Michael and I camped for two days last week. Oh, how restful and peaceful it was. I love our little tent. There’s just enough room for us and Bijou’s crate. Unfortunately, a thunderstorm ruined our last night. Who knew you could tear down a campsite in ten minutes? Here are two recipes I made that are quick and simple for camping or anytime.

Helper Pasta Salad

one box creamy Parmesan tuna helper

a couple  tablespoons mayonnaise or ranch dressing

chopped vegetables of your choice

salt, pepper, seasoned salt, etc. to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions. Open seasoning packet and empty into a medium bowl. If the helper contains dried peas you have two options. Either pick out all the dried peas and discard them or place them in a small bowl and soak in hot water until rehydrated.

When pasta is cooked, drain and run under cold water until cool. Toss pasta with seasoning mix. Add enough mayonnaise to coat pasta. Season to taste and add your choice of chopped vegetables. Chill for one hour before serving.

Tips: I used onion, tomato and romaine in my salad. Try garbanzo beans, sliced radishes, chopped cucumber, sliced olives, or whatever you like.

Fruit Cocktail Cake

one box muffin mix (I used Jiffy)

1/4 cup water

one egg

one can fruit cocktail

whipped cream, optional

Preheat oven to 350*.  Prepare muffin mix according to package directions (this is where you’ll use the egg). Drain fruit cocktail. Spread fruit cocktail evenly on the bottom of a 8×11 baking dish. Evenly pour the prepared muffin mix on top of the fruit. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool to room temperature. Top with whipped cream to serve.

Tips: Use no sugar added fruit cocktail to make this dessert a bit healthier.

You can use any canned fruit: peaches, pears, pineapple, mandarin oranges, etc.

Try different combinations: apple cinnamon muffin mix with pears, date walnut muffin mix with mandarin oranges, banana nut muffin mix with peaches, etc.

If you need an egg substitute try these:

1 heaping tbsp soy powder + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg
1 tbsp soy milk powder + 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg.
1 banana = 1 egg in cakes