GORP

I'm teaching a backpacking class this weekend and I thought it would be fun to include some GORP recipes. We all eat it, most of us make it (or have), what is your favorite recipe?

Be sure to explain to your class that GORP is an acronym for Good Old Raisins and Peanuts. Which 'recipe' is till a big favorite among traditionalists and purists.

Already done! 👌

I prefer deconstructed GORP.... meaning I bring the components separately and mix them together however I feel at the time of eating them. I usually bring in separate bags: dried fruit (blueberries are a favorite), dried nuts (I like cashews, one of my kids likes peanuts, the other one I'm sure likes something else), chocolate chips, and M&M's. It makes it easier to choose what you want in your oatmeal too (this is also why I bring both chocolate chips and M&M's).

Equal parts raisins, craisins, dark chocolate M&Ms,and at least two kinds of nuts: pecans, cashews, almonds, walnuts...

And a bit of candied ginger for spice...

I used to include M&Ms and sometimes roasted sunflowers seeds, but now I usually stick to some combination of peanuts, almonds, walnuts, raisins, dried cranberries, sesame sticks and a bit of candied ginger for spice. Not all of those at once, but a generous selection.

Rarely, I'll add shelled pistachios just for the luxury of it. No cashews because my wife is allergic to them.

I get the "Pacific Crest Trail Mix" in bulk at Winco. Raisins, peanuts, sunflower seeds and chocolate chips.

They have numerous other varieties...not sure if Winco is a national chain.

Candied ginger? That sounds interesting, and different.

Wow! Two people with candied ginger. I must be missing out on something, going to have to give it a shot.

I've only made it once, but it was more or less equal parts raisins, peanuts, and M&M's. And, I waaay overestimated how much I would eat. I think I still had over half of it at the end of the trip. It was good, but it was really dense and filling.

I throw some Cheerios (or Honey Nut Cheerios) into the mix to lighten it up.