Stick cooking is probably the oldest form— at least it’s the method depicted in most books and movies you read and see about prehistoric times. With just a few contemporary updates, stick cooking is still one of today’s most universal and popular cooking methods.
Stick cooking works on the same dry-heat principles as broiler or rotisserie cooking at home, so many foods suited to these two methods could be adapted to stick cooking. Hot coals, rather than direct flames, are best for stick cooking. The larger the fire, the longer you’ll have hot coals available for cooking. Food is placed on a stick, held near coals, and rotated until cooked. Just follow these simple steps.
Steps for Stick Cooking:
- Place food over but not near coals, or food will be cooked on the outside and raw in the middle. If the food will take a long time to cook, find a rock to place under the stick near the handle and another to hold the stick down.
- Turn the stick periodically until the food is done. If one item takes more time to cook than the others, it can be partially pre-cooked.
Recipe Highlight: Apple Pie on a Stick
This delicious dessert will complement any outdoor meal:
Ingredients:
- 1 apple (Jonathan or Rome work best)
- 1 roasting stick or dowel per person
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Push the stick through the apple top until the apple is secure on the stick.
- Place the apple 2–3 inches above the hot coals and turn it while roasting. As the apple cooks, the skin browns, and the juice drips out.
- When the skin is loose, remove the apple from the fire (but leave it on the stick). Carefully peel the hot skin off.
- Roll the apple in the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Return the apple to roast over the coals, letting the mixture heat to form a glaze around the apple.
- Remove from coals and let it cool before enjoying.
Enjoy this classic cooking method that brings flavor, simplicity, and fun to outdoor meals!
