This does look like fun, and again something the kids might enjoy. I’m trying to think what you’d use these days for a can because it’s not going to be an old timey coffee can. Camping equipment? If you’re doing individual portions, any appropriately sized bakeware or even glass/Pyrex bowls would work.

And don’t forget to explain to the kids who hobos are. Tell ’em about The Boxcar Children while you’re at it!

Very good for picnics on beach. While you’re having fun, food can cook with no attention. Food can be put in cans at home and be ready to cook when you get there. Servings are prepared in individual cans, with each person selecting his own combination of vegetables.

—Mrs. Don Bigsby, Booneville, MS, The Mississippi Cookbook, compiled and edited by the Home Economics Division of the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service (1972)

HOBO STEW

Yield: 1 serving

4-oz piece meat, “pork chop, steak, or hamburger”
¾ C water or stock
Salt, pepper, to taste
1 whole carrot, scraped
1 whole potato, peeled
1 whole ear corn, cleaned
1 whole cabbage
1 whole tomato

“Use a 2-lb coffee or shortening can.” Put meat in bottom of lightly greased can, add water or stock, arrange carrot, potato, corn, cabbage, and tomato in pan, salting and peppering as you add vegetables, seal top of can with aluminum foil, wrap wire around top of can to fasten, and cook over hot charcoals. “If meat and vegetables are left whole, 1 hour cooking time is required. Open can carefully because of steam.”