Camp fire cooking, some do`s and donts of camp fire cooking
mike legg
I can think of nothing better about a camping or hiking trip, but sitting by a well tended camp fire at the end of the day. Watching the warming flames dancing, while I unwind from the days toils. And if you can turn your hand to a bit of camp fire cooking its just about perfect.
However it is not always possible or practical to have a camp fire, so there are certain Do`s and Don`ts that you should follow. For instance if you are on a managed camp site or camp ground, you should always ask permission before lighting any type of fire.
Always choose a safe site for your fire, well away from any trees or bushes or overhanging branches. Make sure the ground is level and cleared of any dried leaves or debris that could catch fire.
Build your fire downwind of your tent, and make sure that any smoke is not going to annoy any other campers. Make sure to gather a good supply of dry fire wood well before it gets dark, so youre not stumbling around tripping over everything.
Never ever leave your fire unattended for any length of time, no matter how short. Keep your fire just large enough for your needs; remember it is a camp fire and not a bon-fire.
Try to do your actual cooking on the hot embers of the fire. This can be done by dragging the embers to one side, where it is much easier to place your pots kettle etc, especially if you have some basic camp fire cooking equipment, like a small grill or cooking rack.
Remember to use pot grabbers or similar so you are not picking up hot pots and pans with your bare hands. And use a toasting fork for cooking things like sausages or for toasting marshmallows etc. Potatos can be placed directly in the embers then simply peel of the skin after they are cooked, or wrap some apples in tin foil for a wonderfully tasty desert.
When you are finished with your fire always insure that it is properly put out, either by dousing with plenty of water, or covering with earth or sand. When fully out scrape away and bury any remaining charred wood and cover the site of your fire with the debris you cleared before lighting it.
Enjoy your camp fire cooking safely and responsibly, and remember that when you leave your camp site there should be no trace of you ever being there.
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