We can all agree that tradition is one of the best parts of the holiday season. Sharing a tradition builds family bonds and provides the comfort of familiarity, but after a while the years can start to blur together until no one can remember what year Uncle Johnny lit the neighbor’s yard on fire deep frying a turkey, or when Grandma’s pecan pie won first prize in the county fair.

And while carrying out the traditions themselves can be more cherished than the secret family recipe they are built around, every once in awhile, change can be a welcome breath of fresh air. We believe in the invigorating power of that fresh air, which is why we are proposing something a little different for this holiday season. Below is a guide to creating a holiday feast al fresco with a few recipes to cook over a campfire. So be bold and savor the new experience. The food will taste better as the cool crisp air heightens your senses. And who knows, you might just be creating a new tradition.

 

 

To make the most of your meal, take time to plan the menu. We’ve offered some great recipes here, but feel free to make modifications that cater to your taste. Most of the recipes will require at least a few of these key ingredients:

Staple Ingredients: Fire-proof gloves, aluminum foil, camp skillet, olive oil, sharp knife, salt and pepper, 1-2 heads fresh garlic

Specific ingredients for each dish are listed below. Of course a campfire is going to be the most important element in your rustic repast, so be sure to know the basics of building a good cooking fire. A level, U-shaped fire ring with one prominent “chimney” stone at the back is ideal, but any flat fire ring will eventually produce the desired bed of smoldering coals. This smoldering bed of coals is going to be crucial to ensure even cooking of your food. Bringing along a fire grate is optional but encouraged if you intend to use camp cookware. However, several of the recipes below call for no more from the kitchen then a simple roll of aluminum foil, which is great if you plan on packing light.

Hobo Packs

 

These recipes embody the simplistic yet delicious flavors that can be achieved by cooking over an open fire with nothing more than aluminum foil and your favorite seasonal produce or cured meats. Quick pro tip: once you have your fire blazing and are waiting for it to turn to coal, place your fresh garlic on a nearby stone to roast while you prepare the rest of your ingredients. Be sure the garlic does not catch fire, but is close enough to roast in the husk. This will make an amazingly smoky, savory addition to your meal. Now you’re ready to begin.

• olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3-4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1-2 large beets, peeled and chopped
• a few sprigs of fresh thyme, sage or rosemary
• a couple cloves of roasted garlic
• handful dried cranberries, toasted pumpkin seeds, or pecans
• salt and pepper to taste

Start by chopping an assortment of the fall veggies listed above. It is important to chop them fairly small so that you’re not waiting all night for them to cook. Tear a 12-inch sheet of aluminum foil (one per person) and mold around your fist in the shape of a “pocket”. Depending on how full you’re filling your pocket, you may want to double up the foil. Drizzle some olive oil into the bottom of the pocket to prevent sticking and fill with veggies. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, add a sprig of thyme, sage, or rosemary and stuff in a couple cloves of roasted garlic if you made some earlier. Add about ¼ cup of water, fold pocket closed and set to cook on the coals for 20-40 minutes. Bringing along some pre-cooked bacon, or honey ham to throw in with your veggies is also a great way to add a savory umami kick.

Chorizo Hobo Packs

• 8 oz. dried Spanish chorizo, casings removed and chopped
• 1 ½ pounds fingerling potatoes, chopped (skin on is OK)
• 3- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2-3 stalks celery
• a few sprigs of fresh thyme, sage or rosemary
• olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

The great thing about using dried chorizo here is that you don’t have to worry about refrigeration and can spend the day on the trail worry-free. Chop all of your ingredients and wrap per the same method as the Veggie Hobo Packs. Cook over the coals for 25-35 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Campfire Panini and Turkey Cream Cheese Sammy

 

If low maintenance cooking is your M.O., we’ve got you covered. Sandwiches, especially hot sandwiches with beautiful golden-buttered toast, and melted cheese oozing through the crumb (let the salivation begin) are perhaps one of the most underrated comfort foods around. And with the holidays being about comfort food, we thought we’d share some of our suggestions for making the best holiday sandwich you’ve ever had. The amounts here yield about 4 sandwiches.

Panini

• 8-10 oz. carved roasted turkey or honey ham
• 1 jar fig preserves, apple butter or cranberry chutney (you pick your jam)
• 8 oz. sliced gruyere, gouda, brie, provolone or swiss (you want a creamy, melting cheese)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 granny smith apple, thinly sliced
• A loaf of sliced bread (honey wheat or sourdough are great options)

Assemble your sandwiches with the ingredients listed. Heat a camp skillet over the hot coals and add 1 tbl. butter to melt. Once butter is melted, toast your sandwich in the pan, grilled-cheese style.

