You're not cooking on trail??

This summer I've decided to go stoveless on the CT. I have an ultralight cookset, that while super light, still weighs about 14oz with a full can of fuel. That's nearly a pound of extra weight that I'm not entirely sure I need.
So I've been experimenting with cold soaking my lunch and dinner meals. And I've been doing a lot of reading and trying to figure out what I can eat that will be mostly plant based, filling, comforting, and most importantly: delicious and satisfying.

Here's a good place to start learning about going stoveless if you're interested.

So far I've made some pretty yummy concoctions with tortillas. Tortillas are pretty much a super food on trail IMO. They're on the heavy side, but are so filling and versatile. 
My first trial was rehydrated bean burritos with and without Fritos (that crunch makes it extra spectacular in case you're wondering).  Mexican cuisine is pretty much my favorite food style, so beans are definitely coming along for the ride.

I've also made a couple terrible disasters (word to the wise, couscous turns out mushy and slimy and is pretty gross).
Hey, they can't all be winners, right?

My current frankenstein meal creation soaking right now is a cold pasta salad made with ramen noodles, dehydrated veggies, and a homemade ranch type dressing spice mix. We'll see how this one turns out.

 

Cold soaking a pasta salad

My current jar of choice is a Talenti screw top jar. It has a nice, wide mouth and isn't so deep I can't jump down in there with my spoon and dig around for every last morsel of dinner. I'm not too proud to lick a jar clean if I need to. The best part about this jar is that is comes already prefilled with delicious ice cream. Can't beat that. 😎

For breakfast I don't generally like a hot meal on trail. Usually I just want to pack up and get moving. I prefer an eat-on-the-go breakfast like a Kind bar or a granola bar.

I usually stop mid morning for brunch and at that time I'll start cold soaking my lunch. Same in the afternoon. I'll stop a couple hours after lunch to grab a snack (maybe a nap, too) and start cold soaking dinner. 

My plan this year is to stop a mile or two before camp and eat dinner. I think it will make camp chores easier when I arrive at camp and don't have to worry about making dinner, and it will also make me feel a little better about keeping dinner smells away from my sleeping area. I don't mind chilling with a bear on trail while I'm moving, but he needs to stay away from my bedroom at night. 

I'll keep you posted on my culinary creations. Some are going to be blog worthy and others are going to be better left in the garbage can. 

Carry on!