Scrambling at the campsite ain’t always about slinging a skillet over the fire. Imagine plopping down after a long hike, stars blinking above, and the scent of waffles teasing your senses. Bliss on earth, right? With a stovetop cast iron waffle maker, this dream can be your reality.
When I first had the idea for making waffles on a campfire, the thought sounded like juggling porcupines in my mind—utterly mad. Could it be that a medieval-looking apparatus would actually bring forth perfect, golden squares of waffle perfection? Spoiler alert: It does. In style.
Picking the Right Waffle Maker
First, you have to pick out the right kind of waffle maker. Your stalwart companion is definitely going to be a cast-iron waffle maker, built strong enough to survive two or three Viking raids. Rugged, timeless, and exceptionally heat-conductive, this heavy brick of a device has proven to be one of the premiere weapons in the arsenal of any self-respecting campfire cook and their quest for crispy breakfasts.
Some people love Rome Industries for its old-school charm; it has been churning out trusty waffle irons since before color television was an actual thing. The beauty of this model lies in its simplicity. Fewer parts translate to less to misplace in the woods! The robust hinge will ensure that your waffles turn out even, like something a raccoon did not bat around.
Then there are those pie iron-type models. They just never seem to get old. These have a clamshell design with extensive handles, keeping your knuckles far from hot blasts of flame. Rome Industries and many others offer these for the chef wannabe that scares easily from a little heat.
The use of these iron works of art is an adventure in itself. Heat management is your friend, but at the same time, it is your wild card. The smoldering coals are what you want-good, like a steady grandmother’s hug: not too hot to handle, never too cool to care. You don’t want it too hot; you’re going to burn that sucker into lumps of coal.
Cooking outdoors isn’t about lasers and thermometers. Channel your inner caveman. In the wise words of a friend who never misses breakfast, “It’s like dancing with a bear—you facilitate, not force.” Rotate. Flip. Keep checking. And for heaven’s sakes, use some sort of mitt or towel. Your fingers will thank you.
Now, let me spin you a yarn – the first time I attempted waffles by the fire, I got cocky. I put more batter than one could find on Aunt Polly’s casserole dish. Guess what happened? Yep, overflowed like Niagara Falls on dough day. The lesson learned? Less is more. Half-fill each side at most.
Non-stick sprays have their day in the sun too. They help, but nothing beats priming with an oiled cloth. That’s right, bring back that trusty old rag your grandpa used on his wagon wheels. Rub the insides before plopping in the batter. The result? Waffles slip out smoother than Sunday gravy.
Top it, if you’re très chic, with berries, or if you like to keep it real, just syrup. Or, hell, add some peanut butter for that earthy, stick-to-your-ribs goodness.
Well, if none of those float your boat, there are other cast iron champions out there. Ones promising heft and heat, and with no hassle, will become best buddies out in the wondrous wilderness when you’re hankering for a good meal beyond beef jerky.
All in all, a cast iron campfire waffle maker may feed much more than your stomach; it might feed your soul. Never would you think that a gadget can bring peace, but damn it, bring one next time. Waffle yourself to happiness. Isn’t breakfast the most important meal of the day? At least, so they keep on telling me.
