The sound of crackling wood, scent of burning logs, and gathering of friends and family around a campfire are three ingredients for a perfect summer evening. Whether you’re camping in the woods or building a fire in your backyard, all this summer scene needs is… you guessed it, food. Why not make cooking easy? Ditch the grill and camping stove and try this three-course meal that you can cook directly on the fire. All you need is skewers, aluminum foil, and (optional) metal hangers. Gather some kindling and spark that fire — we’ve got cooking to do. ~ Ashley Owen/Moonshine Ink
Mozzarella S’mores
When I think s’mores, I think of the marshmallow-chocolate-graham scenario. But this bruschetta-inspired, savory s’more concept is a creative campfire recipe that hits all the marks. These mozzarella s’mores combine three favorite Italian flavors — mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil — along with the summery taste of campfire.
Ingredients:
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, cut into 12 chunks
12 sundried tomatoes, or 12 slices of fresh tomato
12 fresh basil leaves
12 baguette slices
2 cloves of garlic, diced
4 Tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper
Directions:
Mix garlic, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Brush mix on one side of each baguette slice; toast or grill over flames until golden brown. Set out plates of toasted bread, basil, and tomatoes. Roast pieces of mozzarella on skewers (just like marshmallows), turning cheese so it doesn’t fall off. When cheese is melted, remove from fire and slide mozzarella on bread, topping with tomato and basil leaf. Let cheese cool slightly before eating. ~ Ashley Owen
Campfire Hobo Stew
One of the countless reasons I love camping is it gives me an excuse to make campfire hobo stew. It’s so easy, simple, and tasty, but with some imagination it can become a dinner masterpiece. It’s easily adjusted for any sized camping party, and kids in the group will love making their own personal stews. This recipe serves four, but feel free to modify to fit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey or beef
1 cup sweet potato, cubed
1 cup Yukon gold potato, cubed
1 onion, chopped
1 cup carrot, chopped
1 cup squash, cubed
1 cup broccoli, chopped
4 cloves garlic, diced
Choice herbs/seasonings
Beer (optional)
Aluminum foil
Directions:
Pre-cut all ingredients and place in separate containers. Rip piece of foil to fit all your stew ingredients and shape into a bowl. In foil bowl, add ground meat, followed by vegetables, choice seasonings, and either a splash of beer or water to help veggies steam. Close foil packet and place on outside of fire so packet is heated but not on direct flames. Check on stew after 20 minutes, or until meat and veggies are cooked through. ~ Ashley Owen
Campfire Cones
Although I am not much of a camper, the fire pit in my yard allows my family to enjoy the comforts of camping food right at home, without bug bites or the threat of wild animals. Our favorite campfire dessert is s’mores’ sister, the campfire cone. Stick to traditional s’more flavors, or get fruity like my family does. Easy to eat, campfire cones can be wrapped in tin foil and placed right in the heat, or you can make a fun cone holder using a metal coat hanger.
Ingredients:
8 waffle cones
1 pound strawberries, cubed
2 bananas, cubed
1/2 pound miniature
chocolate chips
1/2 bag small marshmallows
Directions:
Layer all ingredients in each cone. Wrap the cones in foil to keep them from burning. Place wrapped cones on the edge of the fire, or for a fancier approach make a holder: straighten out a metal hanger and cut in half, bend the top into a circular holder to hold cones, and stick holder in ground with cone sitting over the fire. Cook time is between three and six minutes. ~ Karin Carrasco/Moonshine Ink
~ What’s your favorite campfire recipe? Let us know below.
