Whether it’s a toasted marshmallow or a grilled hot dog,
some foods just taste better when they’re cooked over a campfire. When you’re
cooking on a campfire, follow these crucial steps to ensure a safe, delicious
meal.
Packing the cooler
• Keep
your food in sealed watertight packages. Store meat separate from any
other foods to avoid contamination.
• If you
have items that require refrigeration, keep them in the cooler packed with
ice and restock the ice frequently. Store the cooler in the shade, and
open it as little as possible.
Starting the fire
• Make
sure your fire is away from overhanging tree branches. If you’re
creating a pit, circle it with rocks and clear away any nearby brush,
grass, or leaves.
• Keep a
bucket of water on hand, and pile your extra wood away from the fire.
• If you
plan to cook with a tripod or grill, set it up before starting the fire to
make sure it is sitting on a solid, even base.
Cooking the meal
• Wash
your hands or use hand sanitizer before cooking. Bring different utensils
to prepare raw and cooked foods, and wash them after use.
• Use a
food thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked to the right temperature.
• Bring
oven mitts to handle any hot cookware. If you’re cooking your meal
directly in the coals (whether in a pot or a tinfoil pouch), use tongs to
retrieve the food.
• Once
you’re done eating, store any leftovers and put perishable items back in
the cooler promptly.
• Never
bring a grill or cooking stove inside a tent or camper.
• When
you’re done with your campfire, drown it with water to make sure it is
completely out before leaving the campsite.
Camping out in your backyard?
Check with your town officials to see what types of fire pits are allowed, or if you need a permit for a campfire.
Check with your town officials to see what types of fire pits are allowed, or if you need a permit for a campfire.
For more outdoor cooking safety tips, visit www.dto.com/cooking/safety.
