A Culinary Tradition on the Road
When Dutch ovens are mentioned at Truck Camper Jamborees, most people picture a grumpy gray-bearded cook and cowboys sitting around the chuck wagon while on a dusty cattle drive. 
Their menus usually consisted of sourdough bread, pork & beans, and whatever meat was available. This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and romance for the rugged lifestyle of the Old West. With its sturdy construction and versatility, the Dutch oven has been a staple of outdoor cooking for generations.
Modern-day Dutch Oven Enthusiasts
Today
Outdoor cooking enthusiasts still revere Dutch ovens, a common sight at Truck Camper Jamborees. These gatherings bring together individuals who share a love for adventure, camping, and good food. TCers (Truck Campers) always look for ways to save money, and cooking with a good-quality seasoned Dutch oven can help. Dutch ovens are designed for slow cooking, tenderizing cheap cuts of meat and making them tasty and more accessible to chew.
Choosing the Right Dutch Oven
When selecting a Dutch oven, consider size, material, and brand. The two most popular Dutch ovens are from Lodge (www.lodgemfg.com) and Camp Chef (www.campchef.com). These brands are known for their durability and quality. Both come pre-seasoned, meaning they are conditioned and ready for cooking right out of the box. However, washing the Dutch oven with soap and warm water is essential to remove a thin coat of protective wax for shipping.
Seasoning Your Dutch Oven
For the first heating of the Dutch oven, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Seasoning is a crucial step that protects the iron from rust and deterioration, creating a non-stick surface and making cleaning much more manageable. After the oven cools, apply a layer of seasoning (usually a thin coat of vegetable oil or shortening). The color of most Dutch ovens changes to black as the seasoning process continues, indicating a well-seasoned and ready-to-use cooking pot.
Recipes for the Road
Cooking with a Dutch oven opens up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing TCers to prepare gourmet meals on the road.
Here are a few classics that are perfect for Dutch oven cooking:
Sourdough Bread
Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread; You can enjoy this treat even while camping.
Campfire Stew
This hearty stew by the campfire is perfect for a chilly evening.
Apple Cobbler
End your meal with a delicious dessert.
Dutch ovens have stood the test of time, evolving from a cowboy’s essential tool to a beloved cooking pot for modern-day campers. Their ability to create delicious, slow-cooked meals with minimal effort makes them a valuable addition to any Truck Camper’s kitchen. Whether baking bread, simmering stew, or making a sweet cobbler, a Dutch oven can help you create memorable meals on the road.
So, the next time you’re at a Truck Camper Jamboree, take a moment to appreciate the humble Dutch oven and the culinary traditions it represents.
Happy cooking, and enjoy the adventures that await!
Southwest Chicken – Pork Roast
Barbecue Ribs – Shrimp Creole
Sweet Potato Cornbread – Honey Cheddar Biscuits
Louisiana Stromboli – Spicy Sausage and Cheese Rolls
Apple Crisp – Zucchini Cake
Cran Orange Pork Tenderloin Caramel Cinnamon Apple Pie
Do not be intimidated. You are limited only by your taste buds.
The dutch oven
The two most popular Dutch ovens are from Lodge,
www.lodgemfg.com and Camp Chef, www.campchef.com are already seasoned(conditioned, ready for cooking). When unboxed, wash with soap and warm water to remove a thin coat of protective wax for shipping. For the first heating of the Dutch oven, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. After the oven cools, apply a layer of seasoning that protects the iron from rust and deterioration, creating a non-stick surface and making cleaning much easier. The color of most Dutch ovens changes to black.
Equipment
- The 12-inch camp-style Dutch oven (with three legs) is the most popular and used for most recipes.
- Charcoal and lighter fluid.
- Tongs for adding and removing coals.
- A lid stand keeps the lid clean when off the Dutch oven.
- Lid lifters are used to remove the lid when it is hot.
- Heavy gloves.
- Dutch oven parchment liners.
The most challenging part of Dutch oven cooking
First, choose the first item to be cooked. Due to the wide variety of delicate foods, you can cook in a Dutch oven. Will it be a meat dinner, such as chicken, beef, or pork? Or perhaps an upside-down fruit cake or a banana bread with that late-night cup of coffee.
Dutch ovens offer versatility and convenience, making them perfect for any meal. Imagine simmering a savory beef stew that fills the air with its rich aroma or baking a golden, sweet apple cobbler to end the evening on a sweet note. The joy of Dutch oven cooking lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into mouth-watering dishes with minimal effort.
Second, mastering charcoal to maintain the proper cooking temperature is the most challenging aspect of cooking with a Dutch oven. For a 12-inch Dutch oven, the general rule is to use a ring of 9 coals on the bottom and 15 coals on the lid, producing an internal temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to increase the temperature, add two coals to raise it by 25 degrees. Understanding and controlling the heat will ensure your dishes are perfectly cooked, whether simmering a stew or baking a cobbler.
The challenge, however, is well worth the effort. Once you master the art of coal placement, you’ll discover the true versatility of a Dutch oven. From slow-cooked braises to golden bakes, the range of dishes you can create is limited only by your imagination. The gentle, even heat of the coals ensures that every meal is cooked evenly, preserving the flavors and textures of the ingredients.
With the practice and experience you gain from cooking, coal placement will come second nature.
Receipts and Videos
Speaking of receipts, many receipt books provide a wealth of information. As well as free videos on:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dutch+oven+cooking+recipes
and
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dutch+oven+cooking+camping
to name two.
Visit a Dutch Oven Gathering and cook-offs.
Attend an International Dutch Oven Society (IDOG) cook-off in your area. It is one of the best places to learn cooking techniques and new recipes and meet fellow Dutch oven cooks.
IDOG publishes a quarterly newsletter covering a wide range of exciting subjects, new product information, and tips on cooking. In a recent publication, Summer recipes include:
Citrus Fried Salmon – Pineapple Pork Barbecue Ribs –
Chocolate Fudge Pecan Torte Lemon Cream – Cheese Dump Cake –
Balsamic Soy Roasted Garlic Mushrooms –
Brown Sugar Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin – Zooped Up Damper Bread
Question – Which one do you do first?
If you have any good or bad suggestions or comments, please contact us at
webmaster@northeast-truckcampers.org. Thank you.