As the cool fall air heads our way, New Jerseyans North and South are getting ready to say goodbye to the sweet outdoors and hunker down for yet another wicked winter. But in these last few weeks before the cold truly arrives, nighttime bonfire treats are the perfect way to stay warm without giving up the crisp, fresh air that makes this time of year so beautiful.
Luckily for you, we spoke to Chef Billy Leahy, owner of Thistle Catering in Lyndhurst, for some of the best bonfire treats to cook up this fall!
[bibblio style=”bib–row-3 bib–hover bib–white-label bib–font-arial bib–default bib–size-16 bib–shine” query_string_params=”eyJ1dG1fc291cmNlIjoiQmliYmxpbyIsInV0bV9tZWRpdW0iOiJNb2R1bGUiLCJ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24iOiJSZWNvbW1lbmRhdGlvbnMifQ==” recommendation_type=”optimised”]
Before we get to the good stuff, here a few important safety tips for cooking over an open flame:
- Always have a fire extinguisher on hand
- Keep all fire pits away from trees, wooded areas, cars, or dwellings of any kind
- Avoid wearing loose clothing
- Keep long hair tied back
- Keep gas cans and aerosol cans away from open flame
- Always extinguish fire when done
And now onto the fun part — the food. Enjoy!
Marinated Chicken Skewers
1 lb. of chicken breast
¼ cup of apple cider vinegar
1 T of Dijon mustard
½ cup of extra virgin olive oil
Cracked black pepper and salt to your taste
Metal skewer or stick
Slice chicken breast into thin pieces. Whisk apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, EVOO, salt, and pepper together to create marinade. Marinate chicken for one hour. Place chicken on skewer. Hold over fire until 160 degrees. Serve with barbecue sauce or honey mustard.
Strawberries & Marshmallows
1 lb. of strawberries
1 jar of marshmallow crème (such as Fluff)
Metal skewer or stick
Cut the tops off of each strawberry. Place strawberries on skewer. Dip in marshmallow crème. Hold over flame until golden brown.
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Hot dogs
Slices of smoked bacon (one slice per hot dog)
Hot dog buns (one bun per hot dog)
Condiments (mustard, ketchup, grilled onions, hot sauce, etc.)
Metal skewer or stick
Place hot dog on the skewer. Wrap smoked bacon around the hot dog until secure. Hold over bonfire flame until the bacon is crispy. Place wrapped hot dog in bun and top with mustard or ketchup — whichever you prefer!
S’mores Cones
1 waffle cone
1 chocolate bar
A handful of mini marshmallows
Tin foil
Insert chocolate bar (cut or broken into small pieces) and mini marshmallows into waffle cone. Wrap the cone in tin foil. Roast over bonfire until chocolate and marshmallows have melted to the desired degree.
Reese’s S’mores
1 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup
1 marshmallow
2 pieces of graham cracker
Metal skewer or stick
Place marshmallow on skewer. Roast marshmallow over bonfire flame. Place Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup on one piece of graham cracker and the hot marshmallow on the other. Put them together, as you would a normal s’more, and watch as all of that chocolate-peanut buttery goodness melts before your eyes.
Candy-Stuffed Marshmallows
1 marshmallow
1 small piece of candy (we suggest a Rollo or a Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup)
Metal skewer or stick
Carve out a small hole in the marshmallow. Place the candy inside. Place marshmallow on skewer. Roast over the bonfire until the marshmallow is golden brown. Is there a better bonfire treat than this?!
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Olesia Bilkei / Adobe Stock
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Voltan / Adobe Stock
Brent Hofacker / Adobe Stock
