Blog Posts by Sunset Magazine

Check out our tasty ideas for what to prep and pack for delicious food in the great outdoors.


Gourmet Strawberry and Chocolate S'mores
Take the classic campfire dessert up a notch by adding strawberry slices to Graham crackers, dark chocolate, and roasted marshmallow.
> Get 5 more ideas for gourmet s'mores


Classic Cocoa
Whisk together your own hot chocolate mix for sipping by the campfire on a chilly evening.
> Get the recipe


5 Spot Banana Pancakes
Whisk together the dry ingredients at home and then add the wet ingredients and sliced bananas at camp. Your family and friends will wake up quickly after getting a whiff of these fluffy pancakes. Remember to pack the maple syrup!
> Get the recipe


Scrambled-Egg Tacone
We love this tasty spin on the breakfast burrito, filled with ham, cheese, and chiles. To warm tortillas, heat them one at a time in a skillet set over a campfire.
> Get the recipe


Energy bars
Whip up a batch of these bars before your camping trip to satisfy hunger on

Read More »from Gourmet s'mores & more delicious camping recipes

Find inspiration for turning a deck into your favorite "room" in the house.


Front-yard entry deck
Instead of stairs, a three-level deck steps up to the front door of this raised post-and-pier-house on the island of Oahu. Tropical accessories on the deck and throughout the garden turned this entry into a personal paradise.
> More about this deck


Room with a view
A deck off this cabin near Twisp, WA adds yet another room to a small home filled with creative living spaces. 
Concrete steps off the deck extend the house further, leading to another hang-out space on the granite rocks below.
> More about this deck


Fire pit focal point
This deck more than doubles the home's living space with ample sunbathing, conversation, and entertaining areas. Expanding an existing deck made of Trex, a composite material, architect Peter Pfau carved out an area for a new entry pavilion and another for a fire pit. A matching boardwalk connects the main house to two tented guest rooms.


Outdoor sitting

Read More »from 26 great ideas for decks

Treat yourself to an amazing summer vacation, from exploring gorgeous wilderness to enjoying the season's supreme cultural events.


One perfect day in Yosemite
See the sun rise over glistening meadows, trek to three waterfalls, eat lunch beneath El Capitan­-and still have time for an ice cream break. Here's our hour-by-hour breakdown of the perfect day in Yosemite.
> More: Spend a scenic day in Yosemite National Park


Culture on a budget in Ashland, OR
See a world-class Shakespeare production, hear live music, wander galleries, and beat the heat in woodsy 93-acre Lithia Park.
> More: Bargain Ashland getaway


Surrounded by nature in Sawtooth Mountains, ID
Imagine a national park-level wilderness without National Park-level crowds. No bus tours. No traffic. No entrance fees. Just drop-to-your-knees gorgeous land full of hiking trails, hot springs, trout-filled streams, and some of the best lemonade we've ever tasted.
> More: Soak up nature in the Sawtooth Mountains


Raise your sail in

Read More »from Perfect summer trips

Camp in style this season! Rethink the pitched tent with a new generation of streamlined trailers and deluxe tent cabins.


Teardrop trailer: Cozy camping without a tent
This little room on wheels is so easy to handle, it can be hitched to a Mini Cooper. Its standard design includes a bed, kitchen, and cabinets, but custom add-ons get as crazy as espresso makers and solar showers.


Teardrop trailer: Kitchen on wheels
A mobile kitchen pops up from the back of the trailer.
> Related: More about the teardrop trailer


Airstream trailer
The iconic Airstream is a mini hotel on wheels. Most have gas burners, showers you can actually stand up in, and an ingenious amount of storage space. It's smooth to tow, with a retro interior that conjures up a first-class train cabin circa 1955.


Airstream trailer: Inside
The kitchen and dining area in this 25-foot Airstream International has room for 4 to dine in style.
> Related: More about the Airstream trailer


Outdoor rooms: Instant patio
Kick back

Read More »from All about "glamping": How to go glam on your camping trip

Channel your favorite vacation spot in your garden with these dreamy design ideas.

IF YOUR DREAM VACATION IS TO...


Malibu: Fake a seaside resort


Bring out the striped cushions and colorful umbrellas, and let the garden take care of itself, as this one does. The deck is made of sustainable ipe wood that has weathered to a soft gray. Drought-tolerant plants need only yearly trimming and occasional watering-which leaves plenty of time to kick back on a lounge chair and bask in the sun.
> Related: 3 ways to bring beachside style to your home


Vancouver: Pave a trail to the coast


Give it twists and turns, then edge it with grasses, so strolling along it feels like a hike toward the water's edge. This path winds through coppery New Zealand hair sedge (Carex tenuiculmis 'Cappuccino') and 'Georgia Blue' veronica. Miscanthus sinensis fans out at right, while bigleaf maples and Douglas firs create a view in the distance.
> Related: 32 great ideas for garden paths


Maui: Add a poolside

Read More »from 5 dream vacations in your own backyard

Grab the family and celebrate the long weekend at any of these choice outdoor gems.


San Francisco: Iconic views from the beach
With iconic views of the San Francisco Bay, Crissy Field's shoreline provides beaches and picnic tables perfect for enjoying a meal together.
> More about this picnic spot


Orange County: A kid's island paradise
Hop on the historic Balboa Island Ferry to the Balboa Peninsula where you'll find carnival rides, candy shops, biking paths, and beaches perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
> More about this picnic spot


Portland: Serene biking wonderland
Forest Park lets you feel surrounded by wilderness while in a major city. Let the family explore various trails and bike paths, ranging from easy to strenuous, so even the kids have something they can manage.
> More about this picnic spot


Boulder area: Cooling post-hike dip
The Eldorado Springs Pool, which is fed by fresh spring water and heated naturally, is a perfect place to take the kids after a

Read More »from 10 perfect picnic spots for Memorial Day Weekend

Discover delicious ways to savor the spring vegetable, from salads to light stews to pastas.


Grilled Artichokes
These artichokes can be cleaned and blanched ahead, then tossed on the grill next to your favorite summer chicken or rib recipe.

Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 artichokes
• 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation
Slice tops off artichokes, pull off small leaves, trim stems, and snip off thorny tips. In a large pot, bring 1 to 2 inches of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt, the juice of 1 lemon, and artichokes; cover and steam until artichoke bottoms pierce easily, 20 to 40 minutes. Drain artichokes. When cool enough to handle, cut each in half lengthwise and scrape out fuzzy center. In a bowl, combine garlic, olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Brush artichokes with garlic mixture and set, cut side down, onRead More »from How to cook artichokes: 10 easy recipes

Spring and summer are always better with a strawberry shortcake, pie, and more. Enjoy our 20 favorite ways to celebrate strawberry season!


Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie
Get all the flaky-juicy deliciousness of strawberry pie with this fuss-free single-crust galette.

Recipe:
Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

• About 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• About 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (3/8 lb.) butter or margarine
• 2 cups sliced strawberries (1/2 in. thick)
• 2 cups sliced rhubarb (1/2 in. thick; about 2/3 lb.)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

Preparation

1. In a food processor or a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Cut all but 2 teaspoons butter into small pieces and add to flour mixture. Whirl or rub in with your fingers until fine crumbs form. Add 1/4 cup water; whirl or stir with a fork just until dough holds together. Pat into a smooth 5-inch round. Wrap airtight and freeze until slightly firm, about 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a

Read More »from Perfect strawberry-rhubarb pie & 19 more delicious strawberry recipes