easy enough to make right at the campsite. You’ll be mixing up some flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, milk, and a whole lot of chopped onions. You can drop these by spoonful into some hot oil and let them cook until nice and brown. You’ll have a new dinner favorite that is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside without much work at all.

Image Source: Group Recipes

It can be challenging to know what to cook when you are camping. You may start to miss some of your favorites from home. With just a little ingenuity you can create something just as appealing that is easy to make when camping. These fill the bill when you’re hungry for onion rings and need to make enough for a group of people.

We look forward to seeing you around the campground this year so make your reservation soon. We’re looking forward to your visit.

The Basics of a Good Granola You Can Make Yourself

April 14, 2018 by lakepale_kLz9Xky

Kids play hard when they’re camping and that means they get hungry, a lot! You can provide a healthy snack for them that won’t ruin their dinner by offering them some of your homemade granola.

Photo Source: Epicurious

The best granola comes from the list you keep in your head of what foods your family likes best. There really is no limit to the variety of granola you can make at home with just a little experimentation. Cook up a batch or two before your trip and bring it along with you. The kids will enjoy the snack and they may not even know it’s good for them.

The basic recipe for granola is 6 parts dry ingredients to 1 part wet ingredients. You toss it all together until well coated and spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the granola out well so it will cook evenly and then bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes.

You’ll need to begin with oats as the base of your dry ingredients but the rest can be whatever you choose. Some ideas for adding flavor and personality to your granola are nuts, seeds, and other grains that you like. You can add coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. For a nice ratio of ingredients you can combine 1 part oats, 1 part nuts, 1 part seeds, and 1 part anything else you love.

Combine your wet ingredients separately and add them to the dry. This can be coconut oil, olive oil, grapeseed or canola oil. Sweeten it to taste with your favorite sugar or syrup. Then season it with vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, or any spices you choose. Be sure to add a little salt to balance things.

Spread it on a cookie sheet and bake. Let it cool on the counter and put it in sealed bags for your camping trip. It’s really that easy to make and take for your next camping adventure. You can read the details for making your own granola at Granola is Better and Easier to Make Without a Recipe.

Handy Tips For Grill-Roasting Chicken While Camping

January 31, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

When it comes to any camping adventure, chicken is always a winning option for a protein that can become the star of the show. Whether you want to roast chicken legs or a whole chicken, there are plenty of incredible recipes that you can use to wow all of the campers in your party. These are some helpful tips that you can keep in mind that will allow you to make delicious, flawless chicken every time.

Marinades

There are a number of marinades that you can either make yourself or you can buy in bottles that travel easily. Flavors like applewood, hickory, and mesquite make for a lovely way to enhance the finished product to blend perfectly with a campfire meal.

Parboiling

Whenever possible, parboil some of the chicken pieces before you leave for your camping trip until they reach a temperature of 175 degrees. You can then package and chill the meat so that everything is cold to travel and ready to go when you hit the campsite. Parboiling is a nice way to have foolproof chicken that will grill even faster for you when it is ready to cook.

Kabobs

Using the skewer method to make kabobs is a wonderful way to please a number of tastes while also making your life easier as a cook. You can have a number of flavors and vegetables mixes with your chicken pieces to create a bit of variety and this is a fun way to grab a skewer to eat without needing utensils. In addition to the taste and convenience, using metal skewers for your kabobs will also help you to cook the food a bit faster over the flame.

Mind Your Sauces

You need to keep in mind that any barbecue sauce that contains sugar will burn over the grill rather quickly. Remember not to brush the chicken with any sweetened sauces until they are at least halfway done.

Whether you have yourself and one other person to feed or there is a whole group that you are cooking for while camping, chicken is an excellent option that is also extremely versatile. These helpful tips are a great way to make sure that each chicken dish you make is a memorable one on your camping adventure.