There are plenty of ways to enjoy this time of year and a crackling fire is definitely one of them. Add to that a warm treat or even a whole meal cooked over the flames, and it makes for the perfect fall evening. After all, campfires are the perfect gathering place and a delicious dinner and dessert is sure to top off the whole experience. So head outside this fall and celebrate the season with friends, family, and great food around the campfire! 

Carolina Clambake

• Two ears of uncooked corn, quartered
• One pound of shrimp
• One pound of little neck clams
• 12 ounces of smoked pre-cooked
  sausage cut into bite size pieces 
• One onion, quartered 
• One bottle of beer
• Spices
• Two tbs. butter
• Lemon to taste

Place mixed ingredients on a large sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil, dividing evenly between foil packets. Place clams on the top of the mixture with a pat of butter and a touch of beer. Seal the packets tightly. 

Place on the hot coals near the edge of your campfire and allow about a half an hour to cook. Remove once clams open and shrimp is fully cooked. Open carefully to avoid hot steam. Serves 4.

Ultimate S’mores

For the Basic:

• Marshmallows
• Graham crackers 
• Milk chocolate candy bars

For the Ultimate:

• Variety of cookies and crackers (to use instead of graham crackers) 
• Variety of chocolate candy bars
• Several slices of cooked bacon, chopped
• Variety of chopped nuts and dates
• Sliced banana, strawberries, and other fruits
• Peanut butter, Nutella, and other spreads
• Caramel, butterscotch, and other syrups

You know the drill…

Take one large graham cracker and break it in half (one for top cracker and one for bottom cracker). 

Unwrap chocolate bar, and break bar into smaller pieces. Cover one of the graham cracker halves with chocolate pieces to fit your graham cracker.

Put a marshmallow (or two) on the stick and hold it over the fire until roasted. Toast marshmallows over a campfire, turning the stick until the outside of the marshmallow is golden brown and just starting to get mushy.  NOTE: Some people like to roast them for a few minutes, then make them catch on fire, blow them out, and then the marshmallows are done to their liking. Your choice on how you like your marshmallows!

 Take your toasted marshmallow (still on the stick), and lay it on the side of the graham cracker with the chocolate. Top with any other ingredients of your choice. Now take the other half of the graham cracker and cover the hot marshmallow, pressing down firmly enough to pull out the stick.

When the s’more is fully assembled, let it sit for a few seconds. The heat will somewhat melt the chocolate, and you will not burn your mouth. Enjoy!♦

Author: CoastalLife