Build a quality cookin' campfire

A well-built campfire can cook up a lot more than ambiance, wieners and marshmallows.

Once your kindling is burning well, start adding small logs. As the fire builds, you can increase the size of the logs you add. The fire will need to burn for about 20 to 30 minutes before it is ready for cooking, says Raichlen.Add the beans, chipotle powder, garlic, oregano and enough water to just cover the beans. Bring to a simmer then cover and cook for another 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat and beans are tender.CAMPFIRE PORK AND BEANS- Ready in 10 minutesDrain the beans and transfer to a bowl. Return the Dutch oven to the rack. Add the cumin and saute briefly until fragrant. Add the onion and salt pork or bacon. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 to 10 minutes.ICEE Slushy Maker - Refreshing summer snacks:For most basic cooking, a simple 2-foot ring of stones or bricks will be fine. The wood rests on the edges of the rocks, which lifts it a bit and allows air to circulate beneath, making it easier to light. The stones also absorb and conduct heat.- Cooks in 1 minuteYou can spend big bucks on stone or metal fire pits, but it's not necessary. Done right, a simple stone-ringed fire can cook up entire meals, from back-to-the-woods basics like pork and beans to more complicated stuffed roasts, pizzas, even cakes.Think Wow Toys , a division of WowWee USA, Inc. , is based in New York City. Founded in 2006 by toy industry veteran, Scott Bachrach, and acquired by WowWee in 2008, Think Wow Toys works with the world's leading children's entertainment brands to create cutting edge, licensed products for boys and girls, ages 4-12.Start to finish: 3 hours, plus overnight soaking (20 minutes active)- Available this summer for $9.99; Ingredient refills purchased separately for $5.99- Includes measuring spoon, serving dishes, and mixing containers- Includes dough mixings, sauce mix, cheese, and a convenient storage station- Available this summer for $14.99; Ingredient refills purchased separately for $7.991 teaspoon chipotle chili powder2 tablespoons brown sugar- Includes fun molds, unique pop sticks, and gummy pop ingredientsChuck E. Cheese's Pizza Maker play set - The perfect pizza party:Once the fire is established, the embers can be pushed to one side while burning logs can be pushed to another. Moving the fire around in this manner is how the heat level is controlled.Jolly Rancher Gummy Maker - Lip-smacking fun:- Includes ICEE slushy shaker and ingredients2 cups dried pinto or navy beans, rinsed, picked over and soaked in water overnight- Includes cookie dough mixings, icings, chocolate chips, cookie cutters, and a convenient storage stationUse high heat for seared steaks, grilled vegetables and pizzas. Use low to bake a cake or sear slices of pineapple.The first step is to check with your local fire codes. Some communities require fire permits even for small campfires. Permits usually are free but may need to be picked up in person on the day you burn, so be sure to check local regulations ahead of time.Chuck E. Cheese's, a leader in the family, food and entertainment industry with over 500 locations worldwide, is a trademark of CEC Entertainment Concepts L.P. Cold Stone Creamery, the fastest-growing super-premium ice cream concept in the country, is a trademark of KahalaCorp. The 40-year old ICEE trademark is property of J&J Snack Foods Corp, which serves up 400 million ICEE beverages every year. The Jolly Rancher trademark and trade dress is property of The Hershey Company, the largest manufacturer in North America of chocolate and sugar confectionery products. The Mrs. Fields Brand Inc., the premier chain of cookies and baked goods with over 470 stores worldwide, is licensed by the Mrs. Fields Franchising LLC.- Recommended for kids ages 6 and up with adult supervision- Makes delicious pizza using a conventional microwave ovenMary Karlin, author of "Wood-fired Cooking," says the goal is to build a compact fire that distributes heat efficiently. If at the beach, begin by digging a hole in the sand and lining it with rocks or bricks. When camping, build a tight ring of rocks or bricks.1 teaspoon dried oreganoMrs. Fields Cookie Maker play set - Sweet treats without the mess:1 cup diced uncooked salt pork or bacon

Recipe adapted from Mary Karlin's "Wood-fired Cooking," Ten Speed Press, 2009

Author: Pervaiz Shallwani