Cook over an open flame for a unique and delicious eating experience.
Pit fire cooking comes in many forms--but the basic concept is the same--cooking food over an open fire. This can be done at a campsite over a temporary bonfire type setting, or in the backyard over a permanent pit. All types of foods can be cooked over fire pits, as long as you have the right equipment, such as pots, pans or grill spits. After you build your fire pit, you can throw your favorite food over the fire, and grill it like you would on any other grill. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Dig a pit around eight to ten inches deep. Keep it at least eight feet away from any trees, and be careful not to dig up tree roots while you're making the pit. Make it no wider than your grilling rack, so that you can keep your food above the flames.
2. Surround the fire pit with rocks to prevent the fire from spreading.
3. Lay down crumpled paper in the pit. Put long, thin dead twigs over the paper for kindling. If possible, alternate the long, thin twigs into layers, much like a weaving pattern. Light the paper in two or three areas to start your fire.
4. Add larger pieces of dry wood, once a strong fire has been created by the kindling. Refrain from using pine or other light woods, as these tend to burn quickly, and leave a less desirable flavor in the food. Use oak, cedar or pecan wood instead.
5. Set the grill racks on the rocks that surround the fire pit. Lay your burgers, chicken or other meats on top of the racks to cook them. Check the meats for doneness frequently, but refrain from flipping as much as possible. The less you flip burgers, steaks or other meats, the more tender they will remain. Use a meat thermometer to check the inner temperature of the meat you're cooking.
6. Put pans directly on the fire itself, or on the grill rack. You can also hang cauldrons or kettles over an open fire to cook tea, coffee, soups or stews.
Tags: over open, food over, long thin, open fire, other meats, over fire