backpackers guide to earth

The holiday season calls for sweet treats like these gingerbread waffles with a touch of chocolate. They're cozy and warm, and the ginger, cinnamon, and molasses flavors make you feel better.

Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour. 2 tsp baking powder. 1/2 tsp baking soda. 1/2 tsp salt. 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger. 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. 1/4 tsp ground cloves. 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. 1/4 cup brown sugar. 2 large eggs. 1/4 cup molasses. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. 1 1/2 cups buttermilk. 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips. Cooking spray or melted butter for waffle iron.

Instructions: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and brown sugar. In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the molasses, melted butter, and buttermilk. Mix well. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips into the waffle batter. Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking. Pour an appropriate amount of batter onto the preheated waffle iron, close the lid, and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and keep warm while you cook the remaining batter. Serve the Gingerbread Waffles with your favorite toppings such as whipped cream, maple syrup, additional chocolate chips, or as desired. Enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Waffles - Chocolate Covered Cheetah!

These Vegetarian Jalapeno Bacon Waffles are a perfect combination of savory and spicy flavors. They are packed with vegetarian bacon, pickled jalapenos, and cheddar cheese, making them a delightful breakfast or brunch option for those who enjoy a little heat.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. 1 tablespoon sugar. 2 teaspoons baking powder. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 1/4 cups buttermilk. 1/4 cup vegetable oil. 1 large egg. 1/2 cup diced vegetarian bacon. 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapenos. 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Cooking spray or oil for waffle iron.

Instructions: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the diced vegetarian bacon, diced pickled jalapenos, and shredded cheddar cheese. Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or oil. Pour the waffle batter onto the preheated waffle iron, using the recommended amount for your specific waffle iron size. Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Vegetarian Jalapeno Bacon Waffles!

Indulge in the rich flavors of tender pulled pork infused with red wine and aromatic rosemary, complemented by the sweetness of caramelized onions and the peppery bite of arugula. This sandwich is elevated with the addition of gooey provolone cheese, making it a deliciously gourmet treat.

Ingredients: 1 lb pulled pork. 1/2 cup red wine. 2 sprigs fresh rosemary. 4 sandwich buns. 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. 1/2 cup caramelized onions. 1/2 cup arugula. 4 slices provolone cheese.

Instructions: Put pulled pork, red wine, and rosemary sprigs in a saucepan. Let it cook slowly for 15 minutes. For a light golden color, toast the sandwich buns. On the bottom half of each bun, spread barbecue sauce. Mix the pulled pork into a few of the buns. Put slices of caramelized onions, arugula, and provolone cheese on top. To finish the sandwiches, put the top half of the bun on top of the fillings. Serve right away and enjoy!

Inspired by Claudia Fleming, these Sugar and Spice Donuts have the ideal balance of sweet and spiced flavors, making them a delightful treat. They're the ideal sweet snack or breakfast, and they're very simple to make.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour. 1/2 cup granulated sugar. 2 tsp baking powder. 1/2 tsp salt. 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. 1/4 tsp ground cloves. 1/2 cup buttermilk. 2 large eggs. 2 tbsp melted butter. 1 tsp vanilla extract. Vegetable oil for frying. 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting. 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon for dusting. 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg for dusting.

Instructions: Mix the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, salt, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Mix the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and buttermilk in a different bowl. Mixing until just combined, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Avoid over-mixing. Preheat vegetable oil to 350F 175C in a deep fryer or large pot. Dough spoonfuls should be dropped into the hot oil and cooked for two to three minutes on each side, or until golden brown. After taking the donuts out of the oil, pat dry with paper towels. For the dusting, combine the powdered sugar, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon in a different bowl. Dust the donuts with the sugar and spice mixture while they are still warm. Enjoy the warm donuts after serving!

These vegan lemon bars are a delightful combination of tangy lemon flavor and a sweet, crumbly crust. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to be a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike.

Ingredients: 1 cup flour. 1/2 cup powdered sugar. 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened. 1 cup sugar. 1/4 cup cornstarch. 1 cup almond milk. 1/2 cup lemon juice. Zest of 2 lemons. Powdered sugar for dusting.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350F 175C and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and softened vegan butter until crumbly. Press into the prepared baking dish. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Meanwhile, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, almond milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes. Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

This whole-wheat carrot bread with low fat is a tasty and healthy treat that you can eat for breakfast or as a snack. It's tasty, moist, and full of healthy things like applesauce, grated carrots, and whole wheat flour. Plus it's not meat!

