u/BudgetVaultCA

Mountains across the water, a campfire out front, and the dog along for the adventure. 🐾

Taken on a summer camping trip in British Columbia a few years back. We camped right near the water, with the mountains stretching across the lake — one of those places where sitting around camp and taking in the view was half the trip.

Found this while going through the old camping archives and it immediately brought the trip back.

Anyone recognize the lake? 👀

A few shots from a 2016 trip. Quiet, consistent surf beach — barely another soul on the sand that day.

Tonkotsu instant ramen + whatever was left in the fridge.

Carrot, green onion, garlic, onion and a splash of dark soy sauce.

No knife. No cutting board. Kitchen scissors directly over the bowl because at 2 AM efficiency wins. 😂

Somehow... it worked.

Tonight's dinner started with a brioche bun, lightly toasted before being topped with slices of cheddar, habanero, and mozzarella. It went back into the air fryer just long enough for the cheese to melt into a rich, gooey layer.

Once the cheese was perfectly melted, I piled on slow-caramelized onions. After an initial sauté, they were cooked low and slow, allowing their natural sugars to develop into a deep, rich sweetness.

Next came generous chunks of leftover spatchcock chicken, followed by a ladle of rich homemade gravy that soaked beautifully into the toasted, cheese-covered brioche. Then I brought both halves together, creating one gloriously messy, gravy-soaked sandwich.

It wasn't the kind of sandwich you could eat neatly. Halfway through I had to restack the chicken because there was so much gravy and gooey cheese holding everything together.

The last photo? That's the evidence. I don't think I've cleaned a plate that thoroughly in a long time.

Comfort food at its finest. 😋🍗

This is part of my original Tiny Kitchen Laboratory series featuring Chef Charlie.

The idea is simple: build tiny kitchens, cook miniature meals, and play with scale using AI-generated artwork.

I'm always looking for new ideas—what should the Tiny Kitchen Laboratory cook next? 🥩

Finally got the chance to cook on a Brazilian-style charcoal skewer grill this weekend.

Kept it simple with beef, sausages, hot coals, and a riverside campsite in BC. There's something satisfying about slowing down and cooking over charcoal.

I spent the weekend putting together this French Onion Camp Burger recipe after experimenting with one of my favourite pantry staples—French onion soup mix.

The board includes the full ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, burger build, meal prep ideas, and a few ways to customize it depending on your budget or what's already in your cooler.

I designed it to be easy to save and use at the campsite or in the backyard.

I'd love to hear what you'd add to your perfect camp burger or any tips you've picked up over the years. 🍔🏕️

Tried something a little different while camping this week—a Dutch oven chicken curry on my Weber Q.

I kept the heat low for a few hours and let it slowly simmer. The campsite smelled incredible, and it turned out better than I expected.

Has anyone else used a Dutch oven on a Weber Q? I'd love to hear what you've cooked and any tips for managing temperature on longer cooks.

Before the Dutch oven went on the camp stove.

The chicken was marinated for about 6–8 hours in plain yogurt, olive oil, chicken broth, a squeeze of fresh orange, cumin, Madras curry powder, yellow curry powder, chili powder, and salt & pepper.

The curry started with onions, garlic, and fresh ginger, then I built the sauce using the same spice blend. After that it was just a matter of letting the Dutch oven do its thing low and slow.

Simple ingredients, a little patience, and it turned into one of those camp meals that tasted even better the next day.

What started as a simple camp dinner turned into one of my favorite outdoor cooking experiments.

Using a Weber Q, an enameled Dutch oven, and a little improvisation, I managed to slow-cook a rich chicken curry right at the campsite.

These are just a few moments from the cook. The full story—from the setup and challenges to the finished meal—is still to come.

Sometimes the best recipes aren't planned... they're discovered. 🏕️🍛

Canada's food story is constantly evolving, and Butter Chicken Poutine is a perfect example.

Classic Québec poutine meets one of Canada's most beloved immigrant cuisines, creating a dish that's rich, comforting, and uniquely Canadian. It's a reminder that great food often comes from cultures coming together.

This Budget Vault edition explores the story behind the dish, along with a complete recipe you can make at home.

🍁 Full recipe included in the carousel. If you're in Canada, what's your favourite poutine topping—or are you a traditionalist?

#BudgetVault #Canada #Poutine

Few meals bring people together like a rack of slow-smoked BBQ ribs.

Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork, a rich homemade glaze, and hours of patience have made Southern barbecue a tradition built around family, friends, and weekends spent outdoors.

This Budget Vault edition pairs a complete recipe with a budget breakdown, helping you create authentic Southern BBQ without overspending.

🔥 Full recipe included in the carousel. What's your go-to BBQ side—coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or something else?

#BudgetVault #BBQ #SouthernFood

For Brazilians, churrasco is more than barbecue—it's a tradition built around gathering, conversation, and sharing great food.

Born in the cattle country of southern Brazil, this style of open-fire cooking has become a symbol of hospitality and celebration across the nation.

This edition of 32 Kitchens Behind the Flags explores the history, culture, and recipe behind one of Brazil's most iconic culinary traditions.

🔥 Full recipe included in the carousel. If you're from Brazil, what's the one cut of meat or side dish that every great churrasco should have?

#32KitchensBehindTheFlags #Brazil #BudgetVault

One of the world's great comfort dishes.

Chicken Tagine is more than a recipe—it's a reflection of Morocco's history, where African, Arab, and Mediterranean influences came together through centuries of trade.

This is another chapter in 32 Kitchens Behind the Flags, exploring the stories, culture, and recipes that unite football fans around the world.

🍲 Full recipe included in the carousel. Feedback is always welcome!

#32KitchensBehindTheFlags #Morocco #ChickenTagine #WorldCup2026