Campfire Baked Potatoes

Enjoy the smoky aroma and delightful taste of potatoes cooked right in the campfire's embers. This recipe adds layers of flavour with onions, garlic, and optional toppings.

Ingredients

• 2 large baking potatoes
• 1/2 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• Optional: Dry basil, dry oregano, peppers, cooked bacon pieces, 1/2 cup cheese (mozzarella, cheddar jack, or your choice)

Instructions

1. Campfire Setup: Build a campfire and let it burn down until you have a bed of glowing coals.
2. Prep the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly and place each one on a separate piece of aluminium foil large enough to wrap it.
3. Seasoning: Generously salt and pepper the potatoes, remembering that potatoes need a good amount of salt during cooking to enhance their flavour.
4. Filling: Cut the onion into slices and mince the garlic cloves. Make a deep slice in each potato, ensuring it doesn't cut all the way through. Fill the potato with the onion-garlic mixture, placing any excess on top.
5. Optional Additions: If desired, add sliced peppers, oregano, basil, or cooked bacon pieces. If you're using cheese, grate it and set it aside for later.
6. Wrap and Cook: Seal each potato in its foil packet, ensuring it's fully enclosed. Using long camping tongs, place the wrapped potatoes in the campfire coals.
7. Rotate for Even Cooking: Every 10 minutes, give each potato a quarter turn, ensuring they cook evenly. Total cooking time should be around 40 minutes.
8. Finishing Touches: Carefully remove the potatoes from the fire using tongs. Let them cool slightly before opening the foil. Place butter slices onto the potatoes. If you didn't add them before baking, now's the time to sprinkle cheese, bacon, oregano, or basil.
9. Serve: Dish out the potatoes onto sturdy camping plates and enjoy!

Tips:

• Fire Safety: Always ensure that your campfire is safely set up away from any flammable material. Have water or a fire extinguisher close by in case of emergencies.
• Check for Doneness: You can check if the potato is done by gently squeezing it with tongs. It should give slightly when pressed.
• Alternative Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Anything from roasted vegetables, different cheeses, or even some grilled chicken can make these campfire potatoes a meal in themselves.
• Clean-Up: Remember to clean up your campsite, keeping nature pristine. Dispose of the aluminium foils properly.

Enjoy this rustic treat on your next camping adventure! The smoky flavour and the satisfaction of cooking over an open flame make this dish a campfire favourite.