Dutch Oven Camping

Camping presents an opportunity to try new things and have new experiences. Many people who go camping rely on hot dogs or freeze dried food for meals. It seems that camping is synonymous with bad food. However - there is a way to eat great - even gourmet - food while camping and it's through a Dutch oven.

Dutch ovens are simply a type of cast iron pot that is used while camping to cook. You can use them over an open fame hanging from a tripod - but the most common use is to bury them in hot coals. This makes the food cook evenly. You can also use them on specially made tables that make them more like a grill. You can cook pretty much anything in a Dutch oven. It is a great way to make your favorite homemade dishes while out camping. One of the most popular Dutch oven dishes is cobbler. Dutch ovens are absolutely perfect for cobbler and the whole family will love it.

It is important to take good care of your Dutch oven while camping and prior to leaving. Cast iron is very susceptible to rust - so you'll want to season it before you leave home. You'll want to avoid soap when cleaning it because that will breakdown the protective barrier in the Dutch oven that helps to prevent rust. There are also aluminum Dutch ovens now that you can use when camping. These are easier to care for and a lot lighter which is making them gain popularity with camping crowds. However - cooking in them will be different because they heat faster and loose heat faster.

If you do decide to go with an aluminum Dutch oven for your camping trip - try and pick recipes that were written for the aluminum variety. Also - it is easier to burn food when cooking with the aluminum Dutch ovens. This is important because it is easy to get distracted while camping and burn the food. Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than burnt food - you most likely won't bring enough to make another meal like you could at home - so you'll just have to tough it out.

If you plan your meals before leaving to go camping - you can eat like a king with the help of your Dutch oven. Find Dutch oven recipes online for all your favorite dishes and maybe even try a few new things. It's not uncommon for some families to have better food while camping than while at home thanks to the Dutch oven. Make sure you bring enough ingredients to make everything you want. You'll also want to bring some easy backup food in case anything goes wrong with your Dutch oven cooking. Be sure to keep track of how many briquettes each recipe calls for - you want to make sure you have enough with you to cook all the dishes you want at the same time.

You'll also need to bring all the accessories you'll need for your Dutch oven with you on your camping trip. You'll need thick gloves - wooden spoons - metal tongs - and a lid lifter. If it is your first time using a Dutch oven then you might want to even have a trial run at home before you go on your camping trip. With a little practice Dutch oven cooking can really add a tasty touch to your family's next camping excursion.