Fall Recipes to Cook Over A Wood-Burning Flame

Fall is one of the best times to use your fire pit for cooking meals. Fall begins in September, which means the summer heat will start to subside. A wood-burning flame is fantastic for cooking over. There is a multitude of different things you can cook. Today we will show you a couple of recipes that you can cook over a wood-burning flame.

When cooking over a wood-burning flame, we recommend using oak, walnut, ash, or hickory. Pine or resin-laden wood burns too quickly and creates an unpleasant smoke.

Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Paella is a delicious, comforting dish in the fall. It is hearty and has many flavors, and you can cook it over a wood-burning fire. Here is a simple and delicious recipe for paella that you can cook on your fire pit. (Recipe adapted from REI.)

Tools:

For this recipe, you will need a grate to put over your fire pit. This allows you to set the paella pan over the fire pit on an even surface. It will enable you to control the heat, so it is not on a direct flame. You should start the fire and have it burn down a bit before you begin cooking.

A paella pan is best to cook this recipe in. However, if you do not have one, you can use a cast iron pan instead.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 pound of chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 ounces dry, Spanish-style chorizo, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 green onions, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced, fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup dry paella rice
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon saffron (optional)
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 jar of roasted red peppers or piquillo peppers
• Lemon wedges
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional add-ins: shrimp, clams, mussels

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your pan. Season your diced chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then cook them in the hot pan until browned on both sides. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. Heat remaining olive oil in your pan and add in the sliced chorizo. Sautee for 5 minutes, then add the diced onions and peppers and saute for another 5 minutes. Next, add the tomatoes and garlic and cook for 10 minutes.

3. Add the rice, chicken, paprika, peas, and saffron (if you are using it). Stir to combine. Add the chicken stock and mix well. After mixed, it is essential to leave the paella to cook without stirring it. This allows the rice to form a nice crust on the bottom of the pan.

4. If you choose to add any seafood, you may add it after about 10 minutes. Cook the paella for another 20 minutes after adding seafood (30 minutes total). Make sure to rotate your pan throughout cooking so it cooks evenly.

5. Once all the liquid is absorbed and the meat is cooked through, your paella is ready.

6. Remove the pan from heat, cover with foil, and let the paella sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

7. Serve with lemon wedges and roasted red or piquillo peppers, and enjoy!

Fire-Baked Apples

Baked apples are a delicious and cozy treat to cook over your wood-burning fire pit.

Ingredients:

• Apples
• 1-2 tablespoons butter per apple
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey per apple
• Sprinkle of cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• Raisins
• Nuts
• Caramels/caramel sauce
• Oats
• Chocolate chips

Optional Toppings After Cooking:

• Ice cream
• Whipped topping

Instructions:

1. Core your apples, but not all the way to the bottom. You want to leave some of the fruit intact so your fillings do not spill out.

2. Place each cored apple onto two pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil before you fill them.

3. Fill the cored apples with all the ingredients and your choice of add-ins. We love to add pecans and oats to ours. It can be helpful to mix all your ingredients before putting them in the apple.

4. Wrap the foil around your apple and place it on your wood-burning fire. Make sure not to put the apples directly on a flame, as this can lead to burning.

5. Cook the apples for 20 to 30 minutes or until softened, rotating halfway through for even cooking.

6. Unwrap the apples, then top with any extra toppings you desire and enjoy!

Enjoy Cooking with Fire Pit Art

We hope you enjoy cooking these recipes over a wood-burning flame. If you are looking to buy a wood-burning fire pit, Fire Pit Art can help. We offer the option of a wood-burning flame for your fire pit. With so many fire pit designs to choose from, we know you will find one you love. We could also work with you to design something custom. Call us at 615-637-3684 to discuss your options.

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