When you think of camp food, I am a sure hot dog and fries and other mediocre food come to mind – not at Lovell Camps!

Lovell Camps is fortunate to have an amazing kitchen team, led by our head chef Geoff – aka “Geoff the Chef”. We are proud of all the hard work and dedication that goes into running the kitchen so smoothly. We are keen to have Mr. Joshua join us this winter, as our Kitchen Assistant.

“Even though the kitchen comes under enormous pressure at times, we’re passionate about what we do,” say Geoff.

If you have attended a Lovell Camps program in the past few seasons, you will remember Geoff. He is a tall, friendly Australian who loves to chat. He will go out of his way to make you feel warmly welcomed and ensure the food exceeds your expectations. “Although chefs in general are notorious for being loud and aggressive at times, I assure you that I am friendly and approachable and willing to answer any questions you may have.”

When planning menus, Geoff tries to find healthy alternative options for the children to enjoy, as well as the adults. “I believe the best food is fresh and sourced locally where possible. We at the Lovell Camp kitchen strive for excellence. We aim to prepare meals that are hearty, healthy and nourishing but at the same time are fun and delicious.”

Attached are two of the most loved recipes from the summer season. Thank you Geoff for sharing your secrets!

Lovell Camps Granola

Ingredients:

4 X 1kg Rolled Oats

2 X 1kg Pumpkin Seeds

1kg Sunflower Seeds

750g Sesame Seeds

600g Coconut Chips

50g Salt

50g Ground Ginger

100g Ground Cinnamon

Zest of 5 Oranges

1200g Honey (warmed up)

500ml Olive Oil

1.5kg Saltanas

1kg diced Dried Apricots

1kg Dried Cranberries

Method:

1. Mix dry ingredients together to incorporate spices.

2. Add honey and olive oil and mix well.

3. Spread mix out over 6 trays about 2.5 t/a containers per tray.

4. Bake in 160C oven for approximately 40 minutes ensuring to pull trays out every 10 minutes to mix ingredients to ensure all ingredients are evenly toasted.

5. Allow to cool completely.

6. Add dried fruit. Mix well.

Chocolate Self Saucing Pudding

Ingredients:

300g Flour

15g Baking powder

350g Castor Sugar

1tbsp Salt

80g ‘Good Quality’ Cocoa

50ml Vegetable Oil

250ml Milk

2 Eggs

2tbsp Vanilla Extract

– This recipe can be doubled when making it for a group of 8-10 people.

Method:

1. Using your pudding dish or a mixing bowl addsugar, salt, cocoa, oil, milk, eggs and vanilla and combine all ingredients together using a whisk or electric mixer. Try and mix to remove lumps.

2. Fold in sifted flour and mix well using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.

3. Place in ovenproof dish and sprinkle with 150g castor sugar mixed with 30g cocoa.

4. Gently pour 500ml of hot water over this.

5. Bake for 30 minutes in a 180C oven.

– Best served with vanilla ice cream or double cream.