I like open fire for like roasting meats and a few other things. You can always cook on an open fire as you just need heat. However, to avoid burning your hands etc…. If I was outdoors and wanted to boil tea or water I would start a fire first and make sure it’s fed well, and then use the hot coals to boil so I don’t have to have alot of smoke in face……. Or, I would just throw like a gril grate over the open fire and place the pot on the grate.
I enjoy cooking on fresh flames. You can also make smaller fires with small pieces of wood so the fire isn’t as large but and more containable.
Sort of like this:
Or create a contraption like this
Great question because there are really so many ways to do it.