Fireside Feasts: Best Recipes for Forest School Cooking

As a teacher passionate about outdoor education, there's something truly magical about cooking over an open fire amidst the serene beauty of the forest. Not only does it offer students a hands-on learning experience, but it also fosters a deep connection with nature and imparts valuable life skills. From toasting marshmallows to simmering hearty stews, here are some of the best recipes for cooking on an open fire during Forest School sessions.

1. Campfire Toasted Marshmallows
   Let's start with a classic favourite that never fails to delight both young and old alike. Roast marshmallows on skewers over the flames until they turn golden brown and gooey on the inside. Sandwich them between two biscuits for a deliciously indulgent treat known as s'mores.

2. Jacket Potatoes
   Wrap potatoes individually in foil and bury them in the embers of the fire. Allow them to cook for around 45 minutes to an hour until tender. Serve with a variety of toppings such as grated cheese, baked beans, or sour cream and chives for a hearty and satisfying meal.

3. Campfire Stew
   In a cast iron pot, combine diced vegetables, chunks of meat, and a rich tomato sauce. Place the pot over the fire and let it simmer away, infusing the stew with smoky goodness. Serve with crusty bread for a warming and nourishing meal that's perfect for chilly days.

4. Grilled Corn on the Cob
   Peel back the husks of fresh corn and remove the silk. Brush the corn with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Grill directly on the fire until charred and tender. Serve with extra butter for a simple yet delicious side dish.

5. Banana Boats
   Make a lengthwise slit in a banana, keeping the skin intact. Stuff the banana with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed biscuits. Wrap in foil and place on the edge of the fire to melt the chocolate and soften the banana. Unwrap and enjoy straight from the peel with a spoon.

6. Fire-Baked Apples
   Core apples and fill the cavity with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Wrap each apple in foil and bake in the embers until soft and caramelized. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

7. Campfire Breadsticks
   Prepare a simple dough using flour, water, yeast, and a pinch of salt. Roll the dough into long strips and wrap them around the end of a clean stick. Hold the sticks over the fire, rotating occasionally, until the breadsticks are golden brown and cooked through. Serve with dips such as hummus or tomato salsa.

8. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
   Thread chunks of seasonal vegetables onto skewers and brush with olive oil and herbs. Grill over the fire until tender and slightly charred. Serve as a nutritious and colourful accompaniment to any outdoor meal.

9. Chocolate Orange Campfire Cake
   Hollow out an orange and fill it with chocolate cake batter. Wrap the filled orange in foil and place it in the coals of the fire. Allow it to bake for around 20-30 minutes until the cake is cooked through. Unwrap and enjoy a decadent slice of warm chocolate orange cake.

These fireside feasts not only provide sustenance but also create lasting memories and inspire a sense of wonder in the great outdoors. So, gather round the flames, unleash your inner chef, and savour the delights of cooking on an open fire during your next Forest School adventure.