articles

Beyond Marshmallows

By Dana Verhoff April 19, 2015
A family cannot survive on marshmallows alone.  You're welcome to try,  and it may even be fun ... for a while.  But we're guessing you'll want a little more nourishment.  With that in mind, we've compiled some interesting options just for you ... and your kids!

On a Stick
There's nothing like the experience of cooking over an open fire, and most everything tastes better cooked this way. Try cinnamon rolls.  Wait a minute – cinnamon rolls and camping? That’s right, cinnamon rolls on a stick, actually, and it’s a lot of fun for the kids and it gives them something to do while the cook is working on a more substantial breakfast.  Using a can of cinnamon rolls (such as Pillsbury®), uncoil each roll and then wrap the dough around a stick. Roast the dough over the campfire just like a marshmallow, turning it so that it cooks evenly on all sides.

For dinner you probably envision a hot dog on a stick.  While that's a great option, you may also consider a more sophisticated approach by making kabobs. Be sure that meat is marinated to keep it from drying out while cooking.  Vegetables can be cut into pieces (at home) and slid onto skewers just before cooking.

For dessert, try grilled pineapple.

In a Foil Packet
Foil Packets provide delicious and nearly endless possibilities that can be cooked over a fire.  Prep is easy. Lay out a piece of foil, layer in your favorite foods, add some liquid or butter to prevent burning and drying out, wrap up securely, and place on a cooking grate over the fire or directly in coals and cook. The best part? The easy cleanup. After eating, ball up the foil and throw it away.

Try foil-wrapped potatoes and corn-on-the-cob.  For both, spread with butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and wrap tightly in foil. Place on coals and grill for ten minutes, turning occasionally. You can also combine meat with creamed soup and seasoning in a foil packet.  Reynolds Packet Meal Recipes is the best resource for Foil Meals.

One last idea that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser ... Banana Boats! Cut a banana open lengthwise, fill it with chocolate and/or marshmallows. Wrap in foil and place on grill/ fire for approx 2-3 minutes.