Archive for August, 2009
The Ins and Outs of Cooking over Coals
As a vigorous defender of the merits of camp cuisine, I’ve found that the quality of ingredients makes a huge difference. It might come as a surprise to some that the cooking environment is just as important as the food that’s being cooked. This is especially true if you’re planning to prepare a multi-course meal. If you build a fire in an unprotected place, the wind and other elements could wreak havoc on your culinary plans. You should also stay well clear of any dry brush or other combustibles.
The goal is to create a well-contained, graded fire pit. Begin by laying kindling crosswise over the pit, lighting it and letting the kindling burn for a while. You’ll notice that as the flames begin to die down, they leave behind a bed of white-hot coals. These are ideal for our cooking purposes. Rake the coals in such a way that they are graded high in the back and low in front, so that you’re looking at a small incline. Place the camping grills above this grade, so that you can control the temperature of your food as it cooks.
Remote Emergencies
Outdoors enthusiasts tend to be a tough, stubborn breed. These rugged individualists detest confinement – they can barely stand being cooped up in office buildings during the work week. Their most intense passions are those that put them in touch with nature – hunting, fishing, camping and hiking, just to name a few. But even the most self-sufficient outdoorsman should be prepared for whatever the elements throw his way.
Wilderness first aid kits are indispensable for situations where something goes wrong in a remote area, far away from hospitals and other societal luxuries. The best first aid kits are conveniently portable and contain such valuable items as gauze, duct tape, splints and bandages. There’s no shame in being prepared, and the presence of such a kit inside a camping pack is often enough to ensure peace of mind.