campfire

Campfire Cooking

Burning for a holiday? Your tummy will thank you. 

With the upcoming months holding the last warmth of the season, now is the best time to pack up your swag and go for a mini holiday. Not only is the wind cool and the sun warm, but there’s enough sunlight left at the end of the day to set up everyone’s favourite part of camping: the campfire. 


Perfect for light, a bit of ambience and to keep you warm as the sun goes, the fire serves best for one thing  — and no, I’m not (just) talking about s’mores. 

Cooking over the campfire

Campfire cooking is for more than just s’mores, sausages on sticks and classic Australia damper. In fact, campfire cooking goes above and beyond ‘less is best,’ full of flavour and beautiful tender textures with little effort (and even less washing up). Whether you go low and slow with coals and heavy bottomed pots, or harness the natural heat of a roaring fire for something quick and delicious, both make the experience of cooking by campfire.

According to some research and anecdotes, campfire dinners have many benefits: fast, easy, free of chemicals (depending on how you use the equipment) and with an added layer of smoky flavour and fresh ingredients hold on to its pure nutrition. Now, we’re not saying to abandon your electric cooking appliances for good, there’s no shame in throwing a ready-made meal in the microwave on busy days, but when you get the chance to slow down, take a deep of fresh, natural air and enjoy good food, a campfire is the perfect way to go.

The How and Where 



The first step to enjoying campfire food is finding somewhere to light it. Many campgrounds and natural locations along the Sunshine Coast are open for campers, including the Glasshouse Mountains campground, Kenilworth Bluff Creek campground, Teewah Beach and the Inskip Penninsula Recreation Area. When deciding on where to go, check cost, amenities and local fire restrictions. If you need to get a fire permit, don’t hesitate to reach out to the local fire department.   
Once you’ve decided where to go and gotten necessary permits for a fire, make sure you follow all fire safety guidelines to keep you and the Earth safe: at least 25 feet away from any structure and anything that can burn,  clear away dry leaves and sticks, overhanging low branches and shrub, avoid burning on windy, dry days and have a water source always on hand. 

 

Plan ahead for everything you’ll need,  including equipment like grills, pots, including firewood—  you don’t want your fire going out halfway through cooking dinner or not enough to hit that high heat.

Now you have set your expectations for a relaxing, delicious campfire dinner, it’s time to explore your options. If you’re looking for something indulgent and easy, you can check out a special campfire recipe this fortnight, including a Sunshine Coast Organic Meat’s family secret ;)