Dutch Oven Cooking

This summer I discovered cooking with a Dutch Oven and I must say that it is pretty fun. There is just something about cooking directly with fire. In the past I've stuck to marshmallows and hot dogs over the campfire and a camp stove for all other cooking.

The discovery of a Dutch Oven opens the doors to nearly anything you can cook in an oven available at your campsite. I've made cakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and even a pizza but Peach Cobbler is my specialty. The kids obviously aren't allowed to touch the Dutch Oven at any point in this process but they find it very intriguing and are always asking to peek in and see how the finished product is coming along.

If you haven't cooked with a Dutch Oven you might want to give it a try. It opens the possibilities for things kids love to eat such as Pizza and Deserts plus it is fun, exciting, and helps pass the time while sitting around a campfire.

Please feel free to share any ideas or recipes you may have. Here are the details for my favorite Lazy Peach Cobbler.

2 Cans sliced peaches (29-30 oz. cans)

1 Package white or yellow cake mix

Ground cinnamon to taste

1/3 stick butter

Pour peaches into oven. Spread Cake mix evenly over peaches. Sprinkle on cinnamon. Cut butter into small slices are distribute on top. Bake until done.

Easy as can be and delicious. Enjoy.

Camping with Kids: Menu

One thing that many people worry about when they consider taking their kids camping is "What are we going to eat?" It seems daunting to have to feed a child while camping but it is actually pretty easy and can be half the fun of camping.

We bring a basic propane camp stove whenever we head out to the back country. With this simple and easy to use stove we can easily boil water, saute vegetables, or fry things in a pan. Think about your children's favorite foods. The might be grilled cheese, mac-n-cheese, pancakes, scrambled eggs, quesadillas, and pasta. All of these things are easy to make on a camp stove. Your child is sure to find something they will love that is easy to eat outside.

Everyone loves s'mores for a special treat around a campfire but if your child is old enough they might like roasting a hot dog on a stick. If an adult is close by and able to help this can be a lot of fun. It may even be fascinating for a child to watch if they aren't big enough to roast their own.

On our recent trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park our family ate veggie quesadillas, chicken burritos, peanut butter sandwiches, and just add water pancakes. The kids were as happy as can be. Add in some granola bars, chips and guacamole, and some fruit and you are good to go.

So stop using food as a reason not to take your kids camping. Actually feeding them outside is as easy as feeding them at home.

What are some of your favorite camping meals?