Over the years, I've been accused of owning an aluminum foil company because I often use and recommend foil for outdoor cooking. Foil assists with easy food storage, preparation, cooking — and even easier cleanup.

One advantage of foil cooking is that each dinner guest, including small children, can assemble ingredients for his meal and then watch his own food “packet” cook to the desired doneness.

Boy Scouts in particular are experts at preparing and grilling the famous Hobo Dinner (see below). My favorite, though, is the foil wrapped Banana Boat (also below), which uses marshmallows and chocolate chips and cooks in a banana peel.

Recently, I overheard a small girl tug at her father, point to me, and whisper, “Daddy, that's the banana boat lady.” I knew I had made an impression. You too can make memories with your loved ones by introducing them to the fun and simplicity of outdoor foil cooking.

The banana boat that earned fame for Dian Thomas in the eyes of one little girl.

Aluminum foil is a versatile material for cooking and wrapping food. It can be used for both hot and cold foods and is the modern version of cooking with leaves and clay. Introduced in 1947, aluminum foil has become an increasingly popular cooking material and a mainstay in every kitchen. It is 95 percent aluminum, with iron and silicon added to promote strength and puncture resistance.

Aluminum foil can be purchased in regular, heavy duty and extra-heavy-duty thickness. The heavier weights are often preferred for outdoor cooking because of their additional strength.

Aluminum foil can be shaped into a homemade pan using extra-heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cut a piece of foil and place it inside another pan, molding the desired shape. Fold down the excess on the sides, giving the pan extra durability. This homemade pan eliminates a dish to wash.

Cut one or two pieces of lightweight foil or one piece of heavy-duty or extra-heavy-duty foil twice the distance around the item to be wrapped. Next:

One advantage of foil-wrapped parcels, or “tin foil dinners,” is that they can be prepared, seasoned and packed in advance of cooking. Everyone can make his or her own dinner and season it to taste. This cuts down on preparation time and gives everyone an activity. Another plus is that these dinners will hold their heat for 10 to 15 minutes. You can enjoy dinner served directly out of the foil wrap.

Place food in the middle of 1 to 2 sheets of foil for the drugstore wrap.

Fold in half-inch intervals, starting at the ends and working toward the center.

Roll open ends toward the center to seal for perfect packets.

Great Recipes for Foil Cooking over a Campfire

Every time I go into the outdoors — whether it's in my own backyard or into the woods — I roll out the aluminum foil. And I've developed some recipes that are my personal favorites.

Here are a few of those favorite recipes, which by the way, can be cooked over a campfire or in your oven at home.

Corn on the Cob

Always cook corn with the husks on to protect it from burning during cooking. The corn is much sweeter than when cooked in water.

Method #1 — Corn with husk (preferred)

Peel back the husks from the ears. Remove the silk. Spread with butter; season with salt and pepper. Pull the husks over the ears of corn and wrap individually in aluminum foil. Cook on a bed of hot coals for 10 to 15 minutes, turning frequently.

Method #2—Corn without husk

Brush ears with butter. Add salt and pepper. Wrap each ear individually in aluminum foil and cook on grill over a bed of hot coals for 15 to 20 minutes, turning frequently.

Hobo Dinner

Cut four squares of foil. Divide vegetables into four equal portions. Layer with one-half carrots, potatoes, onions and ground beef; finish with onions, potatoes and carrots in that order. Season with salt and pepper. Seal using the drugstore wrap as explained above. Cook on a bed of hot coals for 15 minutes on each side. Serve as a main dish or supper. Serves four.

*Breast of chicken or fish fillets can be substituted for ground beef patties. Cooking time may need adjusting.

Banana Boat

Cut a slit lengthwise about two-thirds of the way through the banana from the stem to the base. Fill the slit with miniature marshmallows and milk chocolate chips or broken pieces of chocolate bars. (I like to use milk chocolate chips because they melt in your mouth, in your hand — they melt everywhere.) To heat the banana boat, wrap in foil and cook on hot coals for five minutes, or until the chocolate and marshmallows have melted. Serve as a snack, a dessert or a treat around the campfire.

And remember, foil cooking has three great benefits. It's easy to use, there aren't any dishes to clean up, and the preparation for cooking the food is done by the person who will eat it. I find this so valuable when it come to build experience and memories that will last forever.

Would you like to get in on weekly Outdoor Cooking and Camping Tips from Dian Thomas, “Queen or Outdoor Cooking?” She will share with you her creative and fun idea. Go to www.CampingWithDian.com and get started today! © 2007 by Dian Thomas