Grandpa's Steak Marinade

When I was growing up we camped a lot. Our family had a cabin just north of town and we spent a lot of time there. Now, when I write cabin, I don't mean a gorgeous multi-room structure. I mean a small, one room, rustic, no electricity, no running water cabin. Most of our meals were cooked over the fire or a Coleman stove. It wasn't as rustic as a tent (that was the predecessor to the cabin), but it provided shelter, cots for sleeping, and a perfect place for drying wet snow clothes during winter camping.

One of my favorite food memories was steak cooked over the fire marinated in what we fondly call Grandpa's Marinade. I honestly have no idea of the origins of this recipe, although knowing my Grandpa he opened up the cupboard, mixed a bunch of things together and called it good. However it came about, it's delicious.

Our little family went camping in Shenandoah National Park this weekend. It was cool, wet, and not necessarily the best camping experience (on par for our family camping trips), but we made due with tarps, a warm fire, good food, and lots of laughter. On Saturday night we had sirloin steaks marinated with Grandpa's recipe. It was as good as I remember, and made even better grilled over the open fire and served with potatoes baked in the coals and a nice bottle of Zinfandel.

Grandpa's Marinade

5 ounces soy sauce
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups water