Cast iron dutch ovens are a versatile piece of cookware. They can be placed over open fire as a mode of stewing dishes. Alternately, coals or wood embers may be used.
HISTORY OF DUTCH OVEN COOKING BY MELISSA HAMERSMA SIEVERS
Karri Kreger has a stack of cast iron cookware in her kitchen cupboards. Once a Girl Scout leader, Kreger brought Dutch ovens along on campouts. At home, the yard is an appealing setting for meal preparation. “I have the whole setup on my patio,” says Kreger. “At least twice a week we’re eating out of the Dutch oven on the back patio, or I use a charcoal grill. I have a smoker, so we eat a lot outside.”
Karri Kreger prepares enchiladas in her dutch oven. Possibilities are endless, savory or sweet.
Gwen McCausland has been using Dutch ovens since she was about 12-years old. “I loved reading about history,” says McCausland. “I was just absolutely fascinated. I used to watch Little House on the Prairie on TV.” Rooted in a desire to be selfsufficient and connected to the land, young Gwen
honed life skills using primitive techniques. “At that same time I was learning how to spin wool, because I read a book called Hatchet. This kid is flying to Alaska. The plane goes down and he’s living out in the middle of nowhere.” McCausland explored her family’s farm to learn how to be a self-supporting individual. “My parents were great about letting me dig a pit in the backyard. I would experiment. I already knew how to bake in a normal oven or modern oven. So, we would make biscuits and bread and pies to perfect the technique.” Embracing resiliency and history inspires McCausland’s hobbies and even her profession. Continued on the next page.
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