For many outdoor enthusiasts, nothing beats a delicious meal prepared and enjoyed in the fresh air. But preparing quality food that goes above and beyond the basic hot dog roasted on an open fire can be a challenge without the right outdoor cooking accessories.
These essential outdoor cooking accessories will help any chef get the most out of their outdoor cooking experience with ease so that they can spend more time relaxing and enjoying nature and less time hustling about with an apron on.
Simple But Valuable Campfire Cooking Tools
Hot dog sticks, or campfire forks, are among the most basic of campfire cooking tools. Look for non-standard versions, such as the Coghlan’s Safety Fork whose prongs are bent downwards to remove the hazard of a sharp tip, making it an excellent option for camping with children, or the Coghlan Telescoping Fork, which features dual prongs to better hold food items and a collapsing handle for easier storage.
A cast iron sandwich maker, also known as a bush pie or pudgy pie maker, can be as valuable as a hot dog stick when it comes to cooking over an open flame. This campfire cooking tool gives chefs an incredible amount of versatility and meal variety. Campers will find a number of cast iron sandwich maker recipes to choose from, ranging from grilled cheese sandwiches to pizza pops to delectable deserts.
For those who require a hot cup of java to kick-start their day, a stainless steel or enamel coffee press or coffee pot is a necessity for brewing coffee over an open flame or campfire grill.
When cooking over an open flame, nothing beats a cast iron skillet in terms of durability and heat distribution and retention. Cast iron skillets are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, with either a smooth or corrugated cooking surface. They are excellent for cooking eggs, pancakes, meat and much more, and clean up is easy.
Stainless steel or enamel dinnerware is a durable, environmentally friendly alternative to using paper or plastic plates and cookware.
Outdoor Cooking in Style
For many cooks, a portable outdoor grill or camp stove is an indispensable outdoor cooking accessory. Though much smaller than a standard kitchen stove, or those found in campers or RV units, an outdoor grill or camp stove enables cooks to prepare all of the favorite meals they would make using a regular stove. Most outdoor stoves are relatively affordable, ranging in price from $50 to a few hundred dollars.
With an outdoor grill, using a camping coffee maker, such as the one made by Coleman, is a fast and easy way to get a cup of coffee without having to worry about starting a campfire or waiting for water to heat. Camping coffee makers can also be used to make soup, cider and hot chocolate – a special treat on rainy days.
Collapsible camping kitchens offer everything a person would want to take from their home kitchen if they could, including sinks, storage compartments, shelving units and more. They provide a great way to keep outdoor cooking accessories organized and are easily assembled and transported.
Whether roughing it with only the basic necessities or camping in luxury, campers can make a big difference in the variety and quality of food they are able to cook by adding one of these outdoor cooking accessories to their list. After all, the only thing better than relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors is doing so after a great meal.
Trilby Henderson - After completing a BA in Journalism at the University of Regina, one of Canada's leading journalism schools, I spent several years working ...
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