Campfire cooking is a method of food preparation that has been in use since prehistoric times. Camping outdoors is enhanced when you take the time to cook over a campfire. Many of your usual recipes can be adapted for cooking over an open fire. There are several methods of cooking that can be accomplished with little preparation and minimal time requirements.
Preparing the Fire for Cooking
A good campfire needs some prep work before cooking is attempted. If there is no fire ring -- a round metal opening for placing firewood - then arrange a thick ring of stone. The diameter should be at least 24 inches. Start the fire using small dry kindling and a match; do not use fire starter fluid. This is petroleum based and will impart an unpleasant smell and taste to your flood. Add progressively bigger pieces of wood as the smaller ones burn down. Tend the fire in this way until there are coals building at the base of the fire; this should take 30 to 60 minutes.
Determine Your Menu
If you are planning on cooking directly on the fire, then you will need to choose two types of foods: foods that tolerate open flames and ones that can roast at the base of the fire. Food that can be cooked over the flames such as hot dogs will require as little as 10 to15 minutes cooking close to the fire but with no flames touching. Items that can be roasted include potatoes and corn on the cob. These should be wrapped in heavy foil and placed in the hot coals at the base of the fire. These will take 60 to 90 minutes to cook thoroughly.
Cooking On a Grill
If you have a grill available to place over the campfire, your menu can be more diverse. The grill allows you to cook items such as steak that require 20 to 30 minutes to cook. In addition, you can place pots on the grill, which allows you to cook items requiring simmering or boiling for longer periods of time. You may elect to cook foods such as potatoes using this method by placing the pot at the edge of the fire until the food is cooked, 60 minutes or more. In addition, this feature allows you to place food where it is no longer actively cooking but still near the fire to keep warm.
Caring for the Fire While Cooking
Watch the fire carefully through the cooking process. New fuel needs to be added in order to keep the fire even and not burn down too quickly. It can be difficult to maintain even heat while cooking on a campfire; too hot a flame will quickly char your food. If the fire is too cool, however, your food will be undercooked. Cooking over open fire does create the potential for serious burns. Keep the fire within the pit and keep children away from open flames. When you are done with the fire, make sure the fire is dead out before leaving it unattended.
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