By: Simone Maule, Interpretive Ranger at Crawford Notch State Park
Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean the fun of camping has to end. Many of our state park campgrounds stay open well into October and there is something truly special about camping when all of the summer crowds have gone. As the nights get darker and colder there is nothing better than building a nice roaring campfire and using it to make a decadent dessert for the entire family to enjoy. Most people know about the wonder of s’mores and while they are delicious the world of campfire cooking is full of many other wonderful desserts, here are three simple recipes you can try.
Pro Tip: Campfire cooking is best when you have a great bed of glowing coals, so give the fire at least an hour to settle before you get started.
Recipe One: Baked Apples
Ingredients Needed: Apple, Butter, Brown Sugar, Oats, Foil
Step One: Cut the apple into small pieces and pile it onto a square of foil
Step Two: Cover the apple chunks with oats, brown sugar, and butter as desired
Step Three: Wrap the foil into a packet and place next to hot coals for twenty minutes
Step Four: Remove from coals, open, and enjoy
Recipe Two: Fairy Bread
Ingredients Needed: Biscuit Dough, Roasting Sticks, Sugar, Cinnamon
Step One: Mix cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl
Step Two: Wrap a chunk of biscuit dough around the roasting stick and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture
Step Three: Roast over the fire until golden brown and enjoy
Recipe Three: Banana Boats
Ingredients Needed: Banana, Marshmallows, Chocolate Chips, Foil (pro tip: you can also use butterscotch chips, peanut butter cups, or white chocolate chips in your banana boat!)
Step One: Place banana on foil and slice it open lengthwise
Step Two: Stuff banana with marshmallows and chocolate chips as desired
Step Three: Wrap banana in foil and set near coals for 10-15 minutes
Step Four: Remove from coals, open, and enjoy
These are three relatively simple and easy recipes you can try the next time you are out camping in one of our beautiful state parks. Enjoy yourself and don’t forget to practice good campfire safety!
