January-February 2025 • Nebraskaland 39
getting wet if I have to kneel in the snow while tending to
the food and fi re.
What to Cook
Winter outdoor cooking is not the time and place for fancy
culinary tricks. Pick food that is hot, fi lling and easy to cook
or warm up — don't keep people waiting. Your companions
will be more willing to stay out longer if their bellies are full
and warm.
Stew, soup or chili are good choices because you can
prepare them at home, and they're one-pot meals. Pack it up
in leak-proof containers and simply reheat it in a Dutch oven
when you get to your destination. If you've got leftover stew
or soup sitting in the freezer, this is the time to use it. Stir
often if your stew or chili is on the thicker side to prevent the
bottom from scorching.
Prebake biscuits and breads at home. Wrap them in foil to
prevent blackening from the campfi re soot while reheating.
A hot beverage is a must. If you're not a coff ee snob and
can do without a French press, bring a large thermos of
ready-made coff ee. Spiced cider or hot mulled wine might be
appreciated, too, where alcohol is allowed. Bring a kettle for
boiling water if off ering tea bags or instant hot chocolate or
coff ee. Have everyone bring their own insulated mugs to keep
down the trash, as park services might not be fully available
this time of year.
After lunch, provide marshmallows for making s'mores.
Add more wood to the hot embers to get the fi re going again.
Clean-Up
Pack out leftover food and trash. If you need to clean out a
pot or mug, use the snow. While you'll still have to give your
cooking gear a proper once-over at home, snow is slightly
abrasive and will help remove most food particles. To prevent
rust, clean and dry cast iron thoroughly, and lightly coat it
with oil when you get home. With outdoor cooking, the more
you keep things simple, the easier cleanup will be.
This winter, keep an eye on the forecast. If there's a nice
day on the horizon or if you have the ability to pick up and go
at the last minute, get out and share a meal with family and
friends in the wintery landscape. It just might be the cabin
fever cure you've been searching for.
N
Serve food that you can prep at home and easily reheat on
the campfi re, such as stew, soup or chili.
Use snow to roughly clean cookware. When you get home,
thoroughly clean, dry and oil cast iron to prevent rust.
Choose cast iron for campfi re cooking. It will stand up to the
rigors of the outdoors and the test of time.