Turkey Cream Cheese

• 8-10 oz. Carved roasted turkey
• 8 -10 slices crispy bacon
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• handful chives, chopped or fresh rosemary, chopped
• A loaf of sliced bread (try rye or pumpernickel)

Toast your bread slices in a pan with a small amount of butter. Meanwhile, mix cream cheese with chives or rosemary (or both!). Once toasted, spread the herb cream cheese on your bread slices and go to town adding the turkey and bacon slices. It’s that easy.

Holiday Hash

 

This dish is a mash-up of the sweet and savory holiday flavors that make a dish satisfying. This is a one pan meal which makes it ideal for camp cooking.

Camp skillet

• 1 lb. ground turkey or pork sausage (if hiking at all before setting up camp, use frozen sausage so that it will be cold but thawed by the time you’re ready to cook)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2-3 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 2 Tbl. maple syrup
• 2-3 cloves roasted garlic, minced
• A few dashes of the following spices: cinnamon, cayenne, and sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Coat the bottom of skillet with olive oil, cook sausage with maple syrup until browned, then remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add onions and sweet potatoes to the pan and cook until sweet potatoes begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Add apples and spice mixture, cooking 8-10 minutes, or until sweet potatoes and apples are completely tender. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and toss together with a handful of dried cranberries, pecans or toasted pumpkin seeds!

Baked Apples

Is anything more reminiscent of the holidays then the aroma of baking apples and cinnamon? This perfect combination is truly a hallmark of any holiday meal, and should be included in yours too.

For our rustic rendition of baked apples you will need an apple per person, aluminum foil, pairing knife and a 50/50 cinnamon-sugar mix. Leaving the skin on, cut a hole in the top and bottom of the apples to pop out the core and create a hole that cuts through the apple. Set the apple upright on a piece of foil. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar mixture into the hole (which should be closed off by the foil) and wrap the foil closed around the apple. Place on the coals to cook for 10-15 minutes and enjoy a piping hot-baked apple.

It’s true that most of us do not eat the same way year-round as we do around the holidays. We expect the same to be true for how we eat on the trail—usually we throw in a few packs of instant oatmeal, trail mix, some ramen and call it good. But for this special season, we hope you feel inspired to pack in a little extra weight (to keep a little extra off) and indulge in some holiday feasting and festivities chez-mother nature. Being gathered around the warmth of a fire inspires storytelling and memory sharing much the same way as being gathered around the family table.

Looking for help with your holiday shopping list this year? Check out our holiday gift guides for ideas for everyone on your list! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Hygge: you might’ve heard the term, but you might not know what it means — or how important it is to live the hygge life during the cold winter months. Hygge, a Danish word that’s actually pronounced “hoo-guh,” is a concept that encompasses all the coziest things in life. Think a wood-panelled living room with a leather couch and a roaring fireplace. Think curling up in your fuzziest fleece blanket with your favorite book as rain falls outside. That’s hygge: a lifestyle that promotes a feeling of comfort, ease, and joy. These twelve cozy essentials will bring all the hygge to your holiday season.

United By Blue Out of Doors Candle 

Any Danish person will tell you that there’s one thing more important to hygge than any other: candles. In fact, candles are such a big deal in Denmark that Danes each burn, on average, thirteen pounds worth of candle wax every year. This candle, sourced from all-natural materials and made in four comforting fragrances, is a great way to start.

SOREL Women’s Nakiska Slide Slipper

With its rubber sole for added durability, the Nakiska gives you the best of a house shoe with the endurance of Sorel casual wear.

Yeti Rambler Mug 

What’s more cozy than curling up with a cup of hot cocoa — with plenty of room for marshmallows, of course! With its 18/8 stainless steel interior that keeps your drinks hot or cold, this mug is as strong and reliable as you are.

Woolrich Rough Rider Wool Blanket

Straight from Woolrich, PA, this soft, iconic plaid blanket is all you need to stay warm during your hygge-filled day.

Buff Darla Hat

Staying comfy doesn’t necessarily mean staying inside! Sometimes there’s nothing better than taking a long, ambling walk on the freshly fallen snow. So when you do go outside, nothing will keep you warm and in style like this hat.

