Sleep away camp – that annual rite of summer – will be here before you know it, along with all the preparations for getting your child there. For our children, leaving the comfort of their home and familiar friends can cause anxiety, but the results can lead to lifelong memories, friends and increased independence.
To help ease the jitters, make this fun and easy campfire dessert together, and you’ll be amazed at how delicious it is. And remember also to enjoy this time for yourself as you wave your camper off into the wild…. She’ll be OK!
Campfire Brownie Orange Treats
Ingredients:
At least 1 orange per camper
Brownie or cake mix (and any wet ingredients required for the mix)
Frosting
Heavy-duty foil wrap
Note: Brownie mix will yield approximately 8-10 desserts. Cake mix will yield about 12-16.
Directions:
1. Mix cake mix according to the instructions on box; put to the side (do not bake).
2. Slice the top third of each orange; leave the top pieces to the side (you need them in the next step). Scoop the fruit out of the bottom 2/3 of the fruit, so that you have an empty shell.
3. Fill each orange shell 2/3 full with cake batter, recap with the top piece, secure the two pieces together with toothpicks and wrap in foil. The foil-wrapped, hollowed-out oranges will act as mini-ovens, baking the brownie or cake mix while protecting it from the scorching affects of direct heat.
4. Cook in the campfire for 20 minutes; shift frequently.
5. Let the cakes cool off, then frost liberally with chocolate fudge frosting.
These orange cakes can also be grilled (15-20 minutes on medium heat) or baked in an oven (45 minutes at 350 degrees). Also, the mix can be prepared without eggs. If packing the ingredients for your own camping trip, put the proper measurements for water and oil in a water bottle. And when ready to make, just pour liquids into dry cake mix.
Lucia Schnitzer and her husband, Ken, own Luci’s Healthy Marketplace in Phoenix. The local coffee shop and marketplace opened in 2009 in Lucia’s honor after her successful battle with breast cancer. She successfully manages her career, her growing family (four children), her personal well-being and the countless demands of the day.
