I see this on Food Network

[mtmomj]

We haven't had a chance to try it yet, but wow, it looks like it would be my favorite way to cook.

Any pointers for a newbie?

Thanks!

[Mama Mangia]

Our ancestors did it for years - long before the crockpots came around! Dutch oven cooking is easy - everything in the pot and in the oven for hours until it is done at a low temp. I have a few Dutch ovens and my favorite is my cast iron one - I make roasts, stews, breads - anything I want in it. Dutch-oven recipes work well in the crockpot and crockpot recipes work well in the Dutch-oven.

[DrPepper]

I have an aluminum Dutch Oven that I got at Campmor, and have cooked in a couple times. The food came out great, and I really need to remember to cook in my Dutch.

[vp311]

I've been very interested in getting into dutch oven cooking, though I've never had a chance. I'd love to hear some testimonials from anyone who has done this before or does it regularly. Thanks!

[Mama Mangia]

In my opinion Dutch oven cooking is easy, the meals are always delicious and the meat is always tender. Oven roasting on a low temp - it's just like using your crockpot. Low flame on a stove top - same thing.

[mtmomj]

I can't wait to try this. That is the key to my grandmothers food. Everything cooks on low heat all day.

[vp311]

So, what is your favorite meal made in a dutch oven? I bet some ribs would be dynomite!

[loubear]

I should use mine, shame on me. Hey mama mangia about what oven temp is good for roasts and stuff like that?

[Mama Mangia]

loubear - depending on your time frame and what it is you are cooking - 300 - 350 is a good temp - nice and slow allowing all those fabulous flavors to blend! meat comes out very tender and full of flavor - but of course - I'm one of those - "it's done when it's done!" We like our meat well done in our home - no "biology experiments" are allowed at the table! LOL


Years ago we didn't have a temp gauge on the oven - you lit the match and waited for the oven to heat up - you knew the temp by the feel of the heat. I still stick my hand in the oven to double check the temp and make sure my oven thermometer is right - can't break old habits!

[PaniniGuy]

Using a dutch oven is somewhat tricky, though easy.

One - use a liner made of foil or untreated parchment, makes it easier to clean.

Treat your dutch oven like any other cast iron - only wash with soap to get the machine oil off it and then no more soap. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. I personally will boil water in the DO after the soap wash.

Cure it well on a grill - usually there is wax on the thing and it is a real smoky mess burning off the wax!

Temperature control is tricky - I like to have a pile of coals on the side during the cooking process to ensure I have additional heat available.

I usually cook with 12 to 14 on the bottom and 16 on the top.

Hope this helps!
CW