How to Make Pudgy Pies

If you're a camping enthusiast and have cooked over an open fire, chances are you've had a pudgy pie. If you're new to the scene, or have just never happened upon these tasty treats, the concept is quite simple. Pudgy pies are ingredient-filled "pockets" of bread toasted over a campfire. They're versatile, easy and fun to make for the whole family.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pie iron
• Bread
• Fillings of choice
• Butter
• Campfire stories

1. Buy a pie iron. To make a pudgy pie, you will first need a pie iron, commonly referred to as "the pudgy pie maker." Think of the pie iron as a sandwich maker on a stick. It is basically two cast iron or aluminum pieces that fit together with a hinge. Each piece has a handle, and the handles can be latched together.

2. Build a campfire. Pudgy pies do best over a hot bed of coals. Try to start your campfire an hour early to let it burn down.

3. Build your pie. Butter a piece of bread and lay it on the iron, butter side down. Cover your bread with any filling you choose. Butter the second piece of bread and lay it on the filling, butter side up. Bring the top of the iron over the bread and filling until it meets with the bottom iron. If your pudgy pie maker has a latching device, latch it now, if you choose.

4. Cook your pie. You can cook your pudgy pie much like a marshmallow; just hold the pie maker over the campfire. Or, if you have a grate over a fire pit, lay the iron over the grate. Cooking time varies depending on the temperature of the fire. Cook your pie for one minute, flip it over and cook another 30 seconds. Open the iron and take a peek. If your bread is toasty brown, it's ready. Remove it from the iron, let cool, and enjoy.

5. Use some creativity. Add whatever ingredients you want to your pudgy pie. Add pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni and make a pizza pie. Toss together some eggs, ham, and cheese and you'll have an omelet pie. Add some apple pie filling and make an apple pie. If you're on the last day of a camping trip, add leftovers and make a surprise pie.

Tips & Warnings

• Pie irons come in two shapes: square and circle. Squares work best for bread slices.

• Pudgy pies don't have to be limited to camping. Make them in your fire pit in the back yard, over the grill or in the fireplace.

• Pie irons can also be used to make sweet treats, such as brownies and breads.

• Always precook meat before adding it to the pie.

• You'll have to experiment with ingredients to get a feel for how much to add.

• Use care around the fire and remember the pie irons will get hot.

References

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Favorite Campfire Recipes