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour. 1/2 cup coconut sugar. 1 tsp baking powder. 1/2 tsp baking soda. 1/2 tsp salt. 1 tsp ground cinnamon. 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg. 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. 1/4 cup almond milk. 1 tsp vanilla extract. 1 1/2 cups grated carrots. 1/4 cup chopped walnuts optional.

Instructions: Set the oven to 350F 175C and heat it up. Set the loaf pan aside after greasing it. Mix the coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a whisk in a large bowl. Add the almond milk, vanilla extract, and applesauce to a different bowl, and mix them together. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until they are just mixed. If you want to add walnuts or grated carrots, do so now. Spread out the batter in the loaf pan that has been prepared. Put it in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then move it to a wire rack to cool all the way down before cutting it. Have fun!

Coca Cola Chicken Wings are a sweet and savory delight. The Coca Cola-based marinade creates a sticky and flavorful glaze that perfectly coats the crispy chicken wings. It's an irresistible dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings. 1 cup Coca Cola. 1/2 cup soy sauce. 1/4 cup ketchup. 1/4 cup brown sugar. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 teaspoon ginger, grated. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish.

Instructions: In a bowl, combine Coca Cola, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade. Place chicken wings in a ziplock bag or a container, pour the marinade over them, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken wings from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Add chicken wings to the hot wok and stir-fry until they are browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove chicken wings from the wok and set aside. Pour the reserved marinade into the wok and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes or until it thickens into a glaze. Return the cooked chicken wings to the wok and toss them in the glaze until they are well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

If you use almond milk and natural sweeteners, you can enjoy a tasty latte without feeling bad about it.

Ingredients: 1 cup of almond milk. 1 shot of espresso or 1/2 cup of brewed strong coffee. 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. A pinch of nutmeg optional.

Instructions: Heat the almond milk in a saucepan over medium heat, but do not boil. Brew a shot of espresso or prepare strong coffee. In a mug, combine the brewed espresso or coffee with honey or maple syrup. Pour the heated almond milk over the espresso mixture and stir well. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg if desired. Enjoy your healthier latte!

The earthiness of kale and the heartiness of white beans come together in this Kale & Bean Soup to make a healthy and filling meal. This warm meal is great for a cold day because it's full of flavor and good things for you.

Ingredients: 1 bunch kale, chopped. 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed. 1 onion, diced. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 4 cups vegetable broth. 1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: Put olive oil in a big pot and heat it over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and saut until the onion turns clear. You can cook the chopped kale until it wilts. Put in the vegetable broth and raise the heat. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper, along with the white beans. Let the flavors blend for 15 to 20 minutes while it simmers. Enjoy while hot!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

This Slow Cooked Dr Pepper Barbecue Beef is a tender, flavorful dish perfect for busy days. The combination of Dr Pepper soda and barbecue sauce creates a sweet and tangy sauce that infuses the beef with rich flavor as it slow cooks to perfection. It's an effortless meal that will satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients: 3 lbs beef chuck roast. 1 cup Dr Pepper soda. 1 cup barbecue sauce. 1/2 cup beef broth. 1 onion, chopped. 3 cloves garlic, minced. 1 tsp smoked paprika. 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: Place beef chuck roast in slow cooker. In a bowl, mix Dr Pepper, barbecue sauce, beef broth, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture over the beef. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender and easily shreds. Once done, shred the beef using two forks and mix it well with the sauce. Serve hot, with additional barbecue sauce if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 240 minutes

These little gingerbread cupcakes are a fun treat for the holidays. They are just the right amount of spiced, and the cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top makes the flavors go well together. You can serve them at parties or just eat one to satisfy your sweet tooth during the holiday season.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened. 1/2 cup granulated sugar. 1/2 cup molasses. 1/4 cup milk. 2 large eggs. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. 1/2 cup hot water. 8 oz cream cheese, softened. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened. 2 cups powdered sugar. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350F 175C and line a mini cupcake tin with cupcake liners. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water and then stir it into the cupcake batter. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating until well combined. Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost them with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a spatula. Decorate with additional ground cinnamon or gingerbread cookie crumbs if desired. Enjoy your mini gingerbread cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

It's hard to describe how bold and spicy this black bean burger with Sriracha mayo tastes. This vegetarian burger is tasty and filling, and it's perfect for burger night.

Ingredients: 1 can 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. 1/4 cup diced red onion. 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 teaspoon chili powder. 1/2 teaspoon cumin. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste. Salt and pepper to taste. 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. 1 egg. 4 burger buns. 4 lettuce leaves. 4 slices of tomato. 1/2 cup mayonnaise. 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce. 1 tablespoon lime juice. 1 teaspoon honey. Cooking oil for frying.

