Bannock, Bacon & Birch, the triple threat
Feel the walls closing in? Warmer weather is on the horizon! It's time to rediscover the great outdoors after a long pandemic winter. Here, we share how to make bannock bread. Also see our blog post Reignite Backyard Fun with Cheese & Bacon Jam S'mores
Continuing with our March backyard bonfires theme, we wanted to share what has become a warm weather tradition for our immediate family since camping in the Whiteshell Provincial park years ago when our sons were little. While camping we joined in on a workshop offered by the park office where we were taught how to make bannock, a simple bread made without yeast, originating out of Indigenous traditions. While at the park we learned how to roast bannock on a stick over an open fire. We've been hooked ever since!
Bannock is a wonderful treat, easy to make, impossible to ruin (unless it falls into the fire and even at that its a great fire starter!). It is crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle. It does not need to be risen and can be cooked right away so its warm goodness can be enjoyed quickly by the impatient and the "hangry". Great for the camping crowd! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Not only does it taste fantastic grilled this way, it's great fun to add toppings and the sky is the limit on that front, appealing to all tastes. Of course, the usual fare is jam and honey which are super delicious. On the savory side, cheese is nice as well or just plain salted butter.
In this blog we highlight just how extraordinary our Birch Syrup products are with this simple delicious bread. There are both sweet and savory options to enjoy with your bannock. Birch products are easy to take on the road with you too so are great to include in the cooler for your journey or picnic.
Camping Dessert Bannock
Bannock is extremely delicious drenched in Gold Birch Syrup which can be used the same way that honey is used on a biscuit. The syrup lends a caramel flavor but is not overly sweet. Alternatively Birch Whiskey Toffee Sauce spread onto the bannock and served with fruit or berries is a great camping dessert. Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are excellent for this purpose. Add a little whipping cream and it's magic!
Salty Fireside Bannock Snack
The Canadian Birch Company's Birch Bacon Jam is a perfect partner for fire roasted bannock.
The smokiness of the bannock compliments the smoky bacon and spices in the Birch Bacon Jam. Smothered onto warm bannock, the Bacon Jam warms to the perfect consistency. You can add grated cheese for an outdoor version of a grilled cheese & bacon sandwich.
Bannock Breakfast Sandwich
Get the troops involved in breakfast and keep them busy manning the roasting sticks while you enjoy your coffee! When the bannock is done, split open, top with Birch Bacon Jam and either scrambled eggs or 1 fried egg, for a hearty breakfast with a nice serving of protein to get the day started.
Making Fresh Butter - a fun add on!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
For MORE FUN: Fill a sealer jar 3/4 full with full fat cream (35%). Pass the sealer from person to person around the campfire, with each person giving the jar a shake. Within about 10 - 15 minutes the cream turns to freshly churned butter which you can spread onto your warm cooked bannock. Mmmmmm!
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Bannock Recipe
Ingredients |
Method |
| 3 cups flour⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2 Tbsp Baking Powder⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1/2 teaspoon Salt⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1/4 cup cold shortening or lard, cubed⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 3/4 - 1 cup of water⠀⠀ |
Mix dry ingredients. Cut in the shortening (lard) with a pastry blender or two knives until the mix resembles course meal. At this point you can put in a ziplock and pack it with your camping rations or freeze until ready to use. Mix in the water with a fork and use your hands to kneed the mix until it starts to stick together. Kneed into a ball, using extra flour to keep the stickiness at bay -- usually an additional 1/4 - 1/2 cup of flour can be used for this purpose. Tear off sections to desired size, wrap thickly around a stick or flatten into a cast iron pan and roast on the fire. Make sure to turn the dough often while over the heat. The cooking process can take about 10 minutes. The bannock is done when you tap it with a spoon and it sounds hallow. ENJOY!!! |
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