Cast iron has been around a long time.  In fact, for centuries.  Early settlers who came to America brought black iron pots with them and used them as their primary cooking utensil.  When Lewis and Clark made their famous expedition to the Northwest, they depended upon the tried and true Dutch oven.

In the early days of the West, the black iron Dutch oven played a very important role.  To the mountain man it was one of his most prized possessions in which he cooked stews and wild game to perfection in his black iron kettle.

The pioneers who came across the plains to the Rocky Mountains also prized their Dutch ovens.  As they traveled to Utah, California and Oregon, they always had a Dutch oven on their wagons.  Sometimes it would be tied on the side of the wagon, or perhaps you would find it swinging from the tailgate of the wagon, but you could count on finding at least one.

Another important part of the early history of the West was the numerous cattle drives that went across the country in the late 1800’s.  Nearly every drive had a chuck wagon which followed along to feed the cowhands, and they always had several Dutch ovens stored in the “boot” of the wagon.

In later years the Dutch oven became the standby utensil for the sheepherder.  He would cook his lamb stews, sourdough breads and dishes famous of the Basque.

Dutch oven cooking is more than just dumping food in a black pot and putting it on the fire hoping that it will be good to eat.  Choose the type of cooking that fits a food and you will have much better results.

There are several types of cooking you can do in the Dutch oven.  Some are stewing or boiling, steaming, roasting, baking, poaching and drying.  Each of theses types of cooking have their place depending on the recipe.  Learn to use them all and your group or family will enjoy your cooking even more.

You can cook anything in your Dutch oven that you would normally cook in your home oven, like bread, rolls, homemade pies, pizza, crown roasts, meat-loafs, lobster and even prime rib.  I have never tasted anything that didn’t seem to taste better cooked in a Dutch oven.  As you become more proficient at Dutch oven cooking, you will become aware of the scope of recipes available to you which will leave your family and guests in awe.  Remember, anything that can be fried, boiled, baked, steamed or poached can be cooked in a Dutch oven.

Another important point in favor of the Dutch oven is its versatility in times of emergency.  Just think, if your power or gas were off for a prolonged period of time, you could still fix great meals for your family using your Dutch ovens in the fire place, on a camp gas stove, an open fire or in the BBQ outside.  That is a comforting thought.  So as you use your Dutch ovens regularly, you will be able to become proficient enough to do just that.

The Dutch oven has another great feature.  You can take off the lid and turn it upside-down and level it on three rocks or bricks, and use it like a griddle or crepe pan.  This way you can cook bacon and eggs, hot cakes, French toast, or even fancy crepe.