The first rule, says park naturalist Mary Beth Filon, is to cook everything in packets of tin foil so the food retains its flavor, color, and tenderness. Ive done it with ground beef, vegetables, and spices, she says. You have to have really hot coals and grill it for a long time. It basically ends up being a meatloaf with lots of veggies, and it is so good.
Some of the parks outdoor-rec reps will share their favorite recipes this afternoon. On the menu: Texas chili, macaroni and cheese, and homemade cornbread. More adventurous cooks may want to try trickier dishes like corned beef and cabbage, lobster chowder, and Cajun seafood gumbo. A lot of trial and error has come with it, but theyve perfected the recipes on their own backpacking trips, says Filon. The goal is to give the public the tools to do this from start to finish on their own.
Before the class breaks up, participants will learn how to monitor hot ovens and grills, so they can minimize accidents while out in the woods. Then everybody samples the campfire-cooked eats. Youll be able to try them as youre watching and learning, says Filon. There will definitely be some good eating.
Sun., Jan. 21, 2 p.m.