It's Almost Camping Season!
I never thought I'd say this as an adult, with excitement that is...but I have come to LOVE camping! I do think it's mostly because we SPLURGED a few years ago and bought a small Class C RV. And we live in Western North Carolina, so it's kind of hard NOT to love it.
Just for a little added bonus, there is another reason to love living here. BEARS! We only lived here for one month in 2020 when we got to see our first one, right next door in our neighbor's garbage. But this guy below was in our yard last summer, I was so bummed I missed it. My husband took this picture and sent it to me. I was so jealous! I just don't want to ever see one when we are camping.

At the beginning of each year, we sit down and plan all of our 5-6 trips we would like to take in the summer months. We are just so busy that we just try and knock out all the bookings at once so we don't make any excuses not to go. We have been to some really nice, peaceful places. Our faithful companion, Geno, also loves to go camping!

He much prefers the passenger's seat but that's my spot. He usually switches from the bench to the bed to the spot in between us up front while we are on our drive. His fun starts once we arrive at our destination and get all unpacked. But for us....let the relaxing begin. Life gets so busy that camping in our RV has become our respite.
We always think we are going to cook something "different" when we camp, but usually we just end up making the same things; Camper pies, hot dogs over the fire, sandwiches, and pasta salad. (see below for the "recipe"). Although, surprisingly enough, we actually have made Hibachi on the portable Blackstone we bought for the RV. That's kind of fun! But Randy just mentioned recently that it might be fun to make "beans in a hole". I have never heard of this before so I decided to google it as I began to write this blog.
Beans in a hole or "bean-hole beans" are 'Beans Cooked Maine Style' (in the ground). They are a tradition originating from Native Americans, and then in the 19th century Maine loggers adapted this method of cooking beans in underground pits with hot coals inside of a sealed cast iron pot. You must have the time to complete this process, however. It can take up to 22 hours! Maybe we will try it this summer, but keep in mind, this isn't necessarily an ideal recipe for two people like us, as it yields 30 servings! It would make a perfect side dish for a big crowd, like a family reunion or an outdoor graduation party.

Photo courtesy of fishermensvoice.com
Recipe courtesy of allrebeanscipes:
Bean-Hole Beans

- 10 cups dried great Northern beans
- 1 pound salt pork
- 2 onions
- 2 ½ cups molasses
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 teaspoons dry hot mustard
- ½ cup butter
- Directions
The bean hole should be 2 1/2 to 3 feet deep, depending on your pot. The hole should be big enough around to have a 6 inch space between the pot and the edge of the hole on all sides. To help hold heat, put some old tire chains or stones in the hole before starting the fire.
Start the fire and keep it filled with good dry hardwood. Let it burn for about 3 hours. The hole should be at least 3/4 full of hot coals. After the fire has been going for about an hour, place the beans in a large pot, on the stove with water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook until skins roll back when you blow on them, about 45 minutes. Watch closely, because they will get mushy if left too long.
When the hole is ready, cut the salt pork in to 2 inch wide and 1/4 inch thick slices. Place them into the bottom of the bean pot. Peel and cut the onions in half; lay them on top of the pork. Pour the beans and their liquid into the pot, then mix in the molasses, black pepper and dry mustard. Slice butter and place on top. Add enough boiling water to cover the beans by one inch. Cover the top of the pot tightly with aluminum foil so that it goes down over the sides by at least 2 inches. Place lid onto bean pot.
Before putting the pot into the hole, remove about 1/3 of the coals using a shovel. Remove and discard any burning pieces of wood. Place the bean pot into the hole, and put the coals from the hole back in around the sides and over the top of the bean pot. Now start filling the hole in with the dirt, packing it down with your feet as you go. You should end up with about 2 feet of dirt covering the pot. Cover the place where the beans are buried with a tarp or piece of metal to keep out rain.
Let the beans stew overnight in their bean hole. Carefully dig them out the next day and enjoy!
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 30 | |
| Calories 390 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 16g | 21% |
| Saturated Fat 7g | 33% |
| Cholesterol 21mg | 7% |
| Sodium 251mg | 11% |
| Total Carbohydrate 51g | 18% |
| Dietary Fiber 10g | 36% |
| Total Sugars 16g | |
| Protein 13g | 25% |
| Vitamin C 2mg | 3% |
| Calcium 156mg | 12% |
| Iron 4mg | 24% |
| Potassium 971mg | 21% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Our Favorite Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Rotini Pasta, cooked according to the box directions
- 1 sweet onion
- 1 green, red or yellow pepper
- 1 large tomato
- 8 oz. mozzarella cheese block
- 8 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese block
- 1- 5 oz. bag Hormel mini pepperoni's
- 1- 24 oz. Wish Bone Zesty Robusto Italian Dressing (or any brand you prefer)
Directions:
Cook pasta according to the box directions. Rinse and place in the refrigerator. Chop the veggies and cut the cheeses into very small cubes (you do not have to use the entire blocks of cheese, use your own preferences). After the pasta is chilled, add the veggies, cheese, pepperoni and the dressing (again use your own preferences with the amount you'd like to add). We like it best when it's served immediately!
This pasta salad has always been a favorite of our family, so I hope you enjoy it.
Whether you like to camp in a tent or in an RV, it should be fun and relaxing. And whether you take your whole family with all the kiddos or just two empty nesters like us, I encourage you to get out there and just do it! Take a good book to read by the fire and make sure you don't forget the goodies like s'mores, Kettle Corn and cookies (which can always be made before you go). You won't regret it. I know we never do.
Here are some other additions that might enhance your camping experience:
Bug Away Lotion, Campfire Grill, Camper clothes drying rack that attaches right to your RV! Have a wonderful, relaxing summer with good friends and family.
RV picture courtesy of French Broad Rafting