We camped a ton in the summers growing up, and I have always loved a good fire. To this day there is something about watching the flames, listening to the wood crackle, and breathing in that smell. I love all of it. And of course we must not forget the snacks, because let’s be honest, that is half the reason we all show up to the fire pit in the first place.
Classic Bonfire Favourites
Thinking back, there were so many good things happening around the bonfire when I was a kid. Banana boats, classic s’mores, camp pies, spider dogs, and of course Jiffy Pop popcorn were always in the mix. The banana boat was a favourite: a banana loaded with marshmallows and chocolate chips, heated right up until it turns into pure deliciousness. Then there was the camp pie, made with this cute little cast iron pie maker. You would take two pieces of bread, tuck some pie filling in the middle, and hold it over the coals. Such a treat. And do not even get me started on Jiffy Pop, shaking that pan over the fire and praying it would not burn, the anticipation building with every pop.
So in true Preserve Company fashion, I started thinking about how we could level some of these up.
The Savoury S’mores Conversion
I finally got on the savoury s’mores bandwagon and I feel like it is genuinely life changing. I have never really loved a classic s’more. Graham crackers just are not my thing. But swap in a Ritz cracker (or your favourite) with your favourite cheese and a dollop of your favourite preserve, and it is a whole other level. Salty, sweet, all my favourite things in one bite.
Raspberry Cream Cheese Camp Pie
This one is a full circle moment for me since my parents made these when we were kids. Butter both sides of your bread, then layer in raspberry pie filling (or whatever preserve you love most) with some cream cheese mixed with a touch of icing sugar. Sandwich it together, place it in the camp pie maker, and hold it in the fire until it gets a little brown, checking often so it does not overcook. So simple and so good.
Red Pepper Jelly Grilled Cheese
This is where things get really jamazing. Our Red Pepper Jelly with shredded Cows double smoked cheddar and a little prosciutto turns into the kind of grilled cheese you will be thinking about long after the fire dies down.
Spider Dogs
And we cannot forget spider dogs. Slit a hot dog on both ends, thread it onto a stick, and hold it over the fire until the ends curl up like little legs. Dip it in Atlantic Mustard and honestly, who does not love a hot dog on a bonfire. Super delicious and about as classic as bonfire food gets.
Lemon Curd Marshmallow S’mores
Roasted marshmallows and crackers with a spoonful of Lemon Curd tucked in is basically a lemon meringue pie by the fire. I tried this one this week with our heart shaped shortbread and it did not disappoint, though I think I would love it even more with Ritz crackers for that salty contrast.
Hot Cocoa with a Little Something Extra
Here is one on my list to try next: our Hot Chocolate Mix with a splash of Baileys, or if you want to keep it local, Deep Roots Maple Cream liqueur, and a roasted marshmallow dropped right in. And I imagine it would be such a cozy vibe, especially for those chillier nights around the fire. Yes, we have bonfires in the winter months too, and a little afternoon bonfire is actually one of my absolute favourite things to do on a Sunday afternoon. Add in a little charcuterie with cheeses, meats, our go to preserves, and favourite crackers, and that is a Sunday well spent.
Your Bonfire Essentials List
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Your favourite cracker, Baby Bel, halloumi, or Brie for the savoury s’mores
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A jar of your go to preserve, raspberry, red pepper jelly, and lemon curd are our top picks
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Bread for the camp pie and grilled cheese
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Cream cheese, icing sugar, and shredded cheese for the camp pie
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A cast iron camp pie maker, if you have one tucked away
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Shredded Cows double smoked cheddar and prosciutto for the grilled cheese
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Hot dogs and Atlantic Mustard for spider dogs
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Bananas, marshmallows, and chocolate chips for the banana boat
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Jiffy Pop for the popcorn tradition
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Heart shaped shortbread or marshmallows for the sweet side
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Our Hot Chocolate Mix, plus Baileys or Deep Roots Maple Cream liqueur for the grown up version
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A charcuterie board setup for those cozy afternoon bonfires
Whatever your bonfire tradition looks like, I hope this gives you a few new ways to make it a little more delicious. Let me know which one you try first.
Lots of love,
Marsha
