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Camping

Our UK Camping forum has all the information you need on finding the right equipment for your tent or caravan.

Inwood camping

8 replies

UptoapointLordCopper · 21/07/2013 13:38

We are going camping at Inwood (v. exciting!) But we've never camped anywhere with camp fires before. How does it work? If we bring an old oven shelf type thing will we be able to cook on the fire? Should we bring bricks to prop it up? Are these very stupid questions? Blush

OP posts:
foolonthehill · 21/07/2013 20:33

never been to Inwood but i cook on an open fire all the time when camping.

Old oven shelf or bar-b-que rack plus something to prop it over the fire pit...NB ordinary red bricks will gradually disintegrate with the heat of the fire (unless you have proper fire proof bricks)...this is not a problem unless you need to take them home!!

Think about a hanging tripod for a kettle/pot and /or a dutch oven if you think you will do this more often.

Toasting forks (very long) can be made from wire coat hangers...wrap gaffer tape around the handle ends....good for sausages, muffins, marshmallows ....

when you make your fire make it to one side of the fire pit so that you can vary the heat that you cook over.

foolonthehill · 21/07/2013 20:50

More extensive tips.....

Don't forget.
A box of matches and some fire lighters kept in a fire proof and water tight box/tin.

To cook in: the true necessities are a medium to large lightweight pot with lid, a frying pan of similar size, aluminium foil, and a portable grate that can be placed over a fire pit. spatula and tongs (bar b que versions are longer and more heat resistant) and a long wooden or silicon/heat resistant spoon
Food prep: Chopping board, sharp knife, can opener, bottle opener, measuring jug

Cooking Methods
Wrap food items individually in aluminium foil and place them in hot coals or the embers of the fire. It requires frequent checking, but is very effective for foods that require high heat eg potatoes, corn on the cob. You can slow cook food in aluminium containers and aluminium foil buried in the embers of the old fire as it goes out...careful check the heat!!
Place a grate over an open fire and grill your food .
For soups, stews, and pastas, you?ll need a pot. To cook them, just build the fire, let it die down to hot coals, and place the pot or pan over them. Managing the hot coal amount and concentration is the key to this technique, as heat can become inconsistent pretty quickly. The good news is that once you have that down, camp cooking is just about as easy as using a kitchen stove.

Some More Tips
Measure ingredients (spice, salt, stockcube, rice etc)for each meal ahead of time and pack in ziplock bags. Label each bag for each meal. No kitchen scales when camping
Prepare soups, stews or chili etc ahead of time. Freeze and keep in cooler. Reheat for a quick meal.
Take frozen meat in your in cooler. Keeps other foods cold and will keep longer.
Cover pots whenever cooking outdoors. Food will get done quicker and you will save on fuel. Also helps keep dirt and insects out of your food.

For ease of clean up and to protect from smoke and fire damage, put liquid soap on outside of your pots and pans before putting over the fire.
All items in your cooler should be packed in watertight bags or containers.
To avoid unwanted visits from animals, keep food stored away or hang above ground level.
Apply oil on camp grill to keep foods from sticking.
Cans of frozen juice keep other foods cold.
Use fireproof cooking equipment. Keep handles away from extreme heat and flames.
Put a pan of hot water on the fire while you eat so that it?ll be ready for washing up when you are done.
Pita bread packs better and stays in better shape while camping than loaf type breads.
To cook hamburgers more evenly throughout, put a hole in the middle of your hamburger about the size of your finger, during grilling the hole will disappear but the centre will be cooked the same as the edges.
Fill milk cartons or large soda bottles with water or juice and freeze. They keep the cooler cold and provide a cold beverage.
To remove odours from your cooler, wipe with a water and baking soda solution.
Use a separate cooler for drinks so not to open the food cooler too often.
Pre-chop ingredients such as onion, peppers etc at home. Pack in ziplock bags.

foolonthehill · 21/07/2013 20:54

sorry...didn't mean to tell you so much that you probably already know....getting excited about campfire cooking!

this may be easier to read than my long list: eartheasy.com/play_campfire_cooking.htm

thisisyesterday · 21/07/2013 20:55

you can use large logs around the edge of your fire to prop stuff up. obv they will burn, but they'll easily last for as long as you're cooking, and can then be used to just have a nice open fire to warm yourselves on.,

get a dutch oven! worth every penny :D

hz · 21/07/2013 22:14

Inwood has firepits on previously used spots you may need to gather some rocks from roundabout and a grill from the oven or barbeque will certainly do the job. However, they also offer hire of a Campfire Grill. Brilliant for campfire cooking. Try it!

UptoapointLordCopper · 22/07/2013 07:26

foolonthehill thisisyesterday hz Thank you all for the tips! We have a trangia and have survived on that so far so this will be new and exciting. :)

OP posts:
foolonthehill · 22/07/2013 11:41

you'll never look back! have fun

UptoapointLordCopper · 29/07/2013 19:43

Been and back.

AWESOME.

That's all I can say. Smile Smile

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