Story and images by Divian Conner
If I told you I never fell down a YouTube rabbit hole, that wouldn’t be accurate. Truth is, I get sucked down the vortex of video after video all of the time and most often than not, it leads to many a note being jotted down as I find inspiration in abundance. I watch documentaries, funny compilations, blast music videos at sonic levels and dance around the living room to the point that my children either shake their heads or join in.
Recently I found myself immersed in the YouTube world of glamping. “Glamping” is camping on an entirely different (glamorous) level. It combines a luxury experience amidst outdoor settings under the stars. Attention to detail is a must and the aesthetics range from old western, boho chic to ultra-modern. Watching, I found myself making a seemingly endless list of ideas to create my own glamping experience. This fall will be the first time that I tackle and experience true glamping, and I've decided to try making Dutch Baby Pancakes.
My online shopping cart runneth over. It is filled with string lights, floor pillows, mini side tables and comforters. Just thinking about all the amazing campgrounds Mississippi has to offer, I am excited about the possibilities. I am a huge fan of camping, usually going the backcountry bare bones route. I am quick to pack up a tent and head off to the middle of the woods and do primitive camping. This year, I seek a different experience. I want to decorate that tent like it is a Hollywood mansion being featured in a top interior design magazine, lay back on a comfy cushioned mattress complete with a down cover and look up at the stars.
Glamping not only involves decorating your tent and surroundings beautifully like a tiny home, but food also plays an important role. It is about the ambiance and the experience, and the cooking is more like a fine dining with nothing off limits. Oh, the breakfasts and dinners I have seen prepared on a camping stove in the middle of nowhere would leave even five-star restaurants in awe.
There is just something about connecting with people over food and adding an outdoor element that is always a win. To treat my family to a camping experience that is hyper-personalized and showing much effort and thought makes my heart swell.
Not only am I getting enjoyment in planning the décor for my glamping adventure in the Mississippi wilderness, but I am also finding myself even more excited about coming up with an outdoor cooking menu that will leave me satisfied and my family amazed. This will be something that they remember for many years to come.
Campfire Dutch Baby Pancake Ingredients for 2 pancakes:
3 large eggs (room temperature)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
1 Tablespoon sugar
4 Tablespoons salted butter
Topping Options:
Powdered Sugar
Fresh fruit of choice
Honey or Nutella
Whipped Cream
Mix milk and eggs completely and then add the other ingredients except for the butter. Mix well and let sit for at least ten minutes for the batter to rest. You can prepare ahead of time and keep cooled until ready to make the pancakes.
Campfire instructions:
Place a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over the fire coals. Add in butter and allow to melt before adding the batter. Cover with lid, placing hot coals from the fire on top of the lid and allow to cook for about ten minutes until it puffs and is golden brown. It should be puffy, similar to a popover. If additional time cooking is needed, place lid back on top for a few minutes.
Oven instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place butter in cast iron skillet in the oven and allow to melt. Once butter is melted pour in batter and cook for 15-20 minutes until pancake is puffy and golden brown in spots.
Serve immediately topped with melted butter, powdered sugar and fruit of your choice. Makes two pancakes.