The dutch oven has been a mainstay cooking vessel for hundreds of years, dating back to the late 17th century. Originally constructed from cast iron, the dutch oven is nothing more than a thick-walled, deep pot with a lid that sits perfectly flush with the rim, making it an ideal oven. The dutch oven is placed either over a fire, or with coals on the lid — each of which produces the heat necessary to properly cook food within an enclosed space. Although the same concept was being used in England at the time, the Dutch used a casting process that was superior to the English, resulting in a smoother surface. The Dutch models were imported into England until 1704, when an enterprising Englishman brought the system back from a trip to the Netherlands. Henceforth, they were widely known as the dutch oven, a name that still exists today.
With the advent of the modern oven, you might think the dutch oven would have faded into antiquity, but the dutch oven remains very much in use today, particularly with campers. Although you can still find some that are cast iron, modern day dutch ovens are often produced using aluminum, creating a more lightweight alternative to the cast iron models. With a dutch oven, just about anything you could cook at home is available to you in the wilderness. There are myriad websites and books dedicated to the art of dutch oven cooking, even in your own home. If you decide you’d like to try your hand with a dutch oven, there are a few things you’ll need.
GSI Outdoors 12″ Aluminum Dutch Oven – $77.95 FREE SHIPPING!
Make a pizza, a pie, a lasagna, or a roasted chicken for your camp dinner, and see how many camping trips you’re invited to after! This 12″ aluminum dutch oven from GSI Outdoors is not only rust-proof, but it’s just a third of the weight of a traditional cast iron model. Unlike cast iron, there is no need to season this pot, just scrub with water and it’s ready. Weighing in at just over 6lb, this dutch oven has a 5qt capacity. Also available in a anodized version.
GSI Outdoors 12″ Dutch Oven Case – $18.72
And last but not least, the storage vessel for your shiny new dutch oven, is essential to keeping it in great shape over the years. Made of durable nylon and padded with closed-cell foam, this collapsible zippered case is easy to wipe clean, and the cover even serves as a cutting board when not in use. Protect your investment with a dutch oven cover, and you’ll surely get years of life out of this camp cooker!
GSI Outdoors Dutch Oven Stand – $5.97
Pretty self-explanatory. This stand is handy for use while cooking, or to support the dutch oven on a stable surface once you’re ready to serve from it.
