We all do it. We're planning our family camping trip, and the only food on the list are things we can poke on a stick to hold over the fire. Well, that's ok if you're 10 years old, but camping doesn't have to be quite so predictable.

Part of the fun and charm of roughing it in the great outdoors is the food, however, you don't have to be 'all-out' pioneers. There are some really delicious and 'fun' camping recipes that incorporate the conveniences of this century that everyone should include in their camping preparations.

If you have a reliable cast iron skillet and Dutch oven, you can create wonderful campfire food for your family and friends to enjoy on your next trip. Add some other clever cast iron utensils, such as a pie or sandwich iron, and then the real fun begins. You can cook up pies, pizzas and more.

Here are a few simple, yet delicious, camping recipes that you're sure to love.

Camping Fun Pizza

8 oz. pizza or spaghetti sauce
1 lb Wheat bread
1/4 lb Mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni

Using the pie iron, take two slices of bread, put 1 1/2 tablespoons pizza sauce on one slice of bread. Top with Mozzarella cheese and sliced pepperoni. Place other side of bread on top and butter outer sides of bread. Put sandwich into pie iron and place in coals of fire. Cook until bread is toasted.

Banana Boat

1 Banana
Mini marshmallows
Chocolate chips
Raisins

Partially peel banana. Cut wedge-shaped section in banana. Remove wedge. Place in hollow: marshmallows, chocolate, and raisins. Cover mixture with banana peel and wrap in foil. Place in coals for about 5 minutes, until chocolate and marshmallows are melted.

Fried Rice for Campers

1 pk Precooked rice
2 c Boiling water
1 cn Spam -diced
1 Envelope fried rice-seasoning mix

Place rice in small bowl; pour boiling water over. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Mix in Spam and seasoning mix. Transfer mixture to medium skillet. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes, stirring often.

Have fun this summer on your next family camping trip. Remember to find quality, affordable cast iron cooking utensils made for camping and home use. Create a memorable campfire meal - There's more to camping than roasted weenies on a stick! Enjoy!

Sherry Frewerd

Sherry Frewerd is a busy work at home mom of 3. Discover for yourself how she is creating a better quality of life for herself and family by building a successful Watkins home business. Visit her slow cooker website for delicious crock pot recipes at Family Crock Pot Recipes. Sherry is also a family child care provider and publishes an early childhood resource website for parents and family child care providers at Family Play and Learn. Find out how she does it all and still remains sane at her blogs 'There's More to Life Than Food' and 'Recipes to Live By'.