Dutch Oven Cooking Info!

[NDJollyMon]

Any DUTCH OVEN CHEFS out there???

What is a CAMP DUTCH OVEN: A very versatile cast iron (or aluminum) kettle used over a campfire, or on charcoal. (and other methods) Coals can be placed under and on top of kettle. Very good for baking over coals.







If you like camping and cooking...this is a method that is fun and delicious!

The best way to spot a CAMP style D.O...they have 3 legs, and a raised lip on the lid to hold coals. You can bake, fry, boil, cook, etc in them.

You can buy them nearly everywhere, like Cabela's, Wal-Mart, sporting good stores or search online.

There are many GETTING STARTED sites around. Here is an informative one:
http://www.dutchovendude.com/default.shtml

Happy Cooking!

[aintgotnun]

When I was in the Boy Scouts, we cooked almost exclusively in Dutch Ovens.

[RAC]

Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NDJollyMon]

I've got a couple of Dutch Ovens:
1- 12" (Lodge)
1- 14" (SOB)

I cook on a DO Table over charcoal mostly. I use chimney's to start the coals, and have lid holders, lifters, gloves, cookbooks and such.

My newest accessory is the plastic charcoal bin to store it in. Keeps it nice and dry.

You don't need a lot of this stuff...you can make due with a few simple items:
~Dutch oven of course.
~Lid Lifter...You can use a vise grip or pry bar as a lid lifter..
~Pot holder or glove
~Tongs to move coals
~You can cook on the ground, firepit, or small charcoal grill.
~Charcoal chimney's work best...nothing but it and some newspaper gets them going. Chimney's are under $10.
~Recipes and info can be had on the net.

You fire up a nice Cobbler or cake in the campground during the evening...you've got instant FRIENDS!

Ahhhh. Sitting around the campfire eating some nice warm Turtle Brownie with a side of ice cream....heaven.

[RAC]

Quick question Jolly. How do you cure them?

[aintgotnun]

Originally Posted by RetiredArmyCWO

Quick question Jolly. How do you cure them?

Not sure how Jolly cures his but I cure mine by coating both inside and out with a light coating of cooking oil and bake in the oven at 350 for about 30 min. Repeat twice. Then after every use I again coat lightly with cooking oil. I prefer olive oil but any good quality oil will work.


greg

[RAC]

I've done that with some old cast iron stuff I got from my GP's. I have also done the gasoline thing to carbonize it......essentially I am looking for what would amount to the best way to make them non-stick. I think my GP used to put em in a campfire, but I don't remember.

[aintgotnun]

Originally Posted by RetiredArmyCWO

I've done that with some old cast iron stuff I got from my GP's. I have also done the gasoline thing to carbonize it......essentially I am looking for what would amount to the best way to make them non-stick. I think my GP used to put em in a campfire, but I don't remember.

You can also season over the fire as well but only the inside, and make sure after washing to apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust inside and out. Seasoning the cast iron with cooking oil is what helps to make it non-stick. Another contributing factor to the non-stick properties of cast iron is the small divits/imperfections of the cast that creates tiny air pockets between the pan and the food. So DO NOT sand or grind your cast iron smooth on the inside. It needs to be bumpy. If you need to knock off some rust from the insde and it's too tough for a brillo pad, use a wire wheel attached to a power drill. NO SAND PAPER.


greg

[RAC]

Ok...sounds good.....I have a 15 inch skillet I use, and according to GP before he died....never use soap in it, just clean with hot water.....and elbow grease.

[aintgotnun]

Originally Posted by RetiredArmyCWO

Ok...sounds good.....I have a 15 inch skillet I use, and according to GP before he died....never use soap in it, just clean with hot water.....and elbow grease.

I wash mine with soapy water but don't use a rough scrub pad as it will take off the soaked in oil. Good 'ol hot water works too with a wash rag and if you need it a plastic scraper. Always dry throughly (don't let it air dry) and oil before putting away.