CreateAGorp

2012-01-28T12:38:00.000-08:00

Make your own gorp (trail mix) for healthier kids. Eliminate excess salt and sugar, choose lower-fat ingredients, fine-tune recipes to omit your loved ones' allergens.

Super Bowl Gorp
Make barrels of this snack for the big game. It saves a ton of money and it can also reduce sugar, fat, salt and other dietary no-no’s. To make it gluten-free use only gluten-free cereal squares. Make it in sweet or savory versions using the ingredients listed. Or substitute a salt-free savory mix (such as Mrs. Dash) or use a sugar equivalent plus cinnamon.

8 cups “lite” popcorn (3 one-quart microwave packets)
8 cups your favorite square cereals (two to four different varieties)
2 cups roasted whole almonds (salted or unsalted)
2 cups roasted whole pecan halves (salted or unsalted)
½ cup Jane’s Crazy Mixed Up Salt (or other savory herb blend) OR
½ cup cinnamon sugar (1 teaspoon sugar to ½ cup sugar)
1 tablespoon dry Butter Buds seasoning(optional)

Combine everything in a big bag and shake gently to mix. Package by the cupful for travel and the trail or serve it in big bowls for game day. Makes 20 cups.

Trail mix lover’s tip of the day: when you measure and package by the cup or half cup you know just what you’re getting. Dieters are not tempting to keep dipping back into the bowl.

2012-01-20T12:59:00.000-08:00

photo copyright janet groene

Gorp is pocket fuel on the golf course, at your desk, at the wheel, on the airlines. Make it at home for a healthier, more satisfying snack. A new recipe posts here every Friday.

Shrimp and Goldfish Gorp
Shrimp chips are found in Asian markets in different flavors including cheese, onion and sour cream. Try them all but this recipe is best made with plain shrimp chips.

4 cups shrimp chips
4 cups vegetable chips or small vegetable crackers, preferably low sodium
2 cups fish-shaped crackers, preferably low sodium
2 cups whole blanched almonds
1 cup wasabi peas

Put everything in a large bag and mix gently. Package by the cup for a snack on the go or serve in a big bowl when the gang gets together to watch the big game on TV. Makes 13 cups.

Janet Groene, author of books including Cooking on the Go presents galley recipes for boating at Boat Cook and easy recipes for camping and RV travel at CampAndRVCook. Sign up as a Follower free at any or all Janet Groene blogs.

Healthy Snacks for Game Day, Camping, Hiking

2012-01-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Kevin, the SATW Traveling Teddy Bear, has his own backpack for carrying his personal gorp.

Kevin has travel stores for kids at

http://www.KevinTBear.blogspot.com

Popcorn Passion Gorp
This is the perfect snack for game day on TV, tailgating or a not-too-sweet dessert for camping or hiking.

4 cups Poppycock
8 cups plain popcorn, preferably popped without oil or salt
4 cups chocolate Poppycock
1 package Cracker Jacks (about 2 cups)
Put everything in a large bag and shake gently to mix. Serve in big bowls or portion into one- or two-cup servings in snack bags. Makes 18 cups. Keep in a cool, dry place.

Janet Groene is a sailor, camper, traveler and professional travelwriter who holds a Gold Award from Parenting Publications of America and the Distinguished Achievement in RV Journalism Award. Her recipes for sailors and campers are found at http://www.BoatCook.blogspot.com and http://www.CampAndRVCook.blogspot.com

2012-01-11T13:37:00.001-08:00

Janet Groene's weekly blog featuring easy recipes for camping, RV travel, boating and such is available for Kindle subscription at http://tinyurl.com/7j354zo

Trail Mix Makes a Real Meal at Home or on the Go

2011-12-31T06:56:00.000-08:00

blog copyright janet groene, all rights reserved. For permissions or to inquire about advertising rates for one or more JanetGroene sites email janetgroene@yahoo.com

This blog posts weekly, usually on Friday. Come back often so you don't miss any recipes.

Reusable containers that hold one cup (meal) or a half cup (snacks) protect freshness and also allow portion control

photo copyright janet groene

Snappy Pea Gorp
This is a hearty, filling, meat-and-potato gorp to make a real meal on the trail or when you’re too busy to leave your desk. Dirty potato chips are made from scrubbed but unpeeled potatoes. They are found with or without salt in some supermarkets and online.

2 cups Snap Pea Crisps
1 cup wasabi peas
4 cups turkey jerky , snipped in bite size
6 cups salt-free “dirty” potato chips
2 cups dried pineapple bits
Toss everything lightly to mix. Package in snack bags by the cupful. Keep in a cool, dry place. Makes 15 one-cup portions.

See more Janet Groene recipes at CampAndRVCook and BoatCook.

Homemade Trail Mix for Travel, Health

2011-12-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

blog copyright Janet Groene. For permissions or to advertise on one or more Groene blogs get details from janetgroene@yahoo.com

Whether you're snacking at the helm, on the trail or at your desk, homemade gorp saves money, shaves calories, minimizes chemicals and other unwanted ingredients

Sugarplum Gorp
Get lots of fiber and natural sugar in this delicious holiday trail mix. Serve it for dessert or a sweet snack.

12 cups popcorn, popped without salt or oil
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup turbinado or other coarse natural sugar
12-ounce package diced, pitted dates
12-ounce package cut up dried plums
Pick over popped corn to rmove hard kernels and put it in a big bag. Mix spices and sugar and sprinkle half over the popcorn. Toss gently. Toss remaining sugar and spice with dried plums and dates to coat them. Add to popcorn, close bag and toss gently to mix well. Serve in bowls or package in 2-cup portions for the trail . Keep cool and dry. Makes about 14 cups.

Last minute gifts for a boater or camper? See Janet Groene's pro and con comments on great galley gear at GalleyShop. Amazon promises speedy service.

Healthy Snacks to Make at Home, Save $

2011-12-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

Homemade gorp makes a meal any time, anywhere
photo copyright janet groene

Make Your Own Trail Mix
Call it trail mix or gorp, it’s a meal in a bag. Save money by making it yourself. This also allows you to control portions, control ingredients, control tastes.
Cheese Straw Gorp
    Vary the taste of these nibbles by using different types of grated cheese. You can also add more zing with a tiny pinch of red pepper or a teaspoon of herbs. Butter and cheese contain salt. Don’t add more.
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 sticks butter
8-ounce package finely shreddedCheddar cheese
Ice water
    Cut butter into a mixture of the baking powder and flour. Fold in cheese and add ice water little by little just until mixture forms a ball. Form into logs an inch in diameter. Wrap and chill. Slice 1/4 inch thick and bake at 375 degrees until golden. Cool completely and package by the portion or serve on trays. This snack provides fat, dairy and protein. To make a meal, add a big, juicy apple and a calorie-free beverage.

Do you camp, boat or hike? See more of Janet Groene’s simple recipes at and at BoatCook.