Submit your recipe for Wilderness Challenge contest

Submitted by TriCity Family Services

TriCity Family Services is currently accepting submissions for its Wilderness Challenge Program Recipe Contest.

The annual Wilderness Challenge Program gives 30 youth in the community the opportunity to experience a weeklong therapeutic camping and canoeing trip in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Canada.

The menu in the backwoods consists of macaroni and cheese, instant pasta and other nonperishable delights. The Wilderness Challenge needs a new dinner menu for 2013. If you are up for the challenge, enter the Recipe Contest by submitting your recipe for a new WCP dinner item to Miranda Barfuss, development manager, at mbarfuss@tricityfamilyservices.org. Call (630) 232-1070, ext. 114, with questions.

The deadline for recipe submissions is Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. One winner will be awarded a Lobster Feast for four, compliments of TriCity Family Services Great Lobster Fly-In event in June. The winner will be announced Friday, May 31.

The recipe must feed eight people — two adult volunteers and six teens. The food must be able to be cooked using the following equipment: two burner camping stove; propane fueled, 8-quart cooking pot; 4-quart cooking pot; 10-inch frying pan; eight-cup coffee broiler; spatula; spoon; ladle; cheese slicer; butter knife; and sharp knife.

Water is available, but all other ingredients must be able to be packed and carried. Items must be non-refrigerated for up to 7 days; lightweight efficient in size; and packable. Canned goods are not permitted; foods in plastic bags or pouches are ideal.

The recipe must be able to be cooked within an hour, and the ingredients must be reasonably priced and available at most grocery stores.

The recipe also must be relatively easily; one pot meals are ideal.

Do you need some ideas to get your inner wilderness chef inspired? The Wilderness Challenge Program meals that have stood the test of time over the years are: Velveeta shells and cheese, Alfredo instant pasta with tuna, “Pancho’s Burritos” (rice and beans, with Velveeta cheese, in tortillas), and “Tito’s Enchiladas” (cornstarch thickened tortilla soup with instant rice).

For more information on TriCity Family Services Mental Health Awareness plans, visit www.tricityfamilyservices.org or call (630) 232-1070.