We all look forward to spring and summer, when the sun returns, the blooms bud, and we feel the urge to reacquaint ourselves with the great outdoors. But camping and hiking trips, whether day treks or week-long journeys, beg an age-old question: what to bring along to eat? Chef in Your Backpack proves that camping and hiking meals don't always have to be about stale sandwiches and bagged veggies. With a little ingenuity and know-how, and a bit of advance planning, you can be dining in high style around the campfire.

Nicole Bassett is an outdoors enthusiast who has been developing and preparing outdoor meal recipes for years. She believes in the notion that a great yet easy-to-make meal is not only more satisfying, but is more nutritious and energizing for your hikes and treks. She also offers great tips for keeping your food safe from spoilage and not-so-friendly creatures, as well as nifty ideas like using film canisters to store spices, and using your camping mug as a measuring cup.

Nicole offers a wide-range of meal ideas, from power breakfasts to soul-nurturing dinners, all of which can either be prepared in its entirety outdoors, or with a little preparation at home before you go:

- Breakfast coucous
- Shrimp and squash penne
- Sweet and spicy popcorn
- Curry wraps
- Strawberry lemon bars
- Ziti with mushrooms and peppers
- White bean dip
- Risotto without the pain-o
- Orange lentil salad
- Cranberry rice pilaf
- Jerk tuna and chickpea salad
- Caribbean black bean soup

With this Chef in Your Backpack, camping and hiking never tasted so good!

Nicole Bassett grew up in the wilds of northern British Columbia. After moving to Vancouver to attend school, she now lives in Toronto where, among other things, she is developing a television series based on Chef in Your Backpack.

Nicole Bassett's profile page

Reading the book, I realized that a lot of Bassett's sound and practical advice for packing and cooking delicious, healthy and satisfying food wasn't just for hitting the trail. It also has a lot of applications for anytime you are packing food to eat out, even if it is just for a lunch to bring to work or school, or for a fun cookout in your own back yard.
-Associated Press

Associated Press

[If] you're ready to graduate to gourmet cooking in the great outdoors, you'll want to add this to your cookbook collection.
-The Globe & Mail

The Globe & Mail

[Bassett] believes camp food doesn't have to be bad food, and her recipes prove it.
-Fast Forward

Fast Forward

For anyone interested in good food, whether you're camping, backpacking or eating dinner at home, Chef in Your Backpack is an essential guide to outdoor fare.
-Sun Peaks Independent News

Sun Peaks News

[You] can stop shuddering at the thought of one more burnt weenie and prepare meals that are quick, easy, and delicious. . . a slim, easy-to-carry volume that's sure to be welcomed in any camp kitchen.
-The Province

The Province

The key to avoiding blah camping meals. . .
-The Vancouver Sun

Vancouver Sun

Nicole Bassett's ideas and recipes are as indispensable as a Swiss army knife.
-Georgia Straight

Georgia Straight

Move over wieners and beans. Canadian author and avid camper Nicole Bassett proves that the can open is no longer man's best friend at camp. Find easy, tasty recipes and helpful tips on pre-preparation, packaging ideas and set-up.
-Wish Magazine

Wish Magazine