Recipes from Gilay Estate – campfire cooking on the Liverpool Plains

When we spoke with Gilay Estate owners Sandy and Alexandra Rogers recently, they kindly shared two of their go-to campfire recipes for us to try at home… well, over a campfire. Enjoy!

Campfire Baked Camembert 

Ingredients

• One wheel of Camembert cheese

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Fresh basil, chopped

• Pinch of salt

• Dash of olive oil

• Chopped pecans (50 grams)

• Dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or your preference)

• Fresh figs, sliced

• Balsamic glaze

• Breadsticks

 Instructions

1. Set up a campfire with hot coals (no flames) and warm your small frying pan (ideally non-stick).

2. Remove any packaging from the Camembert and place in a pan with a little bit of oil to warm/melt. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese becomes soft.

3. While the Camembert is cooking, prepare the toppings. Combine halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

4. Sprinkle dried herbs over the tomato,  basil and pecan mixture. Mix well to combine.

5. Slice fresh figs into thin wedges.

6. Once the Camembert is visibly starting to melt and become gooey, carefully spoon the tomato, basil and pecan mixture over the top and allow to cook for another five minutes.

7. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the entire dish for a sweet and tangy finish and don’t forget to top with your sliced figs.

8. Arrange breadsticks around the Camembert for dipping. Dive in and enjoy, savouring the flavourful toppings. Be cautious, it may be hot!

Note: Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the intensity of your campfire. Keep an eye on the Camembert to avoid overcooking. This recipe combines the rich creaminess of melted Camembert with the sweetness of figs, the freshness of tomatoes and basil, and the crunch of pecans – all complemented by the savoury touch of dried herbs and balsamic glaze. 

Campfire Deep-Fried Mars Bars

Ingredients

• Mars Bars (chilled or frozen, if possible)

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

• One cup all-purpose flour

• One cup cold water

• One teaspoon baking powder

• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Set up a campfire with hot coals (no flames).

2. In a sturdy pot or large pan suitable for deep frying, heat vegetable oil over the campfire. Ensure the oil reaches a temperature where you can see little bubbles evolve from the bottom of the pan. 

3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cold water, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until you have a smooth batter.

4. Ensure Mars Bars are well chilled. This helps them hold their shape during frying.

5. Dip each chilled Mars Bar into the wet batter, making sure it's fully coated.

6. Carefully place the coated Mars Bars into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry until they are golden brown, usually for about two to three minutes per side.

7. Once fried, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the deep-fried Mars Bars from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

8. These treats are best enjoyed warm, so serve them immediately. Sink your teeth into the gooey goodness of the deep-fried Mars Bars. Be cautious as they might be hot on the inside! 

Note: Always exercise caution when working with hot oil, especially in a campfire setting. Ensure a safe cooking environment, and never leave hot oil unattended. Additionally, be aware of cleaning up and properly disposing of any waste generated during your campfire cooking.