XEE REITER

Backwoods Gourmet in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Dinner

Breakfast

From Cover Artist Xee Reiter...

On our fourth trip together to The BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area), I documented our meals in my sketchbook using watercolor and ink. My husband Nate is an avid outdoorsman, and I am a child of immigrant parents equipped with survivalist skills. Together we make an excellent team out in the wild. Prepping and cooking our meals is one of my favorite activities when we go camping. While I'll settle for an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) for the sake of convenience, I do enjoy putting my culinary skills to use otherwise.

On this trip I made what I call my "Backwoods Pho." Pho is the National dish of Vietnam and surrounding countries and cultures of Southeastern Asia have their own versions. I make it at home at least twice a week. Sometimes I make the long version where the bone broth simmers for hours and then there are times when I opt for a shortcut version. 

The basic components of pho are aromatic broth, protein, rice noodles, and herbs. We have to pack light, so I had to be strategic about the ingredients. For my Backwoods Pho, I used instant rice noodle packs you can find in the Asian aisle and a beef bouillon base I pre-mixed with star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and coriander seeds. The protein is beef jerky, which I made ahead as well, and it adds another depth of flavor to the broth as it reconstitutes. All it requires is boiling water and garnishing the soup with green onions, cilantro, and lime. It's like bringing a little of home to the outdoors. 

XEE REITER is a multi-faceted, self-taught Hmong American artist based in Saint Paul, MN. Her explorations and past works include illustrations for books, restaurants and online publications such as Twin Cities Public Television and MPR. You can see her murals and exhibits across the metro and beyond. She uses various mediums, specializing in ink, watercolor, acrylic, and natural materials to tell stories through both traditional and digital forms. Xee continues to set her sight on new challenges by using visual art to bridge communities and preserve cultural roots for future generations.