18 raring2go.co.uk Ready to take your family camping trip to the next level? Learn how to turn your BBQ into a fireside feast and create unforgettable moments – straight from the smoky wisdom of award-winning chef and mum, Jacqueline Wise. This summer, Smoke and Fire Festivals – the UK’s largest BBQ and outdoor cooking festivals – make a sizzling return, landing in Ascot this July. With a fresh line-up of fiery experiences, live fire demos, foodie stalls, and new features for families, it promises to be a red-hot date for your diary. And whether you’re heading to the festival or off on your own camping adventure, these essential fire cookery tips will help you create delicious, soulwarming meals outdoors – with joy, ease, and minimal fuss. Packing for Joy (Not Stress) Let’s face it – packing for a camping trip with children requires military precision. Between squeezing in every teddy, wellie boot, spare sock, and surfboard, making space for a BBQ might seem like a stretch. But here’s the truth: cooking over fire brings people together. It’s always worth the effort. With a few smart tips and a bit of prep, you’ll be serving up flavour-packed meals the whole family will remember – with less washing up and more magic. Start by grabbing a large plastic box to keep your BBQ kit dry and organised. Trust me, nobody wants soggy firelighters or damp charcoal. A compact, fold-out BBQ or bucketstyle model works a treat – just check your campsite rules ahead of time. Better still, choose somewhere that allows open fires for the full wild-food experience. Raring2go! SMOKE & FIRE! Raring2go! SMOKE & FIRE! Butcher’s Call & Fire-Ready Favourites Before I travel, I like to contact a local butcher near our destination and arrange a pickup of pre-ordered meats: sausages, burgers, bacon, eggs – all the classics. I also always request a whole chicken, spatchcocked (flattened) for even cooking. Chicken cooked over fire is our family’s favourite camping meal – we gather around, pulling it apart, wrapping it up with fresh herbs, and enjoying a hearty meal after a day of outdoor fun. Foraging with Little Explorers Camping is more than a break from screens – it’s an invitation to reconnect with nature. My two daughters love foraging for herbs and wild plants, and we turn it into an adventure with sketchbooks in hand. We draw what we find, talk about the smells and textures, and later, use the herbs to season our meats. It becomes part of the meal and the memory. Top Tip: If you’re new to foraging, I recommend the pocket guide Food for Free. It’s compact, beginner-friendly, and makes identifying plants both fun and safe. This process doesn’t just teach about food – it encourages curiosity, mindfulness, and confidence outdoors. Building & Managing Your Fire You don’t need fancy gear to cook well outside – just good basics and an understanding of the fire. • Choose lumpwood charcoal over briquettes. It burns cleaner and gives better flavour. • Use eco-friendly firelighters to avoid chemical taints. • Let your coals heat for 15–30 minutes. You’re aiming for white-hot or ashy coals – that’s when it’s ready. • Cooking with wood? Give it a full hour to settle to cooking temperature. To prepare your chicken, rub it with olive oil, salt, and herbs (foraged or bought). Place it skin-side down on Fire Cookery Tips for Your Next Camping Adventure the grill for around five minutes each side to get colour, then continue cooking slowly for up to an hour. Essential Gear: A meat probe thermometer is worth packing. At 75°C, your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat – no guesswork required. Sides, Flatbreads & Family Feasting I love roasting vegetables like onions (in their skins), potatoes, courgettes, and peppers alongside the meat. Once they’re tender and smoky, chop them into a salad and finish with olive oil, feta, and a squeeze of lemon. For something interactive, mix equal parts flour and natural yoghurt to form a simple flatbread dough. Press into discs and grill them directly over the fire until blistered and warm. Kids love helping with this part. Get the Kids Involved Once the chicken has cooled slightly, I ask my daughters to wash their hands and help shred the meat. It teaches them where food comes from, encourages respect for ingredients, and makes them more likely to try new things. We serve the meat in wraps with tzatziki, hummus, or ketchup – letting them build their own is part of the fun. There’s something wonderfully primal about eating with your hands, chicken juices running down arms, and giggles around the fire. Sweet Endings by Firelight Of course, no campfire evening is complete without marshmallows. But for a slightly healthier twist, stuff Medjool dates with squares of dark chocolate and warm them until gooey. My two-year-old devours them – and honestly, so do I! Fire Food, Happy Memories Cooking with fire isn’t just about food – it’s about presence, connection, and wild joy. When you involve the whole family, even the simplest meal becomes a celebration. So yes – pack that BBQ. Make space for charcoal. And go make memories under the stars. Join the Fire! Smoke & Fire Festival – Ascot, July 2025 • The UK’s biggest BBQ celebration • Family zones, demos, tastings & more • For tickets go to: www.smokeandfirefestival.com Don’t miss this unmissable day out – where foodie dreams and family adventures meet flame. Jacqueline Wise – Professional Chef & Mum of Two 19
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