The meal is the thing when camping. There is nothing on TV, and no one has an urgent appointment to rush to. This is all the entertainment you require: the natural surroundings and a crackling, flickering fire. There is a fundamental pull that hasn’t changed since the Ice Age that causes friends and family to take off their hiking boots, put on their flip-flops, and assemble around the fire and the food. In the whirlwind of daily life, moments like this one where people can be together undistracted are rare. Embrace it. Remember that cooking outside makes you a little slower. Nobody ever claimed that it was a very effective way to prepare a meal. But that isn’t entirely the point. What else do you have scheduled during these late afternoon and early evening hours, after all? Allow the evening to unfold as the noises of cutting and sizzling mingle with the yells of children playing outside and the aromas of simmering pots mingle with the invigorating perfume of pine needles.Without a doubt, cooking without a refrigerator, oven, or kitchen sink requires some thought. There are difficult lessons to be discovered . It can be somewhat erratic. Sparks practically fly. But it is definitely possible with some helpful tips, a few essential pans, and careful preparation and packing. There’s no need to resort to chili in a can. And if the fire won’t cook evenly or the chipmunks steal your croutons, consider this: a group of campers is the most appreciative audience you will ever have. They will be famished and appreciative of the supper you can conjure from the fire after a long day spent outdoors. Make something scrumptious and filling, and you’ll be celebrated.