Camping Recipes
Check out new recipes or add your own to our Recipes Flickr discussion board.
Try one of the recipes recommended below or experiment and then tell us about your favorite recipe!
FOOD ON A STICK
Cooking food over a fire can be a lot of fun, even more so when you cook it on a stick. Cooking on skewers means you won't have any pots and pans to clean up.
The kind of stick you use is very important. Skewers made from dead wood will simply catch fire. We recommend metal or bamboo skewers that can be purchased in any grocery store. Skewers that you are going to hold while cooking need to be at least two feet long so you can stand far enough away. If you're going to place the skewers on a metal grate, they can be shorter. Just be sure to use tongs to remove them. Consider using pre-cooked meats or par-boil them to account for uneven cooking temperatures of a fire.
Recipes:
Twist Bread
Make simple bread dough and divide into balls about the size of golf balls. Roll between the hands to form a rope about 8 inches long. Wrap dough around a stick. Hold it over red hot coals, turning frequently to bake evenly. Native Americans used this method, and called it bannock.
Shish Kebabs
Chop chicken or beef, firm tofu, pineapple, and vegetables like broccoli, onions, or peppers into bite-sized pieces. You can use things like shrimp, small bay scallops, cherry tomatoes, pearl onions, or whole mushrooms. Cook on a metal grate for 15 to 20 minutes, turning at least once. Be sure chicken and pork are completely done in the middle. Alternate items on skewer, customizing to each person's tastes.
Hot Dogs
Even the youngest children can put a pre-cooked hot dog on a stick, though you'll want to help them hold it over the fire. Slip them in a bun and top with condiments. For variety, wrap uncooked biscuit dough around the hot dog and cook until golden brown. Wrap a slice of cheese around the dog, then wrap with dough to make a cheesy dog.
S'mores
Toast marshmallows on a skewer until browned, but not black. Place a chocolate bar on a graham cracker. Place the hot marshmallows, still on the skewer, onto the chocolate. Top with another graham cracker and slide out the skewer.
Note: Safety rules for cooking on a stick: Always have adult supervision. Remember, what goes into the fire stays in the fire. Keep a pot or bucket of water nearby. Consider wearing hot mitts to keep your hands from burning. Never eat directly off the skewer, especially metal, which will be red hot and burn your lips.
Excerpted from Car Camping for Everyone by Mary and Bill Burnham, photographs by Stephen Gorman. Copyright © 2009. Reprinted with permission of Knack, an imprint of Globe Pequot Press.
For ideas to plan your next camping or outdoor adventure, check out Knack Car Camping for Everyone, published by Knack, an imprint of The Globe Press. From choosing a sleeping bag and setting up a tent to overcoming challenges like weather, insects, and safety concerns, Knack Car Camping for Everyone offers the tools you need to make camping a pleasure.
PIE IRONS
What is a pie iron?
A pie iron is incredibly useful for cooking over hot campfire coals. Usually made out of cast iron, a pie iron has handles and functions as a small skillet. A slice of bread is placed on each side, fillings are placed between the slices, then the two sides are latched together and placed over hot coals. Pie irons come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are a must have for camping! They are fun and easy to use but, as
always, be careful - the irons and filling get very hot.
How to use a pie iron
- Place a slice of bread, buttered side down, on lower half of cooker. Spoon fruit, meat, or other filling on center of bread (see recipes).
- Place a second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of fillings. Latch handles; trim off any excess bread if necessary.
- Toast over campfire, fireplace or bbq until golden brown on both sides. Makes a delicious snack in just 4 to 6 minutes.
Favorite pie iron recipes
Aluma Fruit Pie
Use any canned pie filling; apple, cherry, and peach are delicious. Place filling between your choice of bread as per the basic directions above. Grill until golden brown. Sprinkle with sugar and serve.
Cornbread
Prepare cornbread mix according to directions on package. Into a well greased cooker, fill cavity about one third with mix. Close, latch handles and bake over very low heat until done.
Rocky Road Treat
Spread peanut butter on 2 slices of bread. Add one large marshmallow and one chocolate bar square between buttered bread slices. Toast in cooker until bread is golden brown.
Fried Potatoes
Place sliced potatoes in cooker, add butter, salt and pepper (to taste) and close. Grill on both sides over low heat.
Tuna Melts
Mix canned tuna fish, chopped pickle and mayonnaise. Place on slice of bread, buttered side down, and add a slice of Havarti cheese and a slice of tomato. Cover with remaining slice of buttered bread and grill until hot and toasty.
Beef Pie
Place one piece of pie dough loosely in cooker cavity, buttered side down. Add cubed, cooked beef, cooked potato slices, onions and pepper. Cover with remaining piece of pie crust, buttered side up. Close grill and latch handles. Bake for approximately 5 minutes.
Pizza Pie
Place slice of pizza crust in cooker cavity, add tomato puree, green peppers, slivered garlic, oregano, mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni. Cover with second slice of pizza crust. Grill 3 or 4 minutes on each side or until desired doneness is reached. English muffins, sliced bread, or pita can be used in place of pizza crust.
Garlic Buns
Spread inside of burger buns with butter and sprinkle with garlic salt and paprika. Turn each bun inside out and place into cooker cavity. Grill until golden brown.
Hot Ham and Cheese
Place slice of bread, buttered side down, into cooker. Place slice of ham and slice of cheese on bread. Add Dijon mustard and cover with remaining slice of bread, buttered side up. Close cooker, latch handles and grill until golden brown.