GSI Commuter Javapress

You don’t have to leave your hygge supplies at home. A nice coffee creates a cozy mood anywhere, so why not try a travel mug that presses your drink and keeps it hot no matter how far from home you roam?

Kuju Coffee One-Cup Coffee Pouch

… And speaking of coffee: if you’re on the go, you can stay in the hygge mindset with this portable drip coffee you can enjoy anywhere.

UGG Men’s Ascot Slipper

You’ll never want to take these slippers off. And with their loafer appearance and practicality in any occasion, you won’t have to!

Free Fly Men’s Bamboo Flex 1/4 Zip Pullover

With its athletic fit and Bamboo Flex fabric, this pullover is warmer and more versatile than ever.

Alternative Apparel Women’s Long Weekend Burnout French Terry Pants

Sweatpants are so essential to the concept of hygge that there’s even a word for it: Hyggebukser. Alternative Apparel’s created a chic upgrade to the hyggebukser, which usually means that worn-out pair of pants you adore but wouldn’t wear in public. Not only will you be proud to wear these around town, the soft French Terry cotton blend will also make you feel as comfortable as you would curled up on the couch. 

Kelty Bestie Blanket

Perfect for warming up with a good book, this blanket is sure to keep you and your besties warm.

KEEN Men’s Anchorage III Waterproof Boots

Stay warm, dry, and comfortable when you’re outside with these boots. Their all-season, all-occasion versatility will keep you cozy no matter the temperature.

Text by Nick Adrian

Annie Bayer Goldberg of AG Interiors. Photo credit: http://ericandjamiephoto.com/

Picture it: a crackling fire, lights twinkling on the tree, soft strains of jazz music floating through the air while you snuggle into your favorite fuzzy blanket. Whether it’s your cabin in the woods or your apartment in the city, we’ve got the best advice on making your place cozy this holiday season. We spoke with Annie Bayer Goldberg of AG Designs to get her take on how to create a cozy space that feels like a sweet winter get-away.

Step One: Know Thyself

The first step in decorating your space is knowing your own personal aesthetic. Think about your favorite colors, textures and your personal style as well as what you need in a space: storage? Seating? A dance floor? Annie asks her clients for inspiration photos before helping them design their space because it gives her a better understanding of their style. You can do this on your own by creating a vision board of what your ideal space would look like. Once you know what you like, it’s much easier to build a physical space with those elements in it.

Step Two: Know Thy Space

Now that you know what you need and like in a room, the next step is understanding your space. Annie emphasizes the importance of understanding the proportions of each room. You may not have access to a furniture layout software like Annie does, but it’s still crucial to keep your space balanced. Otherwise, you’re likely to get more of an overwhelming — rather than cozy — cabin. Keeping things symmetrical across the room allows you to utilize every bit of space that you have — and if you’re in a small room, that space is precious.  Annie also notes that it’s important to understand the room in relationship to the rest of the house. This will help you get a feel for the kind of flow you want throughout the house.

Step Three: Time for Textiles and Textures

So what elements should you include in your soon-to-be cozy cabin? Annie says it’s all about textiles and textures. Window treatments, rugs, pillows, throw blankets and decorative lighting are essential. Mix velvet headboards with plush blankets in bedrooms. For a layered feel in the living room, grab several throw pillows for the couch that pull colors from your rug. And even just a touch of leather — whether it’s a chair or a fun pillow — will warm an entire room. Natural lighting makes a big impact on how a room feels, but sometimes it’s hard to come by. Opt for a stunning fixture or a simple reading lamp to illuminate your space from all angles. Just a few small adjustments of lighting can completely change the mood of a room.

We hope that these tips are helpful as you create a space perfect for your personality, needs and lifestyle. However you choose to make your cozy cabin a reality, we know it’ll be beautiful if it’s a space unique to you.

Text by Kaitlin Cochran

Paget Pizitz of Melt and Fancy’s on 5th

The holiday season is upon us and presents aren’t the only thing on the brain right now. Getting together with friends and family is a huge part of this upcoming season, but being the ultimate holiday host can be overwhelming. We spoke with Paget Pizitz, Harriet Despinakis and Megan Miller of Melt and Fancy’s on 5th to get their expert advice on being holiday hosts.

Shake Things Up With a Signature Cocktail.

