Your favorite....

[Itchy_Ivy]

What is your favorite way of cooking while camping? Do you take a grill, make your own fire, or do you take a stove?

I would also like to know how fancy do you get. Do you only cook burgers and hot dogs or do you go more gourmet?

[campmaster]

I eat just as good camping as I do at home. I do 90% of my cooking in a Dutch Oven. A 10" and 12" Dutch Oven will handle anything you want. You can bake, braise, stew, fry and boil. What's not to like.

I love to camp, but was tired of hamburgers and hot dogs, so using a Dutch Oven cured that.

Dan

[Tired_Sneakers]

I am usually happy to just have simple fare when I go camping that I don't complaint. For me is an opportunity to eat junk food. I know it sounds terrible, but nothing like eating smores and hot dogs by the fire at dusk.

[Itchy_Ivy]

I have to admit that I have never even seen a dutch oven. Is it easy to find and use? Feel free to post a website where I can get the dutch oven for dummies 411.

[Jobiwan]

A dutch oven is a cast Iron vessel for cooking...usually slow cooking

[hikinmike]

I've been converted to the low-impact school of backpacking and use small stoves for cooking. Any time I've been out with newbies or kids, a fire seems to be part of their expectation. In black fly or serious skeeter country, a smokey fire can be enjoyed with no spiritual qualms. Always try to find an existing fire circle, to minimize scarring the ground.

Back years ago I developed a fairly packable special meal. Used to fish, so would broil anything caught and then flake off the flesh (a can of tuna in reserve in case of failure fishing). Would prepare an Uncle Ben's package of 5-min flavored rice (long grain and wild rice was a favorite). Then add a pack of dried tomatoes (re-hydrated) to rice. Throw in some dehydrated veggie flakes (celery, garlic, etc.). Simmer (adding water if needed), and flaked fish. Simmer until you can't wait any longer, then serve. Adjust amounts for size of party. Always a popular meal with companions. Early on I was complimented with the suggestion it be named. Chose 'Finger Lakes Chowder' as the meal was developed while backpacking on the Finger Lakes Trail.

[Betty]

I like to do one-pot meals. I have a deep cast iron pan with a lid that I can cook just about anything in. It's heavy, but it's so versatile!

[Yogi]

A grill rack and a box of foil along with a light weight pot for boiling water are all I usually use for a weekend situation. It takes up minimal space and weighs next to nothing.

[JDSport]

I like cooking on my fire or I will take my portable grill. I usually make up some macaroni salad and potato salad ahead of time and just cook burgers and hot dogs on my trips.