Why Campfire Cooking is Worth Mastering
There’s something primal and satisfying about preparing food over an open flame. Whether you’re grilling a steak, simmering stew, or flipping bannock, the right fire makes all the difference. But building a campfire for cooking isn’t just about throwing logs into a pile—it’s a method. A rhythm. And once you get it down, it transforms the way you cook outdoors.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Start by finding a safe, clear space. Look for flat ground free of dry grass, overhanging branches, and flammable debris. If you're at a designated campsite, use the fire ring provided. If not, dig a shallow pit and surround it with rocks to contain the heat.
Step 2: Pick Your Fire Type
Different meals require different fire setups. Here are the most reliable methods:
The Log Cabin Fire
Great for longer burns and even heat. Stack two logs parallel to each other, then lay two more across the top to form a square. Build your kindling in the center and light it. This fire gives a strong, even flame and eventually collapses into excellent coals.
The Teepee Fire
Quick to light and great for boiling or searing. Arrange small sticks in a cone shape with tinder in the center. Light the tinder and add bigger wood as the flame catches.
The Star Fire
Ideal for conserving wood and slow cooking. Place large logs in a star pattern, lighting the center. As the tips burn, push logs inward. Great for long, low-heat cooking sessions.
Step 3: Create a Coal Bed
Once your fire is established, let it burn down to glowing red embers. This is where the magic happens. Cooking over flames leads to uneven heat and burnt food. Embers, on the other hand, provide steady, consistent heat—perfect for everything from searing to simmering.
Use the Olive Wood 5 PC Utensil Set to stir, flip, and plate without damaging cookware or overheating your hands.
Step 4: Get the Right Tools in Place
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Special Edition Cleaver: For prepping meat and veggies by the fire—its acacia wood handle and German steel blade are designed for rugged use.
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Honing Steel: Keep your blade sharp between chops with just a few quick strokes.
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Olive Wood Cutting Board: Durable, antibacterial, and beautiful—ideal for outdoor prep.
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Cleaver Sheath: For safe storage and transport of your cleaver.
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Magnetic Olive Wood Knife Block: If you're setting up a semi-permanent camp kitchen, this knife block makes it easy to store multiple blades cleanly and safely.
Step 5: Control Your Heat
Push coals around to control cooking zones. Want to sear meat? Place your skillet directly over the hottest embers. Need to keep food warm or slow-cook? Move it to the edge of the coal bed. With time, you'll learn to read the fire like a pro.
Bonus Tip: Clean-Up is Part of the Ritual
Let the fire burn out completely before disposing of ashes. Clean your tools and wipe down your Cast Iron Skillet with a bit of oil. Hang your MenWithThePot x H&B Waxman Apron to dry—it’ll probably smell like smoke, and that’s part of the charm.
Building the perfect cooking fire takes a bit of patience and a lot of feel. But once you get it right, the rewards are endless: perfectly cooked meals, good company, and stories that start with, “Remember that time we made dinner over the fire?”
