#1 Vacation for some families means relaxing at a cabin in the woods or by a lake. The evening campfire lets children be part of the “cooking” experience. S’mores are a yummy campfire treat and this variation gets all ages to safely participate. These can easily be prepared ahead of time.

• Use two layers of heavy duty foil approximately 8 inches square .

• Choose two cookies (chocolate chip or chocolate chunk cookies are favorites) to make a cookie sandwich.

• Place pieces of a Hershey chocolate bar (or Hershey Swoops) and a large marshmallow between the two cookies.

• Wrap in foil and place in the warm coals for a few minutes until marshmallow and chocolate has softened or partially melted.

• Remove, open foil carefully and ENJOY

(Click photos to enlarge image.)

#2 A “Banana Boat” treat has many variations and this is a family favorite.

• Select a large, firm banana and slice lengthwise down the center through the peel’s first layer.

• Make the opening wider by squeezing the ends of the banana.

• Spread the inside of the banana with Nutella (a chocolate spread).

• Add miniature marshmallows, chopped nuts, and M & M’s between the sliced banana.

• Wrap in a double layer of heavy duty foil and place in warm coals for about 5 minutes.

• Open foil carefully, cool slightly and eat with spoon right from the banana –mmmmmmmm.

(Click photos to enlarge image.)

#3 Kids enjoy cake and this Orange Cake recipe is fun to mix up and allows time to chat while working together.

• Select a firm orange for each person.

• Carefully cut the top 1/3 off the orange and scoop out the inside of the remaining orange with a spoon

• Follow the directions for a yellow cake mix and fill the oranges 2/3’s full of the cake batter. I look for a mix that uses the fewest added ingredients.

• Place the pulp covered top over the batter filled orange and carefully wrap in a double layer of heavy duty foil.

• Place in the hot coals for around 30 minutes.

• Remove from fire, cool, and frost.

• Eat the cake from the orange with a spoon.

(Click photos to enlarge image.)

#4 This is the favorite of kids because it is so MESSY. The outdoors is a perfect spot to make this Mud Potato. Those that cringe around mud can simply wrap the potato in foil and add to the campfire.

• Wash and dry a baking potato for each person.

• Mix up some “clean” dirt and water to make mud.

• Sterilized dirt for 1 hour in a 200 degree oven if you want “clean” dirt.

• Pack the mud completely around the potato.

• Place the mud covered potato in the warm coals for about an hour depending on the size of the potato
  When baked, crack open the mud and remove the potato.

• Slice the top of the potato and fill with your favorite potato toppings – butter, sour cream, cheese or other ingredients.

(Click photos to enlarge image.)