While most campers are familiar with hot dogs on a stick, campfire cooking offers a variety of other culinary delights. Using a variety of cooking tools, you can create everything from breakfast sandwiches to pot pies and desserts. The key to a great campfire meal is building a fire that is both hot and clean. When selecting wood for your campfire, make sure it’s dry and seasoned, meaning that it’s free of moisture. Oak wood, for example, is known for its flavor and clean burn.
Start by getting your kindling lit, and then add the firewood evenly over the kindling. Once the fire has burned down to white coals, you’re ready to place your grill and cookware on top. To keep the fire from consuming your cookware, you’ll need a bucket of water or sand.
For optimal results, start your campfire an hour or two before you plan on cooking. Remember that cooking on a campfire requires more time than cooking in your kitchen, and you’ll need to check the food every now and then. Also, remember to use thermometers to ensure that your food is cooked to the desired temperature. Another essential camping kitchen tool is aluminum foil. It’s inexpensive, takes up very little space, and is easy to clean.
If you plan on spending a few nights camping, a camp stove is essential. Don’t forget to take roasting sticks with you. These inexpensive items are a must for tasty s’mores or hot dogs. A folding table is also an excellent idea. It will also provide additional surface space for cooking. You should also bring your regular cooking supplies. You can even prepare overnight oats, which you can keep in a cooler.
Your campfire cooking kit should also include dishes and cups. Whether you’re going camping with a small group or a large family, it’s important to have plenty of food for everyone. You can pack pre-made meals or buy them. These items will save you time and help you prepare meals for your group.
Campfire cooking can be dangerous, so make sure you have the right tools to avoid any accidents. A steel log grabber and heat-resistant grill gloves can protect your hands from burning. A cast-iron skillet is another option. A knife is essential for some cooking methods. When you’re cooking over a fire, be sure to use a pot with a hanging handle.
Kabobs are the perfect campfire meal. They’re easy to prepare, and can be cooked in either an open fire or a grill. Kabobs are also perfect for backpacking since they can be eaten without utensils. Another easy option for camping food is oatmeal. You can cook it in a dutch oven or even a tent using a camp dutch oven. Besides kabobs, you can also prepare fruit-filled French toast.
A simple and delicious side dish is grilled corn. Another tasty option is grilled baked potatoes. If you can’t find a grill, you can cook them over coals. You can also prepare cast iron beans as a simple side dish. Lastly, you can try cooking couscous or fine bulgur.