Recipe: The City Marshmallow

(serves one troop of city slickers)

I love the idea of camping. To be fully immersed in nature, away from the crowds, the noise, the hustle, the bustle, etc. Sign me up, that has Bridget written all over it. However, camping is also away from running water, cell phone service, hospitals, etc. This causes me tremendous anxiety. Additionally, when camping, I’m in a beautiful locale, I’m supposed to be feeling very zen, very calm. But how calm can I really get when carrying bear-spray? That means there’s a threat of a bear: not zen, not calm. And then I get mad at myself: “Bridget, why aren’t you feeling one-with-nature? Why aren’t you felling present? What if you don’t really fully appreciate this scenery? Are you having heart palpitations? How would you even get to a hospital from here?” Additional anxiety ensues. Cheryl Strayed had some STONES.

Here’s how I get that backcountry, camping, wilderness feel in my Philly apartment. 

Ingredients

• Marshmallows (mini or full-size) (as many as you feel like)

• Peanut butter (optional)

Equipment

• Fork

• Gas stove

Skewer one marshmallow onto a fork (or four mini marshmallows (one on each prong)). Light gas stove to a medium flame. Hold the fork about 6 inches above the flame, rotating slowly. Continue roasting until desired toastiness is achieved. I prefer mine charred (about 30 seconds). Spoon a bit of peanut butter onto roasted marshmallow, if desired. Eat in one large, sticky bite while enjoying your central air-conditioning. DO NOT LICK FORK…it’s still hot.

real image of me while camping circa 2007ish