OAUSA Net - 04/04/19 – Camp Dutch Oven Cooking

[toms]

Our net this week covers the subject of Dutch Oven cooking. Dutch oven cooking is a skill worth learning and a lot of fun. It adds a variety of food to your outings that can only be done by baking and that includes tasty deserts. Many of the Dutch oven recipes create one pot meals which means everything is done at the same time for a hot meal the entire group can sit down together to enjoy. Second servings stay warm in the pot for a long time.

Our list of Dutch Oven users has grown over the past few years and we would like to hear your experiences. Post up your Dutch Oven experiences, pictures, tools, tips, and recipes.

Some Topics to discuss as we have time:
Buying a Dutch Oven
Seasoning your Dutch Oven
Establishing and Controlling the Temperature
Cleaning
Storage
Recipes
Tips
No-no






Pork Chops N Potatoes w Sauce

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2013 OAUSA Field Day

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[KK6DYO]

Streamlight Siege Lanterns

• white light (three levels)
• red light (night vision saving) with SOS mode
• LED (brighter with less power consumption)
• carry/hang handle
• hanging clip in base
• rugged construction
• polycarbonate, glare reducing cover
• cover can be removed and light hung upside down for bright area light (except Siege X)

The Siege Lantern (original)

• 540 lumens
• 3 x D batteries (NiMh okay)
• 7.25" tall
• $36 (Amazon)

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Hanging clip

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Siege AA Outdoor Lantern

• 200 lumens
• 3 x AA batteries (NiMh okay)
• 5.44" tall
• $27 (Amazon)

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Super Siege Outdoor Lantern

• 1100 lumens
• proprietary large (10,400mAh) rechargeable battery
• 7.5" tall
• USB power output ports
• $126 (brightguy.com)

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Siege X USB Rechargeable Outdoor Lantern

• 325 lumens
• 300 lumen flashlight
• 18650 battery with USB charging port (or two CR123A batteries)
• 4.35" tall
• unlike previous models, polycarbonate cover can't be removed
• $45 (brightguy.com)

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Siege X Flashlight

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[toms]

Buy a Dutch Oven

You can buy a Camp Dutch Oven in many places:
Amazon of course
Big Five
Sportsman Warehouse
Walmart
Many Hardware stores
Majors surplus in Gardina
Rancho Army - Navy in Temecula

Brand
If you are going to buy a Dutch Oven, buy a good brand. There are only two brands you should consider in my opinion: Lodge or Camp Chef.
Many of the other brands do not have good fit and finish. The lids may not seat all the way around and particularly rough inside finish.

Sizes
Dutch Ovens come in different sizes, based on their diameter. If you are starting out, I recommend either a 12-inch or a 10-inch oven. If you have a family, a 12-inch oven will work best because it holds the equivalent of a 9x13 pan and will feed 4-6 people. If you are cooking for one of two people, then a 10-inch would be more appropriate unless you like leftovers.

Regular or Deep
A regular-sized Dutch Oven is about 3 ½ inches deep. A deep Dutch Oven is 5 inches deep. Get a regular size Dutch Oven when you are starting off, unless you need the extra height for baking bread or cooking a large piece of meat.

A guide

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[KAP]

Charcoal counter and expected temperatures for various sizes of cookware

Dutch oven temperature chart

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Cast Iron Seasoning options

Flaxseed, Grapeseed and Avocado oils are great options.

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Completed process with 4-6 very thin coats of oil on each pan.

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Surface Finsih of new cast iron. Why I have taken to sanding down the high points. You don’t need to get a polish.

A light sanding with 60-180 grit paper or flap wheel will provide a much better surface without requiring many years of use to raise the seasoning above the high points of the pans surface. Rough surface provide more points of contact with the food.

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Eggs stuck in the low points of the equally seasoned pan.

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[KAP]

White chocolate raspberry Bundt cake

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Bundt cake center

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Layered cake with raspberry jam

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Ingredients

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4 way Brownie contents.

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Completed brownies

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[KAP]

Tuscan Chicken

Tuscan Chicken cooked in a cast iron skillet on top of Dutch oven brownies

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Before sauce- two teaspoons of flour, chicken stock, then add heavy cream and grated Parmesan. More salt and cracked pepper to taste

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Tuscan chicken Ingredients

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[Voodoo Blue 57]

Early checkin please.

Thanks!

[DaveK]

EARLY CHECK-IN, PLEASE.

Don’t Think I’ll make it to the net tonight (no connection) but judging from the posts, I sure hope I can find a recording somewhere!!!

Tom and Kevin: you have achieved special chef status as official cooks and bakers for Field Day.

[cesandvik]

Early check in please. K5LFE

[KK6DYO]

Dutch Oven Cleaning


Cleaning Tips

1. Wash cast iron by hand with a nylon bristle scrub brush.
2. If needed, use a pan scraper for stuck on bits. For extra sticky situations, simmer a little water for 1 minute, then use the scraper after cooled.
3. Dry promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
4. Rub with a very light layer of cooking oil or our Seasoning Spray, preferably while the cookware is still warm.
5. Hang or store cookware in a dry place.

Using Soap Lodge Mfg Co

Soap isn’t always necessary, but if you like, a little mild detergent is fine.

Large Nylon Scraper

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Nylon Bristle Brush

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Chain Mail cast iron cleaner

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Scour Pad

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Video: Easy Trick To Clean Cast Iron