Foodie’s Guide to Campfire Cooking at Camping 7 Mile Beach
A Foodie’s Guide to Campfire Cooking at Camping 7 Mile Beach
For those who marvel at the dramatic marriage of undulating waves and sandy shorelines, 7 Mile Beach in Australia serves as the perfect camping destination. This uninterrupted stretch of golden sand, flanked by sapphire-blue sea and verdant green forests, doesn’t merely offer a tranquil seaside retreat; it also presents an opportunity for food enthusiasts to experience the thrill of campfire cooking.
Campfire cooking is an age-old tradition that seems to encapsulate the essence of man’s survival instincts, with its primal methods dictating the spiritually transformative experience. Every foodie knows that there’s something incredibly satisfying about preparing and consuming a meal from scratch whilst situated in the embrace of Mother Nature.
Preparation is Key
Anyone who has cooked over an open fire will tell you that preparation is key to having a mouth-watering meal ready at the end of the day. To start with, plan your meals ahead of time. Right from break-of-dawn breakfast, lazy afternoon lunch, to the memorable dinner under the starry vault, every meal should be carefully thought out. Opt for easy recipes that do not require a plethora of ingredients but can be jazzed up with a few key seasonings. Items like canned beans, crackers, instant soup mixes, dried fruit, and homemade sandwich spreads can be your go-to food items, as they do not require refrigeration.
The Equipment
While an open fire can vastly modify your regular kitchen setup, it comes with its unique set of equipment. Cast-iron skillets and pots, grill grates, adjustable cooking tripods, long tongs, heavy-duty aluminum foil, and of course, a metal spatula are just a few of the essentials. The equipment might be rudimentary compared to your state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, but the unparalleled aroma and flavors they usher in, making each meal an absolute delight.
The Fire
No campfire cooking can occur without, well, the fire. The key to a perfect campfire is to start small and let it grow naturally. Hardwoods like oak or hickory are perfect for a long-lasting fire. Remember, patience is vital in fire-building. Once your fire is ready and hot, you would need to let it burn down to embers for the ideal cooking conditions. While a roaring fire is eye-catching and warm, it’s actually the bed of hot, glowing coals that allows for even, controllable heat.
A Few Delicious Campfire Recipes
1. Hearty Campfire Stew
With a few simple ingredients like diced stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, and your favorite seasoning, you can have a warming stew ready over the fire. Simply brown your meat in a pot, add your vegetables and seasoning, and allow it to simmer until everything is tender and delicious.
2. Campfire Grilled Fish
For seafood lovers, bringing fresh fish to cook over the campfire can be a real treat. Simply scale and gut your fish, season with your favorite spices or keep it simple with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Wrap the whole fish in heavy-duty aluminum foil and set it on the campfire grill grate for around 15 minutes each side.
3. Damper Bread on a Stick
An Aussie camping classic, Damper Bread on a Stick, can be a fun and delicious experience. Prepare your simple damper dough – flour, salt, water, and a bit of butter. Once you have your dough, roll it out into a snake shape and wrap it around a clean, sturdy stick. Cook it slowly by the fire, rotating until golden and cooked through.
Conclusion
Campfire cooking at the 7 Mile Beach is an experience that transcends the mere act of preparing and consuming nourishment. It’s about soaking in the beauty of the rustic scenery, bonding with loved ones, and indulging in authentic flavors that can only be brought out by cooking on an open fire. Whether you are a seasoned cook or an amateur foodie, the magic of campfire cooking is sure to captivate your senses, leaving you with unforgettable culinary memories.
