Contributed by:
Tabitha Dial, YourHub.com
Article Contributed on: 7/30/2006 4:09:09 PM
Alexand I spent a brief vacation camping at Blue Mesa Reservoir, July 23-26. When we weren't roasting hot dogs or marshmallows on twigs over the campfire (what a blast!) we were hiking or enjoying scenic cruises in
Belleor eating yummy food in Gunnison, Colo.
My grandmother was born in nearby Olathe, Colo. and spent many of her young days in Montrose, Colo.(she and Granddad were Head Boy and Head Girl at Montrose High School)
She often encouraged me to visit the Black Canyon, which has had special meaning in recent years because of the discovery of a black and white photograph I believe she took of my grandfather, who passed away six years ago.
Granddad was so young. So very, very, strikingly handsome.
I suppose I've learned that I take pretty good shots out by the Black Canyon too. It wasn't the objective, but I'm impressed with Alex's fine skills.
The best thing I learned while camping? Haystacks (which were a treat my grandmother made at Christmas-- now I make them whenever I like) are awesome for making s'mores. This was Alex's idea.
Here's a quick haystack recipe for you to try-- and if you can get out there to roast some marshmallows to add to them, all the better!
Haystacks (sometimes called Birds' Nests)
1 bag butterscotch chips
1 bagchocolate chips
1 can (or more?) of chow mein noodles (those beautiful brown crunchy things)
salted peanuts (optional-- no, I don't know how many ... this is from memory, actually, and I skip the peanuts)
waxed paper
Completely melt butterscotch chips and chocolate chips in a large pot, using medium high to high heat and stirring dilligently
Stir in chow mein noodles (I usually use a little more than half of the bag you can get at the store) and optional peanuts. Alex likes lots, lots, lotsof them-- just enough for the chocolate/butterscotch to cover the noodles.
Spoon the mixture into little "haystacks" on waxed paper. Use your discretion for the size. Mine are possibly twice the size of my grandmother's. I get about 15 haystacks.
Let haystacks cool until solid. For my bigger haystacks, this has meant I stick them in the freezer for less than half an hour after they've had several hours to cool. Of course, my apartment may be a little warmer than your kitchen.
Haystacks do taste different when frozen-- Alex actually prefers to eat them out of the freezer, so you might want to try it, too.
Enjoy! Oh yes and be sure to go
hereto check out the only photo actually taken at the Black Canyon.
Thanks for the read.