Bonfire Cooking

Bonfire Cooking

Bonfire Cooking, or cooking over an open fire, is the oldest and most original method of cooking. There’s such a thrill and joy in cooking over a bonfire. Foods roast and develop a rich, smokey flavor, and at this time of year especially, bonfires provide a great atmosphere for outdoor events such as party celebrations, Halloween or Guy Fawkes Night.

A good fire for cooking is primarily hot coals and a few logs of burning wood. Depending on the fire and weather conditions, a new campfire can take 30 to 45 minutes to burn to the right conditions. Let the fire burn down until you have a bed of glowing coals, which is the ideal state for cooking.

Just because you see flames does not mean that your bonfire is ready for roasting!

A common mistake is to start when the fire is too hot – A good rule of thumb is if you can hold your hand about six inches over the fire for 10 seconds or so, it is ready to cook over.

You can roast your foods by skewering them on a stick and holding them over the fire.  Cooking will take longer  thn in your oven at home- but that’s part of the appeal right?

You’ve probably cooked a marshmallow on a stick before, but there are other options to explore such as Hot Dogs, Kebab Sticks, Bacon, Steak, Chicken, Fish, Grilled Cheese, Tomatoes, Peppers, Pineapple and Apple!

To be safe while cooking meats we suggest using a Comark Waterproof Pocketherm Thermometer to check the temperature which should be at least 74°C/165.2°F.

Don’t forget, once finished put out the fire with water or sand, stomp on it, or otherwise extinguish it completely. By the time you leave, it should be cool to the touch.

Get yourselves in the great outdoors and enjoy!

 

Sources: Country Living, Jamie Oliver, BBC Good Food