One of the most enjoyable times when out exploring the woods are the relaxing times in camp
preparing a hot meal over a fire.  Cooking over an open fire does take some practice but
before you know it you will be preparing meals like a gourmet chef.   The following list is all
one needs for the preparation of a good meal for two people. A frying pan, 2 or 3 pots of
various sizes, a one quart drink pitcher, a mixing spoon, one spatula, knife, and a reflector
oven. In addition, two bowls, cups, forks, spoons, and don't forget the leather gloves.

Everything should be able to nest inside of each other for compact storage and kept in its
own bag.  It's best to designate one of the pots as the water pot.  It's only job will be heating
water and must have a good fitting lid to keep out the ash.  The frying pan should have sides
two or three inches high. The high sides keep the food in the pan, and it also doubles as a
baking pan.  A utensil roll  is a great way to keep all your cooking utensils organized and
excisable. It should have a loop at the top to be able to hang it next to the fire where you are
cooking.  Sew pockets inside to hold the mixing spoon, spatula, forks, spoons, knife, or
anything else you may need handy.  The whole thing can be rolled up and tied for quick
storage.  There are a number of ways to bake using a fire but the reflector oven is one of the  
easiest.  You’ll set it up about a foot away from the fire.  The heat from the fire reflects from
the bottom and from the top creating an oven.  The temperature is adjusted by moving it
closer or further from the fire as needed.  Nothing is more delightful then eating fresh baked
rolls as you sit next to the fire.

Now that we are equipped to cook, let us look at the set up of the kitchen. The first order of
business is to get the fire going.  Second, find a pole about six feet long and cut a notch in
one end.  This will be for hanging your pot of water on.  Lay the stick over a rock or log so
that the notched end is over the fire.  The weight of the other end of the stick should off set
the weight of the kettle.  If it does not, place a rock on it or jam it in to the ground. Next pull
out your cooking gear and stake your utensil roll where you can easily reach it.  Fill the kettle
with water and place the wire handle over the notch in the stick. Then cut two green sticks
about 2″ in diameter to place over the fire. Once the fire has burned down to coals, place the
green sticks parallel with each other and about 4″ above the fire. This will act as your grill to
place your pots and frying pan on. A small light wire grill can be added to the cook kit and
used in place of the sticks.   After you have cooked your meal, build the fire back up, set up
the reflector oven and start on dessert or tomorrows bread.
Camp Kitchen
The following are tips that will help with your camp cooking.

  • Make sure that your pots have a wire handle on top to hang them over the fire.  

  • Place marks on the inside of one of your cups showing the measurements ¼ cup all the
    way up to a full cup.

  • Wood ash from the fire is great for cleaning pots and pans.

  • Keep the outside of your pots and pans black to absorb heat.

  • Leather gloves should fit loosely so you can throw them off easily if your hands get hot.
Northwest Woodsman
Explore the Unreachable