Dutch Oven Cooking

There are plenty of camping trips we go on, where is it pretty chilly out side and a fire is always going. What's better to do while camping and sitting around a fire, than to eat! When we camp,  we never go a trip without our Dutch Oven.
We were lucky enough to get the Dutch Oven that was my husbands grandfathers! Very well seasoned! Years of love! Oh, how I wish this dutch oven could talk. I imagine it would have so many stories to tell.

Dutch ovens have been around for hundreds of years, just as you have seen being used in old western movies.
Sometimes seeing them sitting directly on the coals and other times they are hanging on a tripod over the fire.or on a post that swings out away from the fire.

There are many sizes and styles of Dutch ovens. Troop 780 in NC has some great information on picking the perfect one! P.S. These guys have all kinds of knowledge when I comes to Dutch ovens.

There is so many things you can do in the Dutch Oven.

First off, you can roast! That's right, we have roasted turkey breast, chickens, and chuck roast.
Just follow your favorite recipe.

My favorite way is very basic.
I cut onion and carrot to place in the bottom of the dutch oven, season the meat with salt and pepper. For poultry I use sage and thyme, or chuck roast I use ground coriander along with the salt and pepper. Place the meat on top of the vegetable. You can add more vegetables around the meat if desired. The meat always turns out moist and tender.

Here is a great Dutch oven Chicken recipe from The Homestead survival!

Keeping even heat around the pot, is key to using the dutch oven. I found that the Dutch Oven Dude has some great tips for keeping the temperature consistent.

Use this method for boiling potatoes or stew. Add coals to the top for even heat to roast.

Enjoy your dutch oven!

Stop back again and I will fill you in on how you can bake and fry with your dutch oven! 

Ah, comfort! There is nothing like a great home cooked meal over and open fire!