How to Make a Happy Trails Hiking Pack

Planning a hiking trip? Know someone that likes to blaze a new trail? Preparing for a long road trip? This pack is the perfect gift for long walks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cookies:
• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter or margaring, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• Basket:
• Wicker Backpack
• Brimmed hat
• Carrots
• Trail mix
• Water bottle
• Trail mix cookies
• Apples
• Compass
• Trial Guide
• Journal and pencil
• Peanuts
• Cloth napkin
• Sandwiches

1. To make the cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, cinnamon, and baking soda. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat butter, brown sugar, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla.

2. Beat the oat mixture into the butter mixture, a little at a time, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir in raisins, walnuts, and chocolate chips.

3. For each cookie, roll 3 Tbspfuls of batter into a ball and place on the foil-lined baking sheet.

4. Using the heel of your hand, press each dough ball into a 2" round.

5. Bake the cookies until golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack; cool about 2 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack; cool completely. Pack cookies in a container.

6. To assemble the hiking pack, you can pick and choose from a number of hiking essentials. Replace the hat with a bandanna or use a knapsack instead of a wicker basket. Either way, pack the ingredients into the pack, taking a tin or another small plastic container for the cookies, carrots, trail mix, and peanuts.

Tips & Warnings

• These cookies are a great alternative to trail mix. They include the same flavors and they're easier to eat when you're on the move. Create your own version by adding your favorite nut or dried fruit.
• Include a disposable camera in the pack so that your friend can capture the scenery.
• Include a small first aid kit or a multi-tool pocket knife for the enthusiast.
• For a shorter hike, wrap a few of these cookies in a colorful bandanna, tie in a knot to secure, and go!
• Make a customized hiking journal for a friend by including spaces on the pages for recording the weather, favorite trails, and wildlife spotted.