Campfire Cooking
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-460 -- More Projects »
Randy Gerell, an outdoor expert, shows that one can "rough it" but still eat well while camping. He prepares a fire for cooking, then demonstrates the best way to cook a stew over that fire.
Figure A--Select an area that is open and clear so that you won't set anything else on fire. Dig a shallow hole, then line the hole with rocks. This will keep the fire within the perimeter as well as heat the rocks, which will, in turn, help the fire stay warmer.
Figure B--When building a fire, think kindling. From the ground up, use small, dry brush and twigs on top of a stack of small kindling wood. After the fire is lit, slowly add larger pieces of wood. The goal is for the fire to burn down to coals--the perfect cooking surface.
Figure C--If you're using a Dutch oven for the first time, be sure to prepare it properly. This means rubbing the entire surface with vegetable oil, then turning the oven to 375 degrees and letting it soak in for 45 minutes. The oil is forced into the pores of the pot and will keep the pot from warping or cracking. When preparing for your stew, start by placing the Dutch oven directly into the hot coals. The first ingredient should be bacon, which will grease the pot as well as add flavor.
Figure D--Buying and preparing fresh food, rather than freeze-dried, will more than offset the cost of the Dutch oven over time. It's a good idea to cut up all the meat and vegetables and store them in plastic bags in a cooler the night before camping. This way, you are ready to go when the fire gets hot.
Figure E--The Dutch oven should cook like, of course, an oven. A good way to ensure this is to put hot coals on top of the lid of the Dutch oven and make sure that hot coals are pushed up around the entire perimeter of the pot. Dutch ovens work slowly, so allow one to two hours of cooking time. Other tips:
- A Dutch oven can essentially cook everything that an oven at home can cook. Don't be afraid to try dishes such as biscuits or even upside-down cake.
- Remember, it is important that once the cooking is finished, the fire is completely extinguished. Keeping a bucket of water on hand is helpful for emergencies as well as putting the fire out when you are done.
- Always try to keep the campsite beautiful. By camping and cooking conscientiously, you can leave a site looking like you were never there.
