Family-fun foods for the campground or the backyard fire pit.

If you think cooking over an open fire is only good for slightly burned hotdogs and s'mores, Vanessa Bante wants you to think again. With one or a few fun-to-use tools--pie irons, foil, Tarts on Fire, sweet sticks or simply a dowel--you can make family-friendly dishes over a backyard fire pit or at the campground. With 75 scrumptious recipes like Apple & Cheese Quesadillas, Spaghetti Pie Iron Sandwiches, Maple Chicken with Sweet Potatoes in foil, Pretzel Sticks with Beer Cheese Sauce, Blueberry and Chocolate Iron Sandwich, and Lemon Mousse in Phyllo Cups will satisfy every appetite.

Vanessa Bante's experience with the food and hospitality industry began at age 15, when she started work in a pizza shop, and grew into a career in culinary and pastry arts. She attended the Pittsburgh Culinary Institute and lives in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.