Comments on: Dutch Oven Cooking – Getting Started

By: Camp Cooking the Way of the Lodge - ACK - Kayaking, Camping, Outdoor Adventure Blog

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:07:13 +0000

[...] Dutch Ovens and our beginners guide to Dutch oven cooking Lodge Camp Dutch Oven Cooking 101. Also, check out this blog I published back in January offering some tips on getting started. Happy [...]

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:40:14 +0000

While the zippered storage bags for DO’s are great for handling, keeping debris out of the DO itself and keeping the inside of the hatch cleaner, its a great idea to further pad the bottom of your bag prior to putting your DO inside of it. The legs can wear/tear through the bag, leaving them unprotected. And while it would take a decent drop, one of the last things you’d need on a trip is to have a leg penetrate your hull. Try cutting old closed cell sleeping pads to fit or, cut and shape a length of small diameter pool noodle around the bottom (inside) of your storage bag. A simple idea that will make your bag last longer and protect the investment you have in a quality DO, like those offered from Lodge Manufacturing.

Also, if you are utilizing your DO for storage on your trip, be certain to empty it immediately when you get back home. This would be obvious to most users, as they clean them prior to storage and until the next trip. However, if you forget and leave something as simple as gloves or anything else inside (that has collected moisture during your journey), it could potentially start to oxidize, eventually turning to rust and requiring you reseason your cooking vessel.

By: Brian

Brian — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:18:12 +0000

I kayak with an aluminum Dutch Oven (DO). It cooks a little differently than cast iron but weighs much less. Biscuit dough on top of stew is like a pot pie. Chicken and dumplings are good in a DO too. I use canned chicken in a mylar pouch. DO pizza with red wine is another favorite.

Camp fire coals are trickier to use until you figure out the right amount of coals to use. Briquettes are easy to count and are much denser so they stay hotter for longer than wood coals. The biggest problem with briquettes is the space they take up in the hatch. The others in the group appreciate you making the fire to get the coals ready as they gather around to prepare meals and share the days paddling experiences.

For me, a pair channel lock pliers and heat resistant gloves are necessary. When packing, the inside of the DO can store things too. Some DOs come in a zipper pouch which makes them much easier to handle and it keeps the inside of the hatch cleaner.