It’s no secret that Americans love camping. In fact, back in 2010, nearly 40 million people went on a total of 515 million camping trips. One of the most enjoyable and often most essential activities is cooking and sustaining a fire. If you’re bored of cooking boring old hotdogs and hamburgers every night, you’ve come to the right place!
Here are just a few simple and delicious campfire recipes to try.
Campfire Chili Bake
This recipe serves as a prime example as to why all seasoned campers should invest in a cast iron skillet. Campfire chili bake can be prepared and cooked in less than 20 minutes, and its versatility allows campers to make their choice between using an outdoor grill or putting a rack on their campfire and cooking it the old fashioned way.
To get started, use Six Sister Stuff‘s recipe: simply pour one box of elbow macaroni (16 oz) into a large cast iron skillet and add three cups of water, or enough to cover the pasta. Once the pasta boils and the excess liquid has evaporated, simply add chili, bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat, top with corn chips and cheese, and enjoy!
Idaho Sunrise
If you’re planning on hiking or using excessive energy on a particular day on your trip, this simple breakfast is the perfect way to get a protein boost that will help you stay full and energized all morning long.
This recipe is easiest when potatoes are pre-cooked at home prior to meal time. This makes them easier to scoop out the middles and turn them into bowls. They’re then filled with eggs, bacon, and cheese, and a few other savory ingredients. The recipe, provided by Gimme Some Oven, suggests baking them in an oven, but wrapping them in foil and placing them around a campfire is also an efficient way to fully cook them.
If you’re looking for a health boost, consider separating eggs in a water bottle and pack them in the cooler before you leave for your trip. Egg whites are great for this recipe. For a vegetable boost, consider packing fresh basil or other forms of microgreens for a tiny yet delectable health boost. But keep in mind that microgreens and related items should be kept in refrigeration at 38 to 40 degrees in a closed container. Basil is very sensitive to low temperatures and may turn dark brown or black within a short time of exposure to temperatures of 32 degrees or lower.
S’mores Cones
When it comes time for dessert, kids always appreciate being involved in hands-on activities. About 37% of families say that vacations like camping trips make them happy, and at the end of a long day filled with hiking and spending time in the sun, let your kids relax and unwind by allowing them to make their own s’mores cones. As a classic twist on regular s’mores, they’re easier to eat (which means easier cleanup for parents), and your kids will definitely enjoy filling their cones with marshmallows, chocolate, graham cracker pieces, and any number of yummy ingredients. The recipe is provided by Frugal Coupon Living.
Ultimately, camping is all about spending time in the great outdoors with the people you care about. Cooking around a campfire is one of the best activities to bond and make memories that last a lifetime.
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