First dutch oven experience

[dkutz]

SOunds interesting.  Living at a scout camp during the winter ( I assume).

Hopefully I will see you soon(and your DO food), maybe at one of the next SCAMPER rallies.

[PJay]

I don't think I have ever lined my oven past the first experience where it leaked and cooked on worse.  If I am cooking soething with a high chance of sticking I have hot water ready to soak it while we clean up.  That usually does the trick.
The one time I wished that I had lined it was during a scout event, where I cooked manicotti and they stuck so firmly to the bottom that the tomato acid actually left "holes" in my seasoning!

[oldmoose]

I don't think I have ever lined my oven past the first experience where it leaked and cooked on worse. If I am cooking soething with a high chance of sticking I have hot water ready to soak it while we clean up. That usually does the trick.
The one time I wished that I had lined it was during a scout event, where I cooked manicotti and they stuck so firmly to the bottom that the tomato acid actually left "holes" in my seasoning!

The few times I line my DO is when I want to take the item out and finish it, such as my chocoholic cake or my cornbread.
 
Moose

[beacher]

My first Dutch Oven Experience, (for an adult group), took place last weekend at the San Clemente SCCampers Rally.  It was a success!

I used a brand new Lodge 12" DU with the Boy Scout emblem on it.  I found it online for a really good price, (it cost more for the shipping charges to my home).  I'm "authorized" to use it because my son is currently a Cub Scout and I was/am an Eagle Scout!;)  I have not used a Dutch Oven since I was twelve years old and cooked for my patrol members at a Boy Scout camp out!  It always seemed like many Scout-Cooked recipes emerged from the DU like a giant black hockey puck back then!!:yikes:

The campsite was perfectly conducive to Dutch Oven cooking.  There were built-in BBQs right next to the tables.  They had very convenient wind protection on three sides!  I was able to work at standing level.  Nice!

The recipe I cooked was from the Irons in the Fire - PUX Cookbook.  The recipe contributed by SpiritDeer was called Chicken One Pot, I think?  It came out nice and people seemed to enjoy it!


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[dkutz]

OK second try with the oven.  I made German pancakes, that turned out Great.  THey rose to the top of the DO!  they were really good.

I made apple crisp tonight.  Turned out OK, but didn't get crisp, not sure if I need more heat on top, or more heat overall, or less apples.  Its still tasted really good, just not crisp, and thats the best part.  Oh well next time.  The recipe I used was not a DO recipe so maybe thats why it didn't come out right.

Getting better all the time.

[AustinBoston]

OK second try with the oven.  I made German pancakes, that turned out Great.  THey rose to the top of the DO!  they were really good.

Mmmm...so when are you going to make some for me?  

I made apple crisp tonight.  Turned out OK, but didn't get crisp, not sure if I need more heat on top, or more heat overall, or less apples.  Its still tasted really good, just not crisp, and thats the best part.

More heat on top.  Normally, you should have 2/3 of the coals on top, and 1/3 of the coals on the bottom.  When baking breads and cakes, not only should this 2/3 coals guide be followed, but the bottom heat should be completely removed 2/3 of the time through the cooking.  There are times when all the coals should be on top, and times when they should all be on the bottom.

Oh well next time.  The recipe I used was not a DO recipe so maybe thats why it didn't come out right.

Very few recipies need to be adjusted for use in a Dutch Oven.  However, the use of the Dutch oven often needs to be adjusted to the recipe!

Austin