A Zen-Like Culinary Journey by the Scottish Loch
When I first laid my eyes on the serene waters of Loch Ness, I knew this would be the perfect spot to unleash my inner campfire chef. The majestic Scottish Highlands provided the ideal backdrop for me to get in touch with the elements and cook up some truly memorable lakeside cuisine.
Mastering the Dance of Fire and Food
As Shunryu Suzuki-roshi once said, “When you do something, you should burn yourself up completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself.” This philosophy perfectly encapsulates the mindful approach I’ve adopted for my campfire cooking adventures.
Preparing a meal over an open flame demands a level of focus and attentiveness that can be truly meditative. It’s not simply a matter of tossing some ingredients into a pan and letting them sizzle. No, it’s a dance with the elements, a carefully choreographed routine that requires me to be fully present in the moment.
I’ve experimented with a variety of campfire cooking techniques, each one offering its own unique challenges and rewards. From the simple yet satisfying “Tin Dins” – foil-wrapped dinners that steam to perfection – to the more elaborate cast-iron pan searing and overnight roasting, every dish has been an opportunity to hone my skills and deepen my connection with the natural world around me.
The Campfire Palette: Mastering the Art of Wood Selection
One of the most crucial aspects of campfire cooking is the selection of the right wood. As Great Lakes Cuisine advises, I’ve learned to steer clear of pine, as its acrid, bitter smoke can ruin even the most carefully prepared dish.
Instead, I’ve come to prefer the smoky, almost fruity aromas of hardwoods like oak, birch, and maple. If I’m lucky enough to have access to fruitwoods like apple or cherry, I’ll be sure to incorporate those as well, as they lend a delightful sweetness to the proceedings.
Determining the suitability of the wood is a simple matter of cupping my hand above the fire and pulling the smoke toward my nose. If the aroma is pleasant and inviting, I know I’ve struck the right balance. If, on the other hand, the smoke is harsh and unpleasant, it’s back to the wood pile for me.
Lakeside Culinary Adventures: From Patty Melts to Peach Cobbler
Over the course of my time at the Loch Ness Shores campsite, I’ve had the opportunity to experiment with a wide range of campfire-inspired dishes. From the rich and savory “Ultimate Patty Melt” to the sweet and indulgent Michigan peach cobbler, each creation has been a testament to the power of fire-based cooking.
One of my personal favorites has been the foil-wrapped “Tin Dins,” which allow me to layer flavors and trap in the steam for a truly satisfying result. By pre-cooking the potatoes and par-boiling the proteins, I can ensure that everything comes together perfectly, with the cabbage leaves providing a natural buffer against charring.
And let’s not forget the trusty cast-iron pan, which has become an indispensable tool in my campfire arsenal. Whether I’m searing up a batch of breakfast sausages and potatoes or slow-roasting a whole butternut squash, this versatile piece of cookware has proven itself time and time again.
Of course, no campfire culinary adventure would be complete without a little something sweet. That’s why I’ve taken great delight in whipping up batches of caramelized peaches, drizzled with a heavenly combination of Driftless Honey & Lavender from Hidden Springs Creamery. The contrast of the warm, gooey fruit and the cool, floral honey is a true taste of heaven.
Embracing the Campfire Zen
As I sit by the gently lapping waters of Loch Ness, nursing a cold brew and savoring the fruits of my labor, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of connection to the natural world around me. The process of campfire cooking has truly become a form of meditation, a way for me to be fully present and mindful in the moment.
Sure, the occasional flare-up or stubborn piece of charred food can be frustrating, but that’s all part of the journey. It’s in those moments of challenge that I find the greatest opportunities for growth and learning. And let’s not forget the pure, unadulterated joy of biting into a perfectly seared sausage or a fluffy, golden-brown hand pie, the smoky flavors mingling with the crisp, fresh air.
As I pack up my cast-iron pans and gather the last of the embers, I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness that my time at Loch Ness Shores is coming to an end. But I know that the lessons I’ve learned, the memories I’ve made, and the flavors I’ve experienced will stay with me forever. And who knows – perhaps I’ll be back someday, ready to dive back into the Zen-like world of lakeside campfire cuisine.
