Backcountry fare tends toward one-pot glop meals. So if you are looking for something crispy, try these fries:

Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

(serves 4-6)

2-3 medium sweet potatoes

Olive or canola oil

1-2 teaspoon sea salt

Seasonings such as onion powder, Italian seasoning, and/or seasoning salt

At home: Place potatoes in paper bag.

In camp: Peel sweet potatoes, then cut into 2-inch strips. Coat a large skillet with oil. In batches, add sweet potatoes and sprinkle with sea salt and seasonings. Fry until browned on both sides, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove to a plate and top with additional seasonings, if desired.

Chef's secret: To bake fries, wrap them in foil along with the seasonings, and place the packet directly on hot coals; omit the oil.

For more recipes like this, and other trailside recipes, pick up the Backpacker magazine's Trailside Recipes book.