Campfire Cooking That Is More Than S'mores
Easy Recipes the Family Will Enjoy Around the Campfire
May 16, 2009
For ages, campers have been enjoying roasting marshmallows around a campfire. And while no one can deny the deliciousness of a s'more, there are a lot more tasty treats waiting just inside the pantry, just beyond the marshmallow. Try some of these ideas on your next outing and expand your campfire palate.
Smore Bar
Who said that a s'more has to be graham crackers, chocolate, and a marshmallow? Mix up the old standard by changing the cracker and flavor options.
Instead of a graham cracker, try using:
- Chocolate or flavored graham crackers
- Chocolate covered graham crackers
- Saltine crackers (for a salty sweet taste)
- Shortbread cookies
- Coconut cookies
Rather that breaking up a plain chocolate bar, try:
- Nutella (hazelnut flavored chocolate spread)
- Peanut butter
- White chocolate chips
- Other candy bars
- Banana
- Jam
If the weather keeps your campfire at bay, easily make s'mores in the oven. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Lay out the cracker with a marshmallow on top and bake at 300 degrees for 5 minutes. Place the chocolate on top and bake for another 2 minutes. If you're using a spread, eliminate the second bake. When making s'mores indoors you can really get creative. Try sprinkling nuts or sprinkles on your melted marshmallow.
Kampfire Kebabs
Think about what you would put on a skewer and grill, and try it over the campfire! Meat does take quite some time to cook, so you should either use "precooked" meat or very thinly sliced pieces of raw meat.
One very easy recipe to try is Hawaiian Kebabs. Use chunks of pineapple and ham, warmed and toasted over the fire. You can use fresh or canned pineapple, and buying ham already cut into chunks to make this recipe even easier for the busy camper. You can also add vegetables to this treat such as green peppers or onions.
When experimenting with your own recipes, take note that any sort of sugar marinade you might use will char with the direct flame of the campfire.
Hot Dog Already In A Bun
Children will love this easy and hands-on campfire meal. Cook the 'bun' together with the hot dog over the fire by using canned crescent rolls. To make this treat:
- Wipe the hot dog dry.
- Roll each crescent roll into a "rope" shape, the thinner the better but don't let it break.
- Secure the end of the rope ot the top of the dog with a toothpick, and wrap it in a spiral along the hot dog.
- Secure it with more toothpicks as needed.
- Roast away until the crescent rolls is baked through. This may take a while, so be patient. It's worth the wait!
Whatever snacks or meals you choose, know that gathering around the fire with friends and loved ones provides a spiritual nourishment. For the edible kind of nourishment, don't be afraid to try something new and go beyond the marshmallow.
