Cooking on a campfire

About half of the book is dedicated to recipes for food you can make outdoors or meals ideal for hiking. The rest of the book offers tips and tricks, including various types of campfires and how to care for nature responsibly. According to Nina, gathering around a fire is a magical experience. There’s something captivating about sitting by a glowing, crackling fire. Watching the flames consume twig after twig fascinates people of all ages. Beyond the warmth, the fire serves as a valuable tool for cooking and enhances the overall joy of spending time in nature.

Pyramid fire

This is probably the bonfire most people are familiar with. Start by making a pile of kindling. Then, place logs against each other on top to form a pyramid. Light it from underneath.

Bonfire

This fire method is popular since it burns for a long time and generates a lot of heat. Start with a solid base. Place three to four logs on the ground and build the fire on top of these. Then, lay two logs across these and place two more on top. Create as many layers as you wish, depending on how long you want the fire to burn. In the centre of the pagoda, place kindling material. Light the fire from the bottom in the summer. In winter, you can light it from the top to prevent it from melting into the snow.

Star bonfire

This fire is well suited for cooking and is easy to make. A star fire requires little wood, which can be a significant advantage in some terrains. To make a star fire, start with a small pyramid fire in the centre. Then, place 5–8 logs in a circle around the pyramid fire (the logs form a star shape towards the pyramid). As it burns, you push the logs towards the centre.

Patience and aluminium foil

«Enjoying food on a campfire in nature is fun and educational for children," says Nina enthusiastically. The most important thing to remember is to let the fire burn for a while before you start cooking – embers have a steady heat and are perfect for cooking.

She adds that aluminium foil is a good friend on a trip, as it doesn't burn up.

«The best tip I can give is to be patient and pay close attention when cooking food on a fire», Nina concludes.

Two of Nina's favorites on the bonfire:

Apple Dream

Apples are delightful on a hike! This dessert is perfect after dinner, or as a treat around the campfire.

Ingredients

• 1 apple
• Crushed biscuit
• Sugar and cinnamon
• A little butter

1. Hollow the apple, but make sure you don't make a hole right through
2. Put in crushed biscuits, cinnamon, sugar and butter
3. Put the apple on the fire until the butter has melted

Shawarma

A full stomach is vital for a successful trip. This kebab not only tastes good – it provides plenty of energy and puts a smile on your face.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 400 grams of meat or ground meat in strips
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp salt, 2 tsp pepper, 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 boats of finely chopped garlic
• 1 piece of finely chopped chili
• 150 grams of mushrooms
• 4 pieces of spring onion cut into strips
• About 6 tablespoons of plain yoghurt or sour cream
• 8 pieces of pita bread

Mix all the spices in one bag to save space and weight in the backpack.

1. Chop garlic, chilli, and spring onions into suitable-sized pieces

2. Cook the meat

3. Cook the mushrooms. When the mushrooms are almost done, add chilli and garlic. This should be sautéed, so ensure it doesn't get overcooked.

4. Mix everything, including the spices

5. Put the mixture in pita bread warmed on the fire, and add plain yoghurt or sour cream.

6. Enjoy your meal!

Remember!

Eating outdoors doesn't need to be complicated, and you can prepare in advance, such as chopping vegetables at home. The most important thing is the atmosphere, and the experience you create with the family. A large and nice bonfire is simply worth its weight in gold.