Camping is a situation that invites new experiences. We interact as a family differently under the stars and pine trees, situated out on the edge of a solitary lake, than anywhere else. Camping by it’s very nature is a time of newness and adventure. Why not use this time to teach your kids some new skills? Cooking is a great family activity, and lends itself well to beginners. Below are some favorite campfire recipes, arranged from breakfast to dessert. Enjoy!
1. Biscuit on a stick All you need for this fun breakfast is a can of refrigerator biscuits, a straight stick and a campfire. Of course, butter, honey or a bit of jelly will only make it that much better. You may choose to carve a bit of the stick off with a sharp knife, removing bark and dirt for a cleaner surface. Then simply wrap the biscuit around the stick and hold over the fire. First enjoy watching as the biscuit puffs and browns, then enjoy eating it!
2. Baked apples Core one apple per person (squirrels will appreciate the cores). To this have kids add a mixture of butter, cinnamon, brown sugar and pecan bits. Wrap in foil and pitch in the coals. Baked apples are great for breakfast or a quick snack.
3. Meatloaf balls These are a great dinner, if you can get the kids around the idea that they’re cooked inside an onion! Arrive at the campsite with pre-mixed meatloaf, using the recipe you use at home. You’ll also need a sweet onion for each family member and aluminum foil. Cutting about 1/3 of the way down, carefully remove the root end of the onion. Also cut the top, but remove as little as possible. The goal is to make an onion bowl. Remove the center of the each onion, using an ice cream scoop or large spoon. Now kids can scoop their meatloaf into the bowls, top with catsup, mustard and brown sugar, then wrap with foil. Place the bowls into the coals for about 35 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked.
4. Best-ever veggies The best vegetables you’ll ever eat come from the fire. Wrap corn on the cob, a potato, even cut up broccoli, carrots and cauliflower in foil. Don’t forget the butter, salt and pepper. Pitch the foil wraps into hot coals. Potatoes take about 45 minutes, corn is usually done in about 30 and smaller, cut veggies are done in about 15 minutes. Cooking times depend on the heat of the coals, so keep a close eye on the situation!
5. Zucchini boats If your crew enjoys either zucchini or summer squash, this recipe is a winner! Cut your choice of squash in half