Sloppy Joes
Use canned, pre-cooked sloppy joe mix or make your own mix with hamburger, barbecue sauce and onion. (Meat must be precooked.) Place mix between buttered bread and cook over low heat until hot and toasty.
Bacon and Tomato Special
Fill whole wheat bread with sliced tomatoes, crisp bacon, lettuce and mayonnaise. Toast sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes in pie iron.
Eggs
Open cooker and use as two skillets, place one egg in each side of cooker. Use cooker in closed position for scrambled eggs; add onion, cheese, pepper, and mushrooms for omelettes.
French Toast
Dip 2 bread slices into egg batter, place both slices into cooker, placing strawberry jam between bread slices. Toast until browned.
Try these one pot wonders!
A FARMER'S BREAKFAST
Ingredients:
- 6 Slices of bacon, diced
- 1 Tbsp of butter or margarine
- 1/2 Tbsp medium sized green pepper, finely chopped
- 1 Small onion, chopped
- 2 Medium potatoes, cooked and chopped
- 4 Eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Pepper to taste
Preparation: Fry bacon slowly in frying pan. Pour off some of the rendered fat and replace with butter. Add green pepper, parsley and onion. Cook until just starting to brown, then add potatoes (or brown them with onion if you prefer). Stir frequently to prevent burning. Beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture into frying pan, stir just enough to incorporate evenly, then cook over low heat to simmer until set. Cut into wedges and serve hot. Serves 4.
A BETTER TASTING SOUP
Ingredients:
- 2 5 oz. cans Vienna Sausage
- 4 1/2 cups of water
- 1 Pkg of Knoors Pea Soup
- 2 Tbsp Dried celery flakes
- 2 Tbsp Dried onion flakes
- 2 Tbsp Dried Cheese (Parmesan or Romano)
Preparation:
At home: Package the dried onion and celery. Package the cheese in a separate bag. Leave the soup mix and Vienna sausage in their original packages.
In the field: Slice the sausages and brown lightly in the soup pot, stirring constantly. When brown, add the water and soup mix, stirring until smooth. Add celery and onion flakes. Simmer covered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Before serving, stir in cheese.
Substitutes:
Diced cooked ham or diced salami.
SOUTHWEST WHITE BEAN CHILI
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 11/2 lb. Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies
- 1 can kidney beans (Canneloni), undrained
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Southwest Spice Blend, made up of:
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp ground Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Oregano leaves
- 1/2 tsp Cliantro leaves
- 1/2 tsp Ground red pepper
Preparation:
- Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onions. Cook 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in broth, green chilies, add spice blend. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir in beans, simmer 5 minutes. Top with onions, garnish with Monterey Jack cheese if desired. Makes four cups.
EASY ONE-POT GOULASH
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. package freeze dried beef or home dried hamburger
- 1 cup dried potato slices from boxed potatoes au gratin
- 1/4 cup of lentils
- 4 Sun dried tomato halves, cut into 1/2" pieces
- 1/2 Package dried spring vegetable soup mix
- 1 Tbsp dehydrated onion or garlic
Preparation: At camp, bring 3/4 cup of water to a boil in medium pot. Stir in dry mix, cover and remove from heat, and allow to stand for 15 minutes (will save fuel) till rehydrated. Return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are soft and tender -- about 15 minutes. Serves 2-3.
PROTEIN-POWER CEREAL
Bag together:
- 1 cup Quick oatmeal
- 1/3 cup Toasted Wheat Germ
- 1/3 cup Chopped roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup each; raisins, dried apples or apricots, sunflower seed kernels, chopped
- 1/2 cup instant dry milk
- 1 Tbsp date sugar
Preparation:
Either add 1-1/2 cup cold water to mix and eat OR add mix to 2 cups boiling water, stir and simmer gently for 2 minutes. Serves 3.
OATMEAL TRAIL MIX
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 Cups of Oats (or combination of Oats, Bran, and Wheat Germ)
- 3/4 Cup of powdered milk
- 1 Tbsp Plain gelatin
- 1 cup of dates, apricots, or other dried fruit, chopped
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 3/4 cup of chopped nuts and sunflower seeds
- 6 Tbsp Honey
- 1/4 tsp Grated orange or lemon peel
- 4 Tbsp Water
Preparation: Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl mix honey, water and citrus peel. Combine second mixture with the first. Knead with hands until thoroughly mixed. Press into a baking pan to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Bake at 150 degrees for about 6 hours. Don't let it brown! It burns easily. Cut into bars 1" x 2" or larger, wrap in wax paper. Store in a cool place until needed. May be eaten in bar form or crumbled in water or milk as a breakfast cereal.
BUNNY SALAD a fun recipe for kids to try
Ingredients:
- 1 can of Pear Halves
- 1 jar Maraschino Cherries
- Marshmallows
- Raisins
- Carrots
- Lettuce Leaves
Preparation: Place lettuce leaves on a plate. Put one pear half on top of lettuce with the hump-side up. Put a marshmallow in place using a toothpick on the narrow end of the pear to look like a Bunny's tail. Place 2 raisins on top of the pear for the Bunny's eyes, a maraschino cherry for the nose, cut 2 thin pieces of carrot in the shape of ears, and finally, stick into the pear, so the bunny will have ears.
