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With the long Labor Day weekend coming up, many families will take to their favorite campground for the final camping trip of the summer season. Whether staying in a camper or pitching a tent in the park, or simply enjoying a "staycation" in the backyard, there is nothing like playing, relaxing and eating in the great outdoors, especially when food is cooked over an open fire.
The easiest and most fun way to prepare a camping meal has to be in cast-iron mountain pie makers, or pie irons, as they are often called. Kids of all ages will love making, cooking and eating mountain (hobo) pies. No matter what you call them, everyone will agree they are delicious. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night snacks there are an infinite variety of mountain pies you and your family can create.
To become a pie iron chef all you need are pie irons, cooking spray, butter, and a crust, typically two pieces of bread, tortillas, canned biscuits or pizza dough. Pile on your favorite fillings, savory or sweet, and toast to perfection in the campfire. Here are a few examples of my latest favorites.
Mountain Pie Iron
Stuffed French Toast
2 slices cinnamon swirl or white bread
1 egg
2 to 3 T. milk
Cream cheese, sliced
1/2 banana, sliced,
1 tsp. chopped walnuts, (or favorite berries)
Maple syrup
Butter
Directions: Heat pie maker in hot coals. Spray with cooking spray or melted butter. Mix egg and milk and dip a slice of bread into it. Place in pie iron and top with 2 slices of cream cheese, sliced banana and walnuts. Top with second slice of dipped bread. Place iron back into coals and cook until brown, checking frequently. Serve with butter and maple syrup.
Pie Iron Tacos
1 pound ground beef
1 package taco seasoning mix
12 (5-inch) corn tortillas
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
Chunky salsa
Sour cream
Directions: Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring to break up large chunks. Pour off fat and stir in taco seasoning and water, according to package directions (this step can be done ahead of time at home.)
When ready to cook, spray the inside of pie iron with cooking spray. Place a corn tortilla on one side of iron. Place a scoop of the beef mixture on top of the tortilla, sprinkle with cheese and chopped onion. Cover with another tortilla and close the pie iron.
Cook the taco over moderate coals of campfire till the tortillas are crisp and browned and the taco is hot in the center. Serve with lettuce, salsa and sour cream. Recipe makes 6 pies.
Pie Iron Reuben Sandwich
2 slices rye bread, cut to fit the pie iron
Deli corned beef
Sliced Swiss cheese
Sauerkraut, drained
Thousand Island dressing
Butter
Non-stick spray
Directions: Prepare pie iron by spraying both sides with non-stick spray.
Butter one side of each slice of bread and place in pie iron, butter side down. Place corned beef on one of the slices; top with sauerkraut. Spread with Thousand Island dressing then top with cheese slice. Carefully close pie iron. Place on hot coals and cook till golden brown and melted. Makes 1 sandwich.
S'more Peanut Butter
Hobo Pie
2 slices bread buttered on one side (or sprayed with cooking spray)
1 section chocolate candy bar
1 regular-sized marshmallow
1 T. peanut butter
Directions: Place one slice buttered bread into pie iron, buttered side down. Top with peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallow. Cover with second bread slice, butter side up. Close pie iron and cook in hot coals, turning frequently to prevent burning. Makes 1 pie.