Flat rock cooking

[tbarnhardt]

I am trying to find information about cooking on flat rocks heated in a camp fire. This information will be used in an upcoming camporee "no pot, no pans, no problem. If you have information to share or could suggest locations to find information. Thanks

[Be_Prepared]

We did this recently at a troop campout. I went to a local company that sells decorative rocks for landscaping and bought 8 pieces of thin slate, about and inch thick and a foot or so across, one for each patrol

 

A dinner the patrols built a fire as usual. When some coals developed, they put three or four small rocks in the fire and laid the slate on the top. Before too long, it was hot enough to cook.

 

We cooked thin pork chops. For a quicker meal, chicken strips would work nice.

[ghermanno]

Here's some info I found:

 

Choosing a Rock

Pick your special rock carefully. Look around for a rock that is flat and less than 2 inches thick. Carefully avoid using rocks that are wet, or that have recently been in water as they may explode. (Example: Shell or limestone may retain moisture)

Heating the Rock

Make a fire that is key-hole shaped. Place the clean rock over the square part of the keyhole. Then put hot coals under it. Heat the rock slowly. If one side heads too fast and expands more quickly than the other side, the rock may break. Turn the rock over, allowing it to heat on each side gradually and as evenly as possible.

 

Use the Rock as a Grill

When the rock is finally hot, use it as a grill by placing it directly over the coals. Place your food directly on the rock to cook it; you may want to cover the cooking surface with foil.

 

When the upper surface cools, turn the rock over, brush it off, and cook on the hot side. If you have found a very thin rock, the heat will conduct through it and the rock wont need to be turned.

 

Have Lots of Patience

It may take some time to cook your food thoroughly. Be persistent. It's worth the wait. Then, enjoy!

 

This info came from: http://www.my-favorite-camping-store.com/cook-on-a-rock.html It also has links to cooking on leaves and directly on coals. I'm sure you can also find cooking in orange husks etc on various sites.

 

Good luck.

 

YiS,

Rick

[Trevorum]

I love hot rock cooking! And, more importantly, so do the scouts!

 

Depending on your local geology, the fellows especially like looking for their own griddles while on a short hike. The rock needn't be large.

 

My personal favorite is hot biscuits for breakfast. Fast, easy, and unbelievably delicious when cooked on a hot rock.

 

Important: as suggested, avoid sedimentary rocks whenever possible (they tend to absorb water more easily) and never use wet or damp rocks. I've seen wet limestone explode like an IED.