Hey, I’m karen.
I don’t live out of my custom sprinter van, or climb 5.12, or have a degree in nutrition, and I know that most of you don’t have any of those things either (and if you do, that’s rad too). What I do have is a passion for getting outside, getting a little grit between my fingernails, having the sort of experience that reminds me why I love to be alive, and ending up eating something f**king delicious at the end of it all.
Of course, all these things are relative. Sometimes, all we need to remind ourselves of the beauty of life is a tiny plant that somehow had the tenacity to survive clinging to the edge of a cliff or sprouting out between cracks in the pavement. And really, after a long day in the alpine, that smushed sandwich that’s been squeezed through an off-width chimney and baked in midday sun IS the most delectable thing you could think of.
I’ve created Gritty Gourmet to celebrate the beautiful unexpectedness that being in the outdoors gives us, and to make our time out there a little more tasty and a lot better for the planet. That’s why my camping recipes are plant based, use simple ingredients, and all have suggestions to help you adapt them to the time, energy, and ingredients you happen to have on hand. I hope you enjoy!
The Gritty Gourmet Philosophy
I grew up with a mother that cooked gourmet, healthy, and insanely delicious food every day, and with a dad that would bring bean burritos from Taco Bell as his only sustenance if it meant he could get to the Grand Canyon and start backpacking sooner. The philosophy behind Gritty Gourmet falls somewhere in between there.
Food is Fuel,
What you eat directly translates towards how you feel and what your body can handle. As a climber (among other ways I enjoy the outdoors), I put my body through a lot- and chances are, if you’re reading this, you do to. Eating healthy and nutritious food is a necessity if we want to keep our bodies fueled for the adventure we love.
So choose the good stuff.
Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated, and it sure can taste good. While we’re at it, let’s make sure that the ‘good stuff’ we eat is good for the environment we live and play in, too. That means searching for more sustainable food options that have a lower footprint, less packaging, and travel less to get to your shopping cart. Many options for camping recipes are processed, packaged, and shipped long distances, but it’s not the only way to plan your camping, backpacking, or road trip meals. With a little thought and effort, you can make healthy and sustainable camping recipes that fit your busy days out on the trail or the wall.
And then adventure on…
Like my dad, I’d do just about anything to get a few more hours outside, so Gritty Gourmet recipes are designed to fit the time, energy, and resources you’ll have on hand for the many circumstances that come with adventure. A gourmet camping recipe might look amazing online, but it doesn’t pass the test unless I can climb hard all day, get to camp late, and still want to make it. Life outdoors, whether climbing, camping, hiking, or anything, is unpredictable at best, so good outdoor camping recipes have to be up for the challenge. That means the recipes we love have to be adaptable and crafted for adventure.
Work with Gritty Gourmet
Let’s plan an adventure...
Are you a business or brand interested in partnering with Gritty Gourmet? In addition to cooking up tasty meals in the dirt, I’m a freelance copywriter and blogger, and my partner just so happens to be a professional photographer. Long story short, if you have a vision, we can bring it to life.
I love working with brands and people who love the environment as much as I do, which is why I support businesses that are committed to responsible and sustainable practices. If this sounds like you, then I would love to chat!