Friday, June 26, 2009

"Packets"


I'm fairly certain this isn't the proper name for this recipe, but it's what we've always referred to it as! The first time I ever had these "packets" was back when my sister, Sarah and I were in girl scouts...probably about 20 yrs ago! We were having a camping event of some sort, in order to earn one of those girl scout badges and they had each girl scout make their own individual dinner over a campfire. My sister and I each made our own, but somehow, one of ours magically disappeared and since we were both extremely reserved back then, we politely shared the one packet that we were given. (I'm not going to lie...it really pisses me off to this day!) Anyway, on with my story! We greatly enjoyed the tiny morsels we were given, so we attempted to recreate the recipe for my Mom, who in turn, absolutely loved it! The flavors of the beef, carrots, onions and potatoes, all cooked in the same individual packet are wonderful and again, this is something that reheats well! I have made a few changes over the years, because I'm fairly certain they didn't season the "packets" before grilling them or do anything with the meat, other than shape it into a small patty, but I definitely think they need salt in some form!

"Packets"

2 lbs ground beef
1 egg, beaten
Kosher salt
Ground Black Pepper
Onion Powder
3-4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1 large onion (we prefer vidalia!)
3-4 potatoes, cut into chunks (peeling optional!)
Garlic Salt

Directions:

Break apart ground beef in a medium-sized bowl and add egg, Kosher salt, pepper and onion powder; mix well. Form into 6 patties.

Tear off (6) 12x12 inch pieces of aluminum foil. Place one patty on center of each piece of foil and surround with carrots, onions and potatoes (equal amounts around each patty). Sprinkle garlic salt over the veggies and pull foil up tightly around ingredients to form a "packet". Place all of your packets on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour, or until potatoes and carrots are tender.


NOTE: You can also grill these packets, although I haven't done that in forever and can't recall the exact cooking time!

17 comments:

  1. Those jerks! I can't believe they stole your packet and then made you share.

    My husband makes these for me! He learned to make them in boyscouts. It's one of his 3 signature dishes. lol. He puts BBQ sauce in his. We usually have them when camping and set them on a grill grate over the campfire.

    Yours look yummy!

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  2. thats a funny story my Dad was in the scouts and mixed up coffee with gravy mix!, looks great

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  3. You crack me up! I don't even remember someone stealing one of our packets... that's hysterical that you are still all burned up about it! :) Thanks for sharing your packet with me... or did I share with you?

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  4. Cute story!! Ill have to have my hubby try something like this on the grill, so easy and delicious!

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  5. Great story- it's a good thing you were able to share with your sister!
    the packets look yummy- I did something similar years ago and had forgotten about it til now!

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  6. This was one of my FAVORITES growing up and still is. I make mine with a scoop of cream of mushroom soup in each packet. I also like to eat mine with ketchup. I have always called them tinfoil dinners, but packets works. I'm suddenly in the mood to cook these this week, thanks for the idea.

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  7. My husband would LOVE this! Thanks for sharing!

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  8. Rachel, I know it wasn't funny when it happened, but I am laughing NOW at your memory of it and your still being pizzed of at it.

    Good to see this recipe. I like the sounds of everyone's changes, too. Will have to give this a try as it sounds so easy and GOOD!

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  9. I love cooking things in packets - it always comes out so flavorful!

    This looksl ike an excellent recipe!

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  10. Looks Yummy! Stopping by from SITS to show some Saturday luv!

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  11. Visiting from SITS and so glad I did! I have stumbled across a fabulous site with some of the best recipes. Thanks! :)

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  12. Ahh...Girls Scout Days. Seems like forever ago. What a great idea, I am going to tuck it away for a raining day. Thanks!!! I am definitely a fan of easy. :-)
    ~Mary

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  13. Hey, I think I just learned that you and "Delectable Dining" are sisters, cool! You both have wonderful blogs!

    We make something really similar when we go camping too, but a lot of times I just make them at home and our whole family loves them. The pictures are making me crave them again!

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  14. It's been so long since I tried my own "packet" and now I'm thinking it's time to introduce them to my family.

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  15. We called them hobos the one time I made them with some of dearest friends. The hobos were/are awesome, but my delight also had to do with the company. :)

    Thanks for the memory!
    -Ginger (a SITSta)

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  16. I can't believe someone stole your packet! I wonder if the thief still remembers doing it?

    We made something similar when I was in girlscouts, but we used a piece of chicken in place of the beef patty. We put the vegetables, chicken, a dollop of butter and salt and pepper in the foil, closed the packet and cooked it over the fire. It was delicious, as I recall!

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  17. Ahh, the girl guide packets (I remember them well!)

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