How to master the art of camp cooking

There’s plenty to love about camping. The smell of melted marshmallows around the campfire, the escape from the city, and of course the taste of campfire cooking. Here’s our guide for how to master camp cooking on your next outdoor adventure.

A FEW RECIPE TIPS

If you're using a gas cooker with one burner, then one pot recipes are your friend. Think stir-fries, pastas, basic curries, and bacon and eggs. Also:

• Plan your recipes based on use and shelf-life.

• Try to incorporate an ingredient more than once during your trip.

• Plan to eat your most perishable items first (this often includes fresh vegetables, meats and eggs).

• Choose meals that are quick for campfire cooking (i.e. less gas).

If you're new to camp cooking, experiment with the easy, fun stuff first – like foil packet recipes, and anything on a stick to roast over the campfire.

COOK IN THE DAYLIGHT

Try and avoid darkness come dinnertime. It can be tricky trying to cook in the dark, especially if you've got any small children with you, and only a limited amount of light sources. To help dodge potential mishaps:

• Make the most of the ample daylight, and check sunset times at your campsite ahead of dinner time.

• Do your prep earlier in the day so you can quickly whip it up just before the darkness sets in.

If that’s not a possibility, a head torch won’t impede your cooking prowess, but will allow you to see what you’re working with. Also, think about investing in a bright solar-powered camping torch to stand or hang up in your makeshift kitchenette.

MINIMISE YOUR FOOTPRINT

In the interest of leaving no trace, remember that what you waste is just as important as what you consume. You should have a bag for general rubbish, a bag for recycling, and a bag for fruit and vegetable waste that can go into your compost bin when you return home. Avoid overusing plastic bags and cling wrap by keeping leftovers in reusable containers.

Heading out soon, but still lacking some gear? Our range of camp cooking essentials(/gear/camp-hike/stove-cookware-cutlery.html) will set you up for your next trip away.