Roughing it anywhere in the woods
is one of the most basic enjoyments in life. But...be prepared.
Plan ahead for meals and take a simple, doable supply of
campfire cooking recipes. Fishing excursions around lakes in the
forests make for an excellent source of ready food supply.
Know-how and a willingness to get back to basics results in
campfire fare that are memorable and pleasant. Preparing the
campfire properly is the first step to successful campfire meals
from breakfast through dinner. Above-ground campfire can prove
tricky for cooking unless a cast iron grid is part of the
take-along gear. Consider that an in-ground fire pit may prove
less of a problem and will retain flavor of any menus.
Avoid bringing foods along that
have a short shelf life. Rely upon foods like
"catch-it-yourself" fish, corn on the cob, hot dogs, hamburgers
or dried beef that can be put into a dutch oven along with
carrots, celery and onion for a great pot of hot stew that's
easy on the stomach. Add a dash and salt and pepper to taste and
the meal fairly makes itself. Remember that in-ground fire pit?
Dig a small 12 inch by 12 inch diameter pit in the ground. Line
evenly with rocks the size of a small child's head. Add kindling
and small bits of wood and allow the fire to heat the rocks
until glowing. This works on beach sand as well as regular soil.
Once the rocks are heated place the dutch oven over the rocks.
Corn on the cob roasts as beautifully as biscuits bake with this
method. Fish is easily poached in a small fry pan within
minutes.
For campfires above ground, try
to keep hot coals as level as possible. Campfire cooking recipes
don't have to be bland. Prepare beforehand baked beans with a
dash of molasses, chopped onion and a spritz of mustard. Reheat
over the campfire to serve. Even vegetables can be a treat when
properly blanched in Italian salad dressing, stored in foil and
lightly cooked over the campfire. Depending on how hot the
campfire is maintained, will determine length of cooking time
for recipes. Too hot a fire cooks foods too fast. Too cool and
partially cooked food is the result. Using cast iron cooking
gear balances heat and cooking time and is great for campfire
cooking recipes. Pack the cooking gear and enjoy fire cooking at
its best.
Breakfast meals don't
necessarily mean eggs and bacon cooked over an open fire. For a
real treat, use quick cooking oatmeal, a dash of cinnamon and
when ready to prepare, add chopped apples and mix with apple
juice. Cook over campfire, stirring until well cooked. Campfire
cooking recipes include desserts. Nothing is tastier than apples
baked over a campfire. Pour a little maple syrup over when
apples are cooked through. Marshmallows, raisins and nuts add to
desserts or breakfast cereals and are packed easily with other
campfire fare when they are pre-mixed and stored in a plastic
bag.
