Humans have been cooking over campfire since the dawn of humankind, so it can’t be that hard!
Cooking over a campfire is as old as humankind itself, making it one of the most elemental and rewarding ways to prepare food.
When you book a stay at Top of the Woods Glamping in Pembrokeshire, you not only immerse yourself in nature’s beauty but also get the chance to enjoy a true foodie adventure. Cooking over an open fire in the great outdoors is a fun experience, and food prepared in this way always tastes incredible!
The classic image of a “big black pot” hanging over a fire brings us back thousands of years to our human roots. The campfire was more than just a cooking spot; it was a place of connection, warmth, nourishment, and storytelling—a tradition that still lives on today.
For a glimpse into this ancient practice, visit Castell Henllys, the Iron Age village in Pembrokeshire, where you can experience the same campfire cooking in the Iron Age roundhouses.
WHAT IS A DUTCH OVEN?
A Dutch oven is a cooking essential that has stood the test of time. The simple design has changed very little over centuries. In the 17th century, a new casting technique by the Dutch led to the creation of the "Dutch Oven," making it an even more reliable tool for outdoor cooking.
PIONEERS AND THE DUTCH OVEN
Throughout history, explorers from Canada to South Africa have relied on the Dutch oven—or its regional counterparts like the Bedourie in Australia and the Potjie in South Africa—to keep them fed during their wilderness journeys. Pioneers valued this pot so much that they even mentioned it in their wills! Its versatility and ability to cook a variety of dishes in a single pot made it a staple in the wilderness.
For adventurers, the Dutch oven was the perfect cooking tool—it allowed for everything from roasts to stews, bread to casseroles, biscuits to cakes, and even pizzas! Imagine the foodie adventure awaiting you at Top of the Woods, where you can cook your own meals over an open fire using this classic tool.
Pioneer Food and Drink
What did pioneers cook while out in the wild? They made do with what they could carry or find along the way. Common ingredients included flour, beans, bacon, dried meats like jerky, and fish—all long-lasting, high-energy foods. These ingredients were vital for survival and offered substantial nourishment.
In regions like the Oregon Trail, food was scarce, making meals like “bacon and beans” a staple. Even more surprising is the role chocolate played in the travels of Latin American pioneers—cocoa beans were sometimes used as currency, or ground to make a nourishing meal or drink. Over time, this meal was turned into the solid chocolate bars we enjoy today!
Pioneers also enjoyed hot drinks like coffee and tea. “Cowboy coffee” and “billy tea” became famous across America and Australia. These drinks were simple to prepare, easy to store, and sustained adventurers through their long days.
To make cowboy coffee, simply bring a pot of water to a boil, add ground coffee, and let it brew. Remove from heat, stir vigorously, and allow the grounds to settle before enjoying. Some enthusiasts love it so strong that they refer to it as “horse-shoe coffee,” a version so potent it could float a horse-shoe on the surface!
Glamping Pioneer Food Adventure at Top of the Woods
Are you ready to start your own campfire cooking adventure? Join us at Top of the Woods Glamping in Pembrokeshire for a unique experience that brings you closer to nature. Whether you’re roasting a hearty stew in a Dutch oven, baking fresh bread over the fire, or trying your hand at pioneer-inspired dishes, the possibilities are endless.
Book your stay today and discover the art of campfire cooking at Top of the Woods!
Experience the ultimate glamping and outdoor cooking adventure, in Pembrokeshire Wales!
Top of the Woods Provides the Best Eco Luxury Glamping & Camping Holidays in Pembrokeshire and Cardigan Bay in Wales, UK. Sustainable Staycations. Beaches. Nature. Woodlands. Dog Friendly.