When it comes to outdoor cooking, there aren’t many things more enjoyable than a meal cooked over an open fire. This type of campfire cooking can be done in a variety of ways, but the key is to have the right equipment and the skills to make it work.
One of the most valuable pieces of campfire cooking gear is aluminum foil. It is disposable, inexpensive and takes up very little space in a camping kit. Foil is great for wrapping foods like potatoes, fish and some vegetables. A tight seal is essential, so it’s important to use heavy-duty foil. For larger items, it may be necessary to double-wrap the food for a more secure hold.
Other kitchen equipment that’s important for campfire cooking includes a cook grate, which is used to set pans and other cookware over a fire. These grates are available in a number of different sizes and fold up or disassemble for easy transport. A camping tripod can also be a great way to suspend a pot or dutch oven over the fire. This is especially useful for foods that require a long cooking time and allows the cook to focus on building the fire and tending to the firewood while leaving their pot to cook.
It’s also important to understand that cooking directly over flames is not a good idea, as it’s hard to control the heat. In addition, direct contact with the flames will often burn the outer layer of the food and result in a less-than-appetizing appearance. Using a grill or a cast iron cooking grate is much better for this type of campfire cooking.
When cooking over a campfire, it’s a good idea to start with a small fire and build it up as needed. It will take a while to burn down enough wood to create a bed of hot coals that can be used for cooking, so it’s best to start early. It’s also a good idea to keep a bucket of water and a bucket of sand close at hand to douse rogue flames that get out of control.
Another way to cook over a campfire is to place foods on sticks that are skewered over the fire and held with forks or other utensils. This is a great way to prepare foods such as corn, sausage or chicken skewers. Larger skewers can be used to cook whole fish or other meats. These skewers can be wrapped in aluminum foil for added protection against the heat. Those with advanced campfire cooking skills might even try a spit roast. This is a more time-consuming process that requires plenty of patience and an understanding of how to handle the heat of an open fire. However, it can provide an incredible eating experience in a setting that’s sure to beat any Michelin-starred restaurant.