Camp Doughnuts: A Taste of Childhood Adventure

The smell of woodsmoke still triggers the memory – the crackle of the campfire, the sticky sweetness of melting jam, and the slightly singed aroma of bread toasting over hot embers. These weren’t gourmet doughnuts, not by any stretch. They were rustic, imperfect, and utterly magical. As a kid, armed with a stick and a simple desire for something sweet, these Camp Doughnuts were the epitome of culinary adventure, turning humble ingredients into a delightful, smoky treat under a starlit sky.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Yields: 4 doughnut quarters
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 slices of cheap white bread
• 8 teaspoons of cheap jam (jelly)

Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife or scissors
• Fork or small whisk
• Skewer (preferably metal for campfire use)
• Campfire or barbeque with embers

Instructions

1. Prepare your campfire or barbeque, ensuring you have a bed of glowing embers. You want heat, but not direct flames.
2. Carefully cut each slice of bread into four equal square quarters.
3. Take one quarter of bread and place approximately 3/4 teaspoon of jam in the center. Don’t overfill, or the jam will ooze out during cooking.
4. Fold the bread over diagonally to form a triangle, encasing the jam inside.
5. Using a finger or small brush, seal the edges of the folded bread with a dab of the beaten egg. This helps to prevent the jam from escaping and keeps the doughnut together.
6. Coat the outside of the folded bread lightly with the remaining egg. This will help it toast to a golden-brown color over the embers.
7. To ensure the bread stays folded during cooking, carefully poke a skewer through the top corner of the triangle, going through both layers of bread. This will also serve as your handle for cooking.
8. Holding the skewer, carefully position the “doughnut” over the hot embers of the fire. Rotate it slowly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
9. Cook until the egg is cooked and the bread is toasted to a golden-brown color, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. The cooking time will vary depending on the heat of your fire, so keep a close eye on it.
10. Remove the cooked doughnut from the skewer (carefully, as it will be hot!) and let it cool slightly before eating, remembering that the jam inside will be very hot.
11. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, making as many Camp Doughnuts as you desire.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Bread Choice: While the recipe specifies cheap white bread, you can experiment with other types. Denser breads, like sourdough, might require longer cooking times.
• Jam Selection: Any kind of jam will work, but thicker jams are less likely to leak during cooking. Try using preserves or even Nutella for a chocolatey twist.
• Sealing Technique: Make sure the bread is well sealed, as the hot jam can easily burn. Press the edges firmly together after applying the egg.
• Fire Management: Maintaining a consistent ember heat is crucial. Avoid flames that will scorch the bread before the egg cooks through. If flames appear, raise the doughnut higher above the heat.
• Skewer Safety: Metal skewers become very hot, so use caution when handling them. Consider using heat-resistant gloves or tongs.
• Pre-Prep: If you’re making a large batch, you can prepare the bread triangles and fill them with jam ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
• Troubleshooting: If the bread starts to burn before the egg is cooked, move the doughnut further away from the heat or wrap it in foil to slow down the cooking process. If the jam starts to leak, quickly seal the opening with more egg and continue cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Camp Doughnuts are best served immediately, while they’re warm and the jam is molten. The contrasting textures of the crispy toasted bread and the sweet, gooey filling are simply irresistible. Due to their nature, these are really best made fresh as needed. If you do have leftovers, they are best eaten within a few hours. After that, the bread can become soggy. They are not recommended for refrigeration or freezing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	175 kcal	9%
Total Fat	5g	6%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	70mg	23%
Sodium	150mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	25g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	15g	N/A
Protein	5g	10%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread slices. Be aware that gluten-free bread can be more delicate and may require extra care when sealing.
• Sweetness Boost: Dust the cooked doughnuts with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for added sweetness.
• Savory Twist: Experiment with savory fillings like cheese and ham or pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. Omit the egg wash for a less sweet finish.
• Spiced Jam: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the jam for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Different Breads: Try brioche or challah bread for a richer, more decadent doughnut.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these indoors?
A: While these are traditionally made over a campfire, you can try making them over a barbeque grill, but the experience won’t be quite the same.

Q: What kind of jam works best?
A: Thicker jams and preserves are generally less likely to leak out during cooking.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the doughnuts and rotate them frequently to ensure even cooking. If the bread starts to burn, move it further away from the heat or wrap it in foil.

Q: Can I use a different type of skewer?
A: Metal skewers are ideal for campfire cooking as they can withstand high heat. Wooden skewers can also be used, but they may char or burn. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to help prevent burning.

Q: How do I know when the doughnuts are done?
A: The doughnuts are done when the egg is fully cooked and the bread is toasted to a golden-brown color. The jam inside should be hot and melty.

Final Thoughts

Camp Doughnuts are more than just a simple snack; they’re a nostalgic reminder of outdoor adventures and the joy of creating something delicious with minimal ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavor combinations to create your own unique version of this campfire classic. Gather around the fire, share these sweet treats with friends and family, and create memories that will last a lifetime. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your culinary creations with me – I’d love to hear about your own Camp Doughnut adventures!