SECTION 3: FOIL

What and Why

Foil packet cooking needs a very full fire scar of very hot coals. Cooking time will vary depending on the amount of coals used and the food inside. Chop or dice dense foods like potatoes into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time. Charcoal briquettes can be used instead of wood fire coals.

Advantages

• Individual servings are great for picky eaters and various diet choices; girls can build individual meals with the ingredients they choose.

• Make dessert in foil packets that can be cooking while everyone is enjoying the main course.

• Very little clean-up and nothing to scrub!

Concerns

• May take 20–30 minutes for foil packets with raw meat inside.

• Tough to do with large groups because of the amount of space that is needed for cooking over coals.

Advice

• Keep your face and hands out of the way and beware of hot steam release when the foil packet is opened.

• Keep long-handled tongs, or two longhandled spatulas to gently turn a foil packet without piercing the foil and allowing the steam to escape.