Tasty Tuesday ~ Hobo Stew

As the final days of summer vacation "freedom" slip away, my heart and mind are full with thankfulness for the times spent together. I am resisting the urge to feel panic over the things we didn't do yet ... antiquing in Sweetwater, going to the History Museum, picnic overlooking the Tennessee River, watch Shakespeare (free) on the Square, go to Virginia, swim in Midnight Hole .... :) But we enjoyed so many great times. One favorite was making Hobo Stews along the banks of Abrams Creek on a cool (yes, really ... Global Warming?) July evening. In honor of Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Tasty Tuesday, I am placing a "Cairn" here today, as a memorial that family times can be simple and sweet at the same time. Food is often attached to memories and moments, isn't it?

Are you counting days til school starts? We only have FIVE days left! There's still time for more sweet moments before we squeeze into the school schedule. If you're looking for guaranteed fun time with friends or family, young or old, Hobo Stews are a great way to make a tasty dinner and a memory. Here's how we like to do it:

Hobo Stew

Build a fire (wood or charcoal) and let it burn down to glowing coals. Use heavy duty aluminum foil (about 24 inches each) as "packaging". Spread out the variety of ingredients on a large table; let each person create their own meal. Writing with permanent marker is a good thought, but it really doesn't work well. Just watch where you place each person's package. :) Once you fill your foil, fold it tightly on the top, then fold in the sides tightly, so nothing spills out. Place each packet onto the coals, and allow them to cook until you hear sizzling and cooking going on ... at least 10 minutes. It's not an exact science ... that makes it fun! You will need two long handled tools (spatulas or sticks) to lift the packages in/out. You CAN put one back on the fire if you need to.

Here are ingredients we use to feed 4: 1 1/2-2 lb. ground beef (pre-cook at home), 1/2 lb. bacon (chopped, not cooked), corn (1 can), potatoes (1 can or pre-cook & slice 3-4 potatoes), green beans (1 can), spaghetti sauce (opt., about 1/4 cup/person), cherry tomatoes (halved) shredded cheese (about 1 cup), spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, italian seasoning to taste). Add everything BUT CHEESE prior to sealing & cooking. Add cheese when done.

We all have our own "favorite combinations," but it's fun to create our unique meals, wait together around the fire for them to cook, and then enjoy this filling meal. If you use sauce, be careful, because it will be hot.

When my kids are deep in World Cultures, Algebra, and Composition in just a few weeks, I hope that the Cairns of time spent with family and friends this summer will encourage them and refresh them as they remember ...