Instructions: Use a fork or potato masher to mash the black beans in a large bowl. The red onion, red bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, cilantro, and egg should all be mixed in. Mix everything together well. Split the mixture in half and shape each half into a burger patty. Put some oil in a pan and heat it over medium-low heat. The black bean burger patties should be cooked for four to five minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and done all the way through. Do the Sriracha mayo while the burgers are cooking. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and honey. You can toast the burger buns for a minute or two in the toaster or on the stove until they are just barely brown. Put some Sriracha mayo on the bottom half of each burger bun. On each bun, put a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice. Then, add a black bean burger patty. Put the other half of the bun on top, and serve your hot Spicy Black Bean Burger with Sriracha Mayo.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

These Lime and Coconut Madeleines are a delightful and tropical treat with a hint of citrusy zing and the tropical flavor of coconut.

Ingredients: 2 large eggs. 100g granulated sugar. Zest of 2 limes. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. 100g all-purpose flour. 1/2 tsp baking powder. 50g shredded coconut. 50g unsalted butter, melted and cooled.

Instructions: Warm your oven up to 180C 350F and grease your madeleine mold. Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a bowl until they are well mixed and a little pale. Whisk the eggs and vanilla extract together again after adding the lime zest and vanilla extract. Sift the flour and baking powder into the mixture, then fold it in slowly until it's just combined. Add the coconut shreds and mix them in. Lastly, add the melted butter and mix it well into the batter until it is smooth. Fill up every madeleine mold about three quarters of the way to the top with batter after it has been prepared. Place the madeleines in an oven that has already been heated. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and they bounce back when lightly touched. Once the madeleines are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the mold for a few minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar or extra shredded coconut after they're cool. Serve and have fun!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Salmon nigiri sushi made at home is a traditional Japanese treat that is easy to make and tastes great. It's the perfect mix of tastes and textures, with soft slices of fresh salmon on top of seasoned sushi rice.

Ingredients: 200g sushi rice. 250ml water. 150g fresh salmon fillet. 2 tbsp rice vinegar. 1 tbsp sugar. 1/2 tsp salt. Wasabi paste. Soy sauce.

Instructions: Use cold water to clean the sushi rice until the water runs clear. Put the rice and water in a rice cooker. Follow the directions that come with the rice cooker. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until the sugar and salt are gone. If you need to, heat it up a little. Put the cooked rice in a large bowl, and then slowly mix in the vinegar mixture. Wait until it's cool enough to touch. Cut the salmon into thin slices across the grain. With slightly wet hands, shape the cool rice into small oblong shapes. Place a slice of salmon on top of each mound of rice and lightly press to stick. Soy sauce and wasabi paste should be used.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This Hamilton-inspired pasta is a delightful blend of colors and flavors, just like the diverse cast of characters in the musical. With vibrant bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory black olives, every bite tells a story. It's a perfect dish to enjoy alongside Broadway's latest craft beer.

Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta. 1 tbsp olive oil. 4 cloves garlic, minced. 1 small onion, finely chopped. 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved. 1/2 cup black olives, sliced. 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped. Salt and pepper to taste. Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Instructions: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Saut until fragrant and onions are translucent. Add sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta. Serve Hamilton-inspired pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your flavorful pasta while reminiscing about the Broadway sensation!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

These Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps are a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal or appetizer.

Ingredients: 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced. 1/2 cup soy sauce. 1/4 cup brown sugar. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 tbsp sesame oil. 1 tbsp rice vinegar. 1 tsp ginger, grated. 1/2 tsp black pepper. 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced. 1/4 cup carrots, julienned. 1/4 cup cucumber, julienned. 12 large lettuce leaves.

Instructions: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and black pepper to make the marinade. Add thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove cooked beef from the skillet and set aside. To assemble the lettuce wraps, place a spoonful of cooked beef onto each lettuce leaf. Top with sliced green onions, julienned carrots, and cucumber. Roll up the lettuce leaves and secure with toothpicks, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, and crispy bacon all come together in Maple Bacon Fudge to make a rich and tasty treat. This tasty treat is both sweet and salty, and it's great for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients: 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips. 1 can 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk. 1/4 cup of maple syrup. 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. A pinch of salt.

Instructions: Line an 8x8-inch 20x20 cm baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the maple syrup, crumbled bacon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge has set. Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut the fudge into small squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy your delicious Maple Bacon Fudge!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes