Cast Iron Dutch Ovens Save Money and Energy

You can save energy and money by cooking with Dutch Ovens. The term is not foreign to many experienced cooks. These cooking utensils are made from cast iron metal and used by outdoor camping cooks. The pots and pans are considered to be a "green" product which can save money, using less energy and are healthier to use as well.

A true Dutch Oven is made of heavy cast iron with three or four legs, a heavy cast iron lid and wire handle. The meal is made and cooked in the covered pot, which hung over an open fire.

The reason why cast iron is the best technique for cooking is because the metal is a great heat conductor and allows even heating throughout.It's also popular because they truly are a "green" product by saving money, and energy making great meals.

Dutch oven cast iron cookware never wears out and need minimal cleaning. The best way to maintain them is to oil them up.

Many campers know about this way of cooking and the RFD-TV channel has several cooking programs.My favorite one is a husband and wife team , master chef Billy Ruiz and Sue Ruiz.

I enjoy watching the men and women prepare a gourmet meal using these sets of pots and pans.

History

The history of the Dutch oven is unclear. In 1704, it's believed, that a British metal smith, Abraham Darby, invented a new casting method, that he improved after a trip to Holland. He supposedly marketed the new cast iron pots to the colonies. Other ideas about the name came from Dutch traveling salesmen selling these all over the new world or that the Dutch that settled in Pennsylvania introduced these pots there.

The American West

Cowboys on cattle runs are thought to be the main reason why these cast iron pots became so popular. The Dutch Ovens were widely used in the western prairies and proved invaluable to the chuck wagon cooks. The old chuck wagon cook used to prepare whole meals in these. Anything from corn bread, beans, meats, soups and oatmeal, and coffee! I've read some modern recipes making the traditional chili, and fudge cake, of all things!

How to use

Cooking a meal over an open fire while camping out is the easiest way to cook. You need to set up the fire first about an hour beforehand. As the fire is burning, the meal can be prepared, using a table set up to mix the ingredients into the large cast iron or aluminum pot. The inside of the pot should be lightly oiled, if it is dry. After the ingredients are mixed or prepared, they are poured or placed into a Dutch Oven with a lid, which is hung from the handle extender from a metal tripod.

Another popular way to cook is to start an open fire pit, and heat up charcoal or 'briquettes". Modern Dutch Oven camping cooks wait for the briquettes to turn white, then use a shovel to scoop them out of the fire and place them on top of the lid.

Some people place the pots or ovens directly on the coals and some hang them over the fire. it really depends on the recipe'.

Watch the video to see how to cook a meal with pots stacked and coals on the lids. The hot coals or briquettes provided for even cooking on the top and bottom.

The outdoor camping cook may wind up using one size pot for every meal. Some like to have three sizes, for more uses. Today there are other "Dutch oven" products to help make cooking easier.

The Lodge Logic 6-quart Pre-seasoned Camp Dutch Oven is perfect for a large group or family meal.It has 'legs' to prevent burning the table, a flanged lid that doubles as a pancake or griddle maker, and a wire handle to hang the pot over the fire on a spit. The measurements and weight are 13.2 x 13.1 x 7.2 inches ; 20 pounds, so keep in mind that these are very heavy! Since they are heavy, you must prepare accordingly when packing for a trip. This runs around $70.00 but they last a lifetime. I know women that have had their cast iron pots for over 50 years and wouldn't part with them for any amount!

The Lodge Logic Pre-seasoned Dutch Oven Combo Cooker is made from heavy duty cast iron . The Dual pan set with 3-quart Dutch oven complemented by 10-1/4-inch shallow skillet that doubles as lid .

This comes in handy for those with little storage. having a double duty feature is what most Dutch Ovens are know for. The long handles with helper handles to hang from the spit helps to cook evenly safely above the fire. There's also one made by Tom Douglas by Pinzon Lodge Cast Iron Deep Fryer with Skillet Lid. Both run about $40.00 and well worth it.

Many cooks and chefs are discovering this old fashioned tool for cooking and are able to present gourmet meals.

see Amazon.com video here.

Lodge Logic 6-quart Dutch oven made of cast iron with chip-resistant porcelain-enamel finish measures 14 x 7 x 12 inches and weighs in at 14.2 pounds. This is a little lighter than its' outdoor cousin. It also has a nicer enamel finish. Amazon sell them with red or blue finish and they run about $60.00.

Another good cooking pot is made from Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 7-1/4-Quart Round French Oven.

The indoor versions don't need to have "legs" to keep the bottom from burning the table, nor do the lids need to double as griddles. Indoor cooking with cast iron has the luxury of convenience and space. Of course, since it is from France, they call it a French oven.

Summary

Dutch Oven cast iron or cast aluminum cookware is the new way of cooking "green."

It uses less energy, lasts forever, and cooks evenly. The fact that you can cook without the fear of ingesting potentially harmful Teflon form the non-stick cookware is a relief for many.

The Dutch ovens are not the only cast iron pots but they are the best.