Matt wrote:
> Camping season is upon us. I like to bring some good food when I go
> car camping (as opposed to backpack camping when weight doesn't allow
> carrying coolers). In the past I've done stuffed Cornish game hen
> wrapped in foil over the fire. Creek potatoes are always good. I've
> made saffron rice over the camp fire. Marinated flank stuff works
> well, too.
>
> What are some easy to prepare ahead (or don't have to bring much with
> you) meals fit for cooking over a fire? What delicious meals have
> you made over a camp fire? I've always wanted to try a pizza over a
> fire myself, but don't have much idea how that would work.
>
> -Matt

If you've got a cooler and easy access to ice, you've pretty much got it
made. I don't know if you're talking about cooking on a charcoal grill or
over a wood fire. I can tell you, when I lost power due to a major storm
last July I did all my cooking on coal out of a cooler. But I've also
cooked over wood fires while camping; it's pretty much the same thing.

I cooked bacon on a cast iron griddle and then used the reserved drippings
to prepare cornbread in a skillet. I prepared jambalaya on the grill, and
also made a pot of soup.

I can't see why you couldn't do pizza in an iron skillet; you'll just want
to rise the dough, covered, and then top it as desired and bake it off to
the side-like with a lid on. Might need to turn the pan around a couple of
times to allow for even browning of the crust.

I trust you have a dutch oven? They are great for making stews and such.

You've already mentioned cornish hens, potatoes. Don't forget corn on the
cob, it's wonderful roasted. Soak it in cold water (or shove it into the
cooler with the ice) for about an hour. Peel back the husks and remove the
cornsilk; brush the corn with butter or oil and lay some herbs along the
cob. Thyme, basil, sage. Put the husks back around the corn and roast it
about an hour, turning frequently. The husks will blacken but the well
soaked corn will not burn and the herbs flavour the corn nicely.

Have fun!

Jill