Revamp a stuffy sit-down dinner with a signature cocktail (or mocktail)! It’s a great way to start your own tradition as well. Megan, the manager of Fancy’s on 5th, suggests the French 75. Nothing is more festive than a champagne-based drink. She uses organic Cava, Sipsmith Gin, fresh squeezed lemon and sugar to make the perfect bubbly drink. For those who don’t imbibe — or are underage — Megan suggests her take on the Basil Gimlet. Her perfected recipe starts by muddling fresh basil, lemon wedges, a pinch of sugar and topping it off with some soda water. Refreshing and festive, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday soiree. To keep your cocktails perfectly chilled, serve using a Corkcicle canteen, stemless tumbler or champagne flute.

The Key to a Great Party? You’ll Be Surprised.

Lots of laughter and great food are key ingredients in a successful party. But to really make your gathering one that people will be talking about for weeks, Paget suggests adding an element of surprise to your party — the more non-traditional and out of the box, the better. It can be as simple as a photo booth with fun hats or as crazy as having a cardboard cut-out of a celebrity. It creates a giddy atmosphere that your guests will absolutely love. “Leak details to your most social friend and the rest will happen naturally,” said Paget. Also, invest in great ambient lighting. Great lighting can make or break a party. Whether you use candles, string lights or colored lanterns, guests will love the attention to detail and follow the mood that the lighting provides.

If You’re Hosting, Go Big Or Go Home.

It may feel cheesy to have a themed party, but play into it. It makes it fun for you to plan and for the people showing up. Fill a small room with 500 balloons, put streamers and glitter everywhere — don’t be afraid to go for the dramatic impact! Paget’s favorite part of a party is cleaning up afterwards because “the longer it takes, the more certain you are your guests had a fabulous time.” Presentation is key and doesn’t always have to break the bank. You can pick up simple decorations at your local party store that are sure to wow your guests.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is building a community with the people you care most about. You’re able to bring different social groups together, all while filling a room with laughter, dancing and unbridled joy. We hope that your next gathering is one to remember!

Text by Kaitlin Cochran

Rain, sleet, snow, wind: nothing can keep you and your loved ones from going outside, not even dropping temperatures or unruly weather. These 12 outdoor holiday gathering essentials will keep you clinking glasses in comfort and style.

Dylan Women’s Sherpa Long Reversible Vest

The perfect, adaptable addition to your fall and winter wardrobe, this chic reversible vest pairs with just about any winter outfit.

Corkcicle Stemless Flute Deluxe

Great for any banquet, brunch or bachelorette party, the Stemless Flute keeps every sip of your champagne cold and your Irish coffee hot.

UGG Women’s Classic Short II Boots

These boots have been updated with Treadlite by UGG™ soles, providing them with cushioning and traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

Arc’teryx Women’s Nuri Insulated

Not only is this coat water repellent, but its grey goose down insulation ensures warmth on the coldest days.

Arc’teryx Men’s Proton LT Hoody Jacket

With thermal protection that lets air pass freely in and out, this jacket delivers comfort in any temperature.

MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights

These solar-powered lights will bring the sparkle to any holiday party.

Barbour Women’s Wray Gilet Vest

This Barbour vest’s adjustable waist guarantees a great fit. Plus, its patch pockets make perfect hand-warmers in a pinch.

SOREL Men’s Cheyanne II Full Grain Duck Boots

These fully insulated, waterproof boots protect your feet in style in any weather condition.

Barbour Men’s Endsleigh Tattersal Long-Sleeve Shirt

Thanks to Barbour’s wearability and high quality, this shirt will feel like it was tailored just for you.

Gentlemen’s Hardware Rocking Whisky Glasses

A perfect gift for any occasion, these cleverly designed glasses can rock back and forth without spilling.

Barbour Men’s Ashby Wax Jacket

Featuring a cord collar with a throat strap and angled hand-warmer pockets, this jacket is equal parts stylish and practical.

Canada Goose Men’s Garson Down Vest

The suede tricot-lined guard and storm flap covering the front zipper makes this lightweight vest ideal for weather between 40℉ and 25℉.

Text by Nick Adrian

The football season’s far from over. In fact, the best games are still ahead of us — which means the best tailgates are still ahead of us, too. We’ve gathered a list of tailgating essentials to help you get out there and enjoy the fall weather, friends and family, food, and — of course! — football. 

Keep It Cool …

A good cooler is essential to successfully keeping all of your food and drinks cold and in one easy-to-reach place. The Corkcicle Virginia Tote looks like a chic and stylish purse, but is powerful enough to keep that Pinot Grigio ice cold. The Hydro Flask Unbound Series Soft Tote and the YETI Hopper Flip 12 are both excellent options for soft but rugged coolers. If you’re looking for powerhouse insulation and an unbelievable capacity (45 12 ounce cans!), try the YETI Tundra Haul.

