Cooking dinner at a campsite with no electricity may seem daunting, so pass the chore over to the kids. Not only will they take pride in cooking their meal themselves, but it will keep them busy and occupied after the sun goes down. Keep fire safety top of mind, however, as a trip to the emergency room is a sure way to ruin a camping trip.
Pocket Pizza
Kids love their pizza, but it is difficult to get a delivery when you are camping out in the woods. Use pita bread to create a simple yet taste campfire pizza. Cut the pita bread in half, and spoon a few tablespoons of pizza sauce or marinara sauce in the bread, making sure to coat the whole inside. Add your favorite pizza toppings, including chopped ham, pepperoni slices, chopped bell pepper or chopped onion. For food safety reasons, only use precooked meats. Wrap the pizza pockets in heavy duty tin foil, making sure to seal them well. Place in the burning coals, and cook for roughly two minutes per side.
Packet Meals
A simple square of tin foil and an assortment of meats and vegetables are all that kids need to create a simple yet tasty meal. Cut pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil into 12-inch squares and spray with a little non-stick spray. Set out bowls of sliced onions, potatoes, peppers, carrots or other vegetables. Place a hamburger patty or strips of chicken or beef in the center of foil. Top with an assortment of vegetables and a few tablespoons of baked beans or salsa. Add salt, pepper or other spices as desired. Bring the edges of the tin foil together and fold them over a few times to create a firm seal. Place on the hot coals for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the meats are cooked through.
An American Classic
Hot dogs and French fries make an easy campfire meal for kids. Start with an ear of shucked corn and a square of heavy-duty aluminum foil large enough to accommodate the whole ear. Spread softened butter on the corn and season with salt and pepper. For a different taste, omit the butter and wrap the corn in a slice of raw bacon. Roll the ear in the square of foil and twist the ends to seal well. Scrub a russet potato well to remove all exterior dirt. Cut into half-inch strips. Spray a 12-inch square of heavy-duty aluminum foil with non-stick spray. Place the potatoes in the middle of the foil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold the tin foil over the cover the potato completely, and fold over the edges to create a tight seal. Place the potatoes and the corn on the hot coals for 20 to 30 minutes, turning frequently.
Find two 3- to 4-foot sticks that are still green, as dry sticks can easily catch fire. Use a sharp knife to whittle the bark off the top 8 inches of each stick. Stick a hotdog lengthwise on one stick so that the branch passes through the entire dog. Let the kids roast the hot dogs over the open fire while the corn and potatoes cook.
For dessert, push the stick all of the way through the core of an apple. Roast over the open fire until the skin is soft. Use a sharp knife to peel off the skin completely. Roll the apple in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and roast over the open fire for two to three minutes, turning frequently. Enjoy a classic American meal of hot dogs, French fries, corn on the cob and apple pie.
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