Campfire Fun – Cook Dinner Using Your Fire Pit!

As summer approaches, most families look forward to grilled food. The word “grill” usually connotes a land-based meal of a few classic options including hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, or fish. It might surprise you to learn that you can grill all these foods and more using your pool’s fire pit. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite fire pit recipes and provided tips to help you have a unique and fun floating meal.

Skewer Grilling

This type of grilling is ideal for a pool fire pit because you have something secure to hold your food and the food will cook fairly quickly. It’s also ideal because many popular pool snacks are prepared this way, allowing people to enjoy their swims without worrying about cramps or overly full stomachs. We recommend grilling fruit or vegetable kebabs – onions, peppers, pineapples, kiwi, and potatoes are all great choices. You can skewer cubes of meat such as steak or lamb and cook them this way. If you’re a true traditionalist, try roasting hot dogs, marshmallows, and s’mores over your fire pit.

Direct Heat Grilling

Rather than cooking your food in circulating hot air, take it directly to the heat source. Again, this type of cooking is great for smaller foods that are consumed during a swim or as a pre-swim meal. You can cook full-size hamburgers or sliders this way, as well as small marinated chicken breasts. Less common gamebirds, such as quail, do well under direct heat grilling, as do lamb chops and brined pork tenderloin. Try this grilling method if you want your food to stay hot without being dry. The indirect heat keeps interiors juicy while caramelizing exteriors to a crunchy, beautiful golden brown.

Pan or Foil-Based Cooking

Many traditional campfire recipes use pans or foil to increase the versatility and creativity of the food. With the proper guidance and safety precautions, you can even use small pans with a pool fire pit. Be sure to have a safe place to set your pan after you’ve finished cooking, and don’t let your food fall in the water. Floating trays with secure holders for cups and plates may help with this. Popular recipes include campfire potatoes wrapped in foil to preserve heat, foil-wrapped roasted corn on the cob, and quesadillas with various fillings. One recipe recommends using corn and mushrooms. Other recipes include tacos and nachos, “popcorn satchels,” doughnuts made from canned biscuit mix, and blueberry orange muffins – prepared inside an actual orange.

For firepit ideas or for more information, contact us at Pools of Fun.