Who can resist the lure of a gypsy campfire? Who is not drawn to its bright dancing flames, its crackling logs, its smoke wafting in the wind? Who can turn away from its hissing promise of tantalizing food and intriguing conversations?
Siobhan and I both love a campfire; we cook outside more than in. Sometimes we cook in a cast iron kettle over an open fire; other times we cook with Dutch ovens and a fire pit; often we use a charcoal grill for cooking, and build a cheery fire just for light. But always there is food and fire. In truth, our back garden has slowly evolved into a much-loved outdoor kitchen...
We have an ancient wood table where friends always seem to gather... There is something oddly comforting in its weathered old wood-- its strength and solidity, its soothing familiarity. The old table is flanked by mismatched wood chairs, well-padded and homey. Oil lamps hang overhead, casting down their light in a soft glow. Most of our meals are eaten here, beneath a gnarled oak tree...
Nearby is a custom fire pit, over-sized and bordered with stones. Siobhan and I designed and built it ourselves...It has a lovely iron tripod with a hanging kettle, and a hand-turned rotisserie spit. Two iron grate racks adjust for cooking temperatures, and a brick-lined section is used for roasting turkey and chicken. Antique branding irons serve as lid lifters, and large flat stones double as hot plates...
A small goldfish pond lies a short distance away; its banks provide fresh herbs for cooking. By the fish pond sits an aging clay fire bowl, surrounded by cushioned wood-framed chairs. Siobhan has named this area The Vortex, because all are drawn to it...The old painted chairs and bohemian cushions have their own quirky charm, but when paired with a crackling fire they become cozy and inviting. Many pleasant evenings are spent here--in winter, spring, summer, and fall...
People say the kitchen is the heart of the home; our garden is our kitchen, such as it is...Some of our best meals have been cooked here. Some of our deepest conversations have been held here. Some of our biggest laughs have been shared here. This is the place where friends and family gather; all are welcome here...
Teacht sui ag an tine.
Come sit by the fire.
Ingredients needed:
3 lb. rump roast or pot roast 2 onions, halved
3 tbsp. olive oil 1/4 tsp. black pepper
4 potatoes, peeled and halved 1 tsp. salt
4 carrots, cut in 2″ pieces 1 1/2 c. water
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Dutch Oven Cornbread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup corn meal
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oil or margarine
- 2 or 3 Jalapenos, chopped (if desired)
Preparation:
Grease a 10-inch Dutch oven and preheat it over the coals. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Remove Dutch oven from coals. Pour corn bread mix into Dutch oven. Place lid on top, put 10 charcoal underneath and 12-14 on the lid. Turn Dutch oven 1/3 revolution every 10 minutes to avoid hot spots. Cook for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
*For more outdoor cooking recipes, see "From The Gypsies' Campfire" at our website:
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