Pennsic Food tips (was: RE: Re: SC - Headline: SCA-Cooks Unite at

[Heather L. Markle]

>Since this is to be my first Pennsic, my fiance's second, and both being
>new at this period cooking "stuff", could someone fill me in on details
>and suggestions? I would love to meet you all and pick your brains in
>person!
>
>Cessara


Here goes:

Practical:
1> Space is the toughest thing when it comes to Pennsic. We usually go to
the supermarket once we unpack, rather than bring food out. (Also helps on
the spoilage issue)

2> Most people find they bring/buy TOO much food to pennsic. Its hot and
you usually only eat two meals a day at the most. Our camp always ends up
making big "communal" suppers the last 4 or 5 days of pennsic, in an effort
to use up food. (We invite everyone we know, who are usually also trying to
use up excess food :))

3> Don't forget the food court. Plan on at least one dinner out, just for
the fun of it. The food court has a wide variety of cuisenes and the
Italian Ices are not to be missed!

4> Plan on lots of drinks (gateraid, lemonaid, Persan Mint drink, etc) and
snacks. You will be using up salt, so you are going to need those salty
chips to re-charge. <g> One of my best pennsic snack food that ARE actually
period, are pickled eggs: Salty, yummy, easy to eat and a quick protein
fix.

(Notice the words "quick" and "easy". They are important. Pennsic is a VERY
busy place)

5> While it IS fun, it is certainly not necessary to ONLY eat period foods
at Pennsic. In fact, most people dont. Our camp is planning on having
'period night' when those who want to will cook dinner on the fire. In the
past I have had entirely Period Pennsics, but that was before children
entered my life.

6> Work with your camp!!!!!! This is very important!!! Pennsic is too much
for anyone to do alone and your camp is going to make a huge difference!
Talk to your camp mates now and see who else is interested in period
cooking. They may also have some of the cooking equipment you need. Work
together so EVERYONE isn't haulling out 3 cast iron dutch ovens and a pair
of spits.

7) Plan Plan PLAN: Have your shopping list worked out before you even pack
your gear. Figure out which nights you will be eating out of camp. (ex
Wednesdays: Ansteorra chili night) It will help you not bring too much
stuff or buy too much food.

Period:

1> Look for simple recipes that can be cooked all in one pot.

2> You will need bread everyday. Figure out if you are going to buy it or
bake it. (I have successfully baked bread in a dutch oven over a fire. My
suggestion bake small loafs (like very large rolls) and start early in the
morning before the heat gets you.)

3> Period food doesn't mean period cooking techneques. Will you be cooking
on a gas stove or a camp fire. If you are planning on going w/ hte fire
plan, have back ups ready for the Rain (it rains at pennsic, count on it)
and for the hazy, hot & humid days when the fire is right-out. (bread and
cheese might be good these days)

4> Work w/ your SO on this. Find out what he really wants to eat. Your
marriage could come to a sudden end if you slave over a fire for 4 hours
cooking him sops (carmalized onions) and baking bread, and he informs you
he would rather eat the hot dogs your camp mates have. If you do strictly
period cooking it IS alot of work, so make sure you get the support and
cheers you deserve.

Hope this helps, or at least gives you some ideas on where to start.

Catalina (a vertan of what? 7? 8? Pennsics)

Heather L Markle (hlmarkle at ulster.net)

The E-mail of the species is more deadly than the mail


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