All Fired Up

As you read this, we are preparing for our first camping trip of the summer. We’ve been impatiently waiting since the end of school to pack our gear, strap our bikes to the the van, and take off for a little outdoor rest and relaxation.
While we look forward to the hiking, swimming, game playing and reading that goes with our camping trips, what we’re most excited about is the food. Dinners are typically something that can be grilled or cooked in a foil packet, and lunches are often composed of leftovers or sandwiches. Breakfast is my personal favourite though, as we always wake up and cook a hearty meal when temporarily living outdoors.

While each of the following breakfasts may sound fancy, they are anything but. One rule for campfire cooking is that it needs to be easy, and it can’t require a mile-long grocery list.

What are your favourite camping foods?

Campfire Bacon, Eggs and Potato Hash

You’ll Need:

• 4–6 baking potatoes cut into cubes
• 8 slices of bacon
• 8 eggs
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper

Prep and Cook:

1. Cook potatoes in a large pot of boiling water until fork tender.
2. Drain the water and set aside.
3. While the potatoes are cooking, cook the bacon in a cast–iron skillet set over a campfire.
4. Cook until crispy, turning once.
5. Remove from the pan and allow to cool.
6. Add the potatoes to the pan and cook until they are golden brown.
7. Crumble the bacon and add it to the pan.
8. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
9. Crack the eggs into the skillet and stir them into the potato mixture.
10. Add the green onions and cook until the eggs are no longer runny.

Pancakes with Maple-Berry Syrup

You’ll Need:

• 1 pancake in a jar recipe
• 1 Tbsp butter
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 2 cups fresh berries

Prep and Cook:

1. When you’re ready to make the pancakes, add the dry ingredients, the wet ingredients and one egg to a mixing bowl.
2. Add one tablespoon butter to a cast-iron skillet and set over a campfire.
3. Cook the pancakes as you normally would, noting that they will likely cook a little faster over the campfire.
4. While the pancakes are cooking, combine the maple syrup and berries in a pot and bring to a boil.
5. Cook until the syrup is reduced by half and serve over the pancakes.

Breakfast Bannock

You’ll Need:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 Tbsp baking powder
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• Water
• Cooking oil
• 1 cup any combination of the following: dried cranberries, pecans, raisins, blueberries, coconut, walnuts, sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Prep and Cook:

1. Combine the dry ingredients together and add enough water to form dough.
2. Drop dollops into a hot, well–oiled pan and fry until golden brown.Alternatively, wrap the dough around a stick and roast over the open fire.
3. Serve with preserves or chunks of cheese.