Climbing Fuel

Today, this being the Fifth Day of Vegan MoFo, was an absolutely GORGEOUS day in Mid-Missouri! The weather was perfect: cool, sunny, breezy...a great day for rock climbing! After our traditional Sunday breakfast, Steve and I went out to Earthquake Hollow to go bouldering...climbing boulders, without ropes... for the afternoon! So, I had to pack some food to fuel our afternoon of climbing! I will tell you what we had, and a few other items that are good for exercise fuel or foods to take on a hike or camping trip!

For lunch, I made my favorite Tofu "Egg" Salad! I probably can't express to you how delicious this salad is. It is sooooo creamy and good and just hits the spot! I'm sure that is with much help of our friend, Vegenasie! :) This is packed with protein, but is not too heavy...so it fills you up but doesn't weigh you down! It travels well, and you don't have to worry about yucky salmonella like you would with egg salad!

Tofu "Egg" Salad (serves 6)

1 block extra firm tofu, crumbled

1/2 cup Vegenaise

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1 stalk celery, diced

1 carrot, shredded

1/2 cup parsley, chopped finely

1/2 cup red onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 Tbs turmeric

1 Tbs Old Bay seasoning

1/2 tsp black pepper

squeeze of lemon juice

In a medium bowl, combine the tofu, Vegenaise, turmeric, Old Bay, pepper, and lemon juice. Mash the tofu with these ingredients to combine fully and make tofu to have and "eggy" texture. Fold in the veggies and mix to fully incorporate. Refrigerate until ready to use. Really good served on some crusty bread with juicy tomatoes and fresh greens!!!

Here's Steve, enjoying the heck out of his tofu salad sandwich!! Perfect for a day of climbing!

Some more great things to bring climbing, hiking, camping, etc. are:

• Larabars (Peanut Butter Cookie is my current favorite!!)
  
• Justin's Nut Butters Individual Packs
• Canned Beans or Rice and Beans Combination
• Nuts and Seeds
• Dried Fruits...we love papaya spears!
• CousCous, Quinoa, and Oats to cook over a fire
• Hot Sauce
• Nooch
• Clif Bars
• Steve's Favorite Climbing Snack: Whole Wheat tortilla with peanut butter, banana, and carob chips. Perfect.
• Jars of peanut butter
• Granola
• Single serving soy/rice milks
• Avocado
• TVP chunks...always a great addition to a campfire meal!

These are just a few things Steve and I like to take along for our fuel! Of course, lots of water, coffee, and tea are also a must! Don't forget the Dr. Bronner's to wash your camping dishes, and your dirty camping body afterward! What are some of your favorite outdoor eats??

Oh, and I am obligated to leave you with pics of us climbing!