Diana is a food stylist, recipe developer and the author of multiple cookbooks. Her newest cookbook Firepit Feast features recipes made for the live-fire cooking. 

Cooking over fire is one of her favorite ways to connect with food, friends, and the outdoors. Whether it's a backyard grill session or a full-on camping feast, these simples hacks will help you stay relaxed, prepared, and full of flavor. You can find plenty more recipes, techniques and ideas in Firepit Feast. It's packed with approachable, flavorful dishes, and practical tips to help you cook confidently over flame and make every gathering feel special. 

Diana's Cooking Hacks 

Prep Ahead, Stress Less

When camping, my best advice is to prep as much as possible at home. I pack everything into a cooler so that once I get to the site, it's all ready to go. In Firepit Feast I've got a whole section on foil packets meals for easy, no-fuss dinners that cook right on the fire without extra prep. 

Set Up Your Outdoor Kitchen

For backyard grilling, I like to prep everything indoors first. Sheet pans loaded with chopped veggies, oil, salt, and all the tools I need means I'm not running back inside every two minutes. It lets me stay present—cooking, chatting, relaxing. 

Sauces That Steal the Show 

If you want to level up your grilled food, sauces are the secret weapon. I'm obsessed with miso butter on corn, whipped herby feta for dipping, or smoky romesco on fish and veggies. All the recipes are in my cookbook, and they're surprisingly easy to pull off. 

Cast Iron's Outdoor Magic 

I bring my cast iron skillet everywhere. It's tough, reliable, and perfect for everything from crisping potatoes to searing shrimp or even baking a stone fruit crisp over the fire. Plus, your kitchen tongs and spatula are great for outdoor cooking too. No need to buy special gear. 

Fire Takes Time

Building a good fire doesn't happen instantly. I always keep plenty of dry tinder and kindling nearby, ready to feed the flames patiently. It's worth the wait for that perfect cooking heat. 

Water Splash Test

Wondering if your pan is hot enough? Flick a few drops of water on it—when they sizzle, you're set. For the grill, I start the grate higher above the flame and lower it as I get a feel for the heat. 

Citrus = Instant Brightness

Grilling lemons, limes, or oranges caramelizes their sugars and adds smoky brightness. A squeeze of grilled citrus juice over meat or veggies is an easy, delicious finish.