Kids love to cook while camping, and a humble box of aluminum foil, some non-stick cooking spray and you’re ready to go. No other gear is necessary. And the kids are involved and therefore more apt to eat since they had a hand in the preparation.
The beauty of foil cooking is that kids literally just have to spray with non-stick spray (or you can use non-stick aluminum foil), assemble the package and fold it closed. You can cut up the ingredients at the campground or even before you leave home and keep them all in separate containers in the cooler. It's also ideal to let each child create his or her own foil food, so that each one can get in on the fun and create a meal designed to their specific taste. For larger groups or the family a large foil package may be made.
Foil cooking should be done on coals, not on an open flame. Start your campfire early and let it burn down to a nice bed of coals. The coals will hold their heat long enough to allow for the entire cooking process. Another method that can be used is to place some charcoal briquettes in your campfire. Once they are started, spread them out and use them as the base for your foil cooking.
A classic recipe for a foil meal is to flatten a portion of hamburger, add some sliced potatoes and onions, double wrap it in foil and lay it on the coals of your campfire. Cook for about 7 minutes on each side.
Remember, when using these recipes with children, always help them turn the foil packet while it’s on the fire and take care when removing it from the fire. A long set of tongs can be helpful in safely accomplishing this task. Also, be careful when you unwrap the packet as hot juices may run out and these can cause burns.
Foil Roasted Veggies
If you think kids won't eat vegetables, you might be surprised how they change their minds when the fun of some foil and a campfire are involved. Pick their favorites (they must like a couple, right?) and add a couple others. Give them the diced veggies and the foil, and let them have fun. Place closed foil wrap onto campfire or camping stove, and cook for 30-45 minutes.
Campfire Foil Fries
Spray foil liberally, and spray cut potatoes lightly. Place in center of large piece of foil, and sprinkle seasoning like Old Bay on top. Close and roast over fire or stove for 45 minutes.
Foil Apple Cobbler
Take sheet of foil and spray. Place several diced apples inside, and add granola. For fun, toss in some caramel or peanut butter chips. Close and roast for 20-30 minutes.
Foil Family Pot Roast Dinner
Take a much-needed break from making dinner, and let the kids take charge. Brown some diced beef for them in a pan first, and then let the spread out a couple large aluminum foil squares. Add the beef, some small roasting potatoes and mini carrots. Toss a packet of Lipton onion soup mix, and close. Roast over strong camp fire or stove for 1.5 hours.
Tags: camping recipe, dinner