Here are some great recipes for your next bonfire.  They come from Cooking in a Can – a book worth buying for alternative campfire recipes for kids, it even includes directions for making a fire and fire safety.  Confession: I haven’t actually made these recipes.  But I really, really want to, and they are perfect for that Labor Day bonfire you’re planning, so I’m jumping the gun and sharing them with you a little early.

Rise ‘n’ Shine Breakfast

Line the bottom of a paper lunch bag with 2-3 strips of bacon.  Crack two eggs on top of the bacon, and season with salt and pepper to taste.  I’m thinking you could add some chopped spinach if you want to make it healthier.  Fold the top of the bag down three or four turns, stopping before you reach your food. Spear through the folded part of the bag with a stick and dangle over the fire.  It will cook the bacon and eggs without catching the bag on fire (because the grease from the bacon coats the bag)!  Like magic!

Porcupine Cocoa

At home, butter four small bowls and lay a popsicle stick in each.  Melt 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate in the microwave, then pour in 1/3 cup of sugar.  Pour equal parts of the chocolate mix into each of the bowls over the sticks.  Add some marshmallows to the top, then put the bowls in the freezer.

When the chocolate is hard, you should be able to remove the stick, chocolate, and marshmallows (which should all stick together).  Keep your “chocolate-sicles” cool until ready to use.

At your bonfire, put some milk in an unwaxed paper cup.  The liquid will keep the cup from catching fire (my husband’s favorite party trick…)  When it is warm, stir in your chocolate-sicle and enjoy!