Campfire Apple Pie: A Warm and Cozy Dessert

Autumn is a magical time of year, filled with the crisp, cool air, the vibrant colors of changing leaves, and the irresistible aroma of baked goods wafting through the air. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, there's nothing quite like gathering around a crackling campfire, sipping on a warm beverage, and indulging in a delectable dessert that captures the essence of the season.

Enter the humble yet delightful campfire apple pie – a classic treat that takes on an even more enchanting quality when prepared over an open flame. At Take Fire, we believe that the simple pleasures of outdoor cooking and baking can transform a regular day into an unforgettable experience, and this recipe is the perfect example of that.

The Art of Campfire Baking

Baking over a campfire may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, it can be an incredibly rewarding and satisfying experience. The key is to have the right equipment, such as a sturdy pie iron or a cast-iron skillet, and to master the art of controlling the heat.

At Take Fire, we offer a wide range of portable campfire pits and fire pits that are perfect for this type of outdoor cooking. Our products are designed to be easy to set up, efficient in heat distribution, and safe for use in a variety of outdoor settings, from backyard gatherings to remote camping trips.

The Perfect Apple Pie Filling

The foundation of any great apple pie is, of course, the filling. At Take Fire, we believe in using the freshest, most flavorful ingredients to create a filling that truly captures the essence of the season. Our recipe calls for a blend of crisp, tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, combined with a touch of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg to create a filling that is both sweet and spicy.

To ensure that the filling cooks evenly and retains its texture, we recommend pre-cooking the apples before assembling the pie. This can be done easily over the campfire, using a cast-iron skillet or a pie iron. Simply sauté the apples with the sugar and spices until they're tender but still hold their shape, then let them cool slightly before assembling the pie.

Crafting the Perfect Crust

The crust is the unsung hero of any great apple pie, and when it comes to campfire baking, it's even more important to get it just right. At Take Fire, we recommend using a simple, flaky pie crust recipe that can withstand the heat of the campfire without becoming too dry or tough.

To achieve the perfect crust, we suggest using a combination of all-purpose flour, cold butter, and a touch of ice water. The key is to work the dough as little as possible, to ensure that the butter remains cold and the gluten in the flour doesn't develop too much. Once the dough is ready, you can roll it out and assemble the pie right on the campfire, using a pie iron or a cast-iron skillet.

Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor

Once your campfire apple pie is assembled and ready to bake, the real magic begins. As the pie cooks over the open flame, the aroma of the spices and the caramelizing sugar will fill the air, creating a truly irresistible experience.

To ensure that your pie cooks evenly, be sure to rotate it regularly and keep a close eye on the crust, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning. When the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, you'll know it's time to remove the pie from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

The true joy of a campfire apple pie, however, lies in the moment when you take that first bite. The warm, gooey filling, the flaky crust, and the comforting flavors of autumn come together to create a dessert that is both indulgent and nostalgic. Whether you're enjoying it with family and friends around the campfire or savoring it on your own under the stars, this is a treat that is sure to become a cherished tradition.

So, gather your loved ones, fire up your Take Fire campfire pit, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable autumn experience with our delectable campfire apple pie recipe. Happy baking!

Campfire Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 recipe for a double-crust pie dough (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
2. Preheat your Take Fire campfire pit or fire pit to medium-high heat.
3. Roll out one half of the pie dough to fit the bottom of your pie iron or cast-iron skillet. Place the dough in the bottom of the pie iron or skillet, pressing it up the sides.
4. Spoon the apple mixture into the dough-lined pie iron or skillet, distributing it evenly.
5. Roll out the remaining pie dough to fit the top of the pie iron or skillet. Place the dough on top of the apple filling, and crimp the edges to seal.
6. Place the pie iron or skillet over the campfire, and cook for 20-25 minutes, rotating it regularly, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
7. Carefully remove the pie from the heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
8. Serve the campfire apple pie warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!