Jennifer Lake headed for winter camp!

Snow Camping ~ My Way

One of my favorite things to do in the winter is to Snow Camp.  You gather all of your supplies that includes everything from wood, tent, sleeping bags, shovel....etc.  

You then find a a great location to camp!!

One of my favorite places is at Walton Lake in the Ochoco Mountains in eastern Oregon.

For years I would drag my son Easton out and we would camp.

I would always make my famous Black Bean Chili and bring that along.

Several people have asked me for the recipe over the years so here it is:

Jennifer Lake's Black Bean Chili

2 tablespoons veg. oil ~ 2 minced onions ~ 2 minced red bell peppers ~ 2 jalapeno chiles stemmed~ 7 garlic cloves minced ~ 2 tablespoons chili powder ~  1 tablespoon ground cumin ~ 1 tablespoon oregano ~ 1 can vegetable broth ~ 1/2 cup red wine ~ 2 cups water ~ 1 pound dried black beans rinsed ~ 2 bay leaves ~ 1 28 ounce can HUNTS tomatoes drained  ~ 1 cup frozen corn ~ salt and pepper 

1) Heat oil in skillet over med heat ...add onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, garlic, chili powder, oregano, 1/2 cup red wine, and cook until vegetables are soft.  Stir in one cup broth scraping up any brown bits. Add to bottom of a slow cooker.

2) Stir water, beans mushrooms and remaining broth and bay leaves into slow cooker until beans are tender 6 hours on high should do it.

3) Remove bay leaves.  Add tomatoes and corn ....reheat.  Sir in salt and pepper.  

I always pack enough food for several days. 

 The"Chili" really breaks the cold air and really warms you up! . I re-heat it in a camp pot right over the coals of the fire.  I bake corn bread to bring along.

Of course topped off by a VERY GOOD SMORE!!!

Below is a photo of my son home for the holidays during college break. 

 He really camps in style!  Pendleton blankets and china!! 

Life before an Executive Chef graduates!!

Easton enjoys his Moms Chili

I prepare the dessert....YUMMM SMORES!
So if your looking for a new tradition with your family ...get out and Snow Camp!
Remember to check the weather and be prepared for extreme conditions.
 Tell people you know where you are going!
The experiences that I have had snow camping are wonderful!
Get out and enjoy the SNOW!
Your Artist Friend,
Jennifer Lake