… Or Hot! 

How do you keep your drinks cold after you’ve pulled them from the cooler? With either the YETI Colored Rambler Tumbler or Hydro Flask Insulated Stainless Steel Beer Pint, that’s how. Double wall insulation helps keep hot and cold from seeping into or out of the containers. That makes them a perfect companion for late-season tailgates, where you’ll need some hot chocolate (or a hot toddy) to keep you warm.

Your New BFF: This Blanket

You might have plenty of sunshine, but temperatures can drop suddenly and drastically. Keep warm with the insulated Kelty Bestie Blanket. At over 75 inches long and more than 42 inches wide, it’s plenty big enough to cover you and someone else. Or, you know, just you. You don’t have to share.

Share the Love(seat)

What better way to warm up on those cold nights than by snuggling up next to someone? Wrap yourselves up in that blanket and take a seat in the Kelty Loveseat, built for two. With a steel frame and insulated drink holders, this chair was built for tailgating.

Made in the Shade

Never underestimate the value of a good pair of sunglasses — even in the fall and winter! The Suncloud Optics Sentry and Costa Del Mar Zane 580P Mirror both allow you to be outside without squinting or covering your eyes with your hand. Plus, they’re both polarized, which further helps reduce glare.

Walking on Air

If you’re tailgating, you’re going to be standing, walking, and pacing while the ref decides on a call — and you’re going to want to be comfortable. A good pair of shoes is essential for avoiding blisters and keeping you on your feet. The On-Running Men’s Cloud 2.0 (also available for women) are practically made for tailgating. Lightweight and adaptable, they’re truly have you walking on clouds, no matter the score. 

Pro-Tip: Bring a Bucket

Yes, a bucket. Why carry a bucket to a tailgate? Because you’ll need somewhere to stash all the extras, like silverware, napkins, condiments and more. Besides that, it can be used as a makeshift cooler or even chair. Check out the 5 gallon, food-safe YETI LoadOut. With sold-separately accessories like a Utility Gear Belt and a Caddy for organization, it’s endlessly adaptable. You’ll find at least a thousand ways to use it.

Text by Bo King

Tailgating combines the joys of friends, family, football, and, of course, food. No wonder it’s one of our favorite fall outdoor activities. Clay Greene, Operations Manager at Market Table, gave some suggestions on building the perfect spread for your tailgating party.

Clay Greene, Director of Operations, Market Table

Cheese: A Must-Have!

What’s the most important ingredient for a successful tailgate party? Clay’s answer may surprise you: “Any kind of cheese!”

“As long as there is some sort of cheese involved,” Clay says, “guests will be happy!”

We couldn’t agree more. A cheese board and hot dips topped with cheese disappear quickly at tailgates. Clay likes to offer a few different dips for her grazing guests. “My Buffalo Chicken Dip (recipe below), a bean dip like Texas Caviar and a Hot Bacon & Swiss Dip are always crowd pleasers.”

Bring on the Meats

Clay’s second-most important component of a successful tailgate is meat: “Smoked chicken and buffalo wings are key.” She recommends finger foods because no one wants to fool with a knife and fork while tailgating. Are there vegetarians on your invite list? This delicious vegan alternative to made from cauliflower will give them wings.

The All-Important Drink

Last but not least, you’ll want to have plenty of beer. “Locally brewed craft beer from the likes of Good People, Avondale and Cahaba Brewing will pair perfectly with your tailgating menu,” Clay writes. For kids and booze-free tailgaters, try one of these non-alcoholic party drink recipes.

Clay’s Buffalo Chicken Dip:

– 4 oz reduced fat cream cheese (room temperature)

– 1 cup fat-free sour cream

– ½ cup hot sauce or buffalo sauce (Clay likes Moore’s Original Buffalo Wing Sauce)

– ½ cup Lite Ranch Dressing

– 1 tsp white wine vinegar

– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

– A couple handfuls of shredded, reduced fat cheddar cheese

1. Mix all of the ingredients except for the cheddar cheese together in a mixing bowl until they are well combined and the cream cheese is no longer lumpy.

2. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish. Top with the cheddar cheese.

3. Bake on 350 for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.

4. Serve with tortilla chips and celery.

5. Enjoy!

Text by Nick Adrian