How To Use Your Dutch Oven for the Very First Time

[@e.astleford3492]

You are such a gentle teacher. Many preppers are, " do this now before it's too late, buy this now, run run run." Thank you for being sane and just saying, "practice".

[@lynnbryant9866]

I just remembered a funny Dutch oven story. A hunnerd or two years ago when my boys were in Boy Scouts, two of the volunteer dads sort of got into a competition with each other with Dutch oven cooking. Both were truly fine cooks, and both got better very quickly, what with the competition and all. Finally, both men mastered EVERYTHING that could be done with a Dutch oven. Except ice cream. The very next camp out, we actually had Dutch oven ice cream. The unquestioned champion of Dutch oven cooking brought DRY ICE AND MADE ICE CREAM IN HIS DUTCH OVEN!! It was delicious, hilarious, and entertaining. A memory for the ages. 👍👍

[@rangerstarranchbrian3940]

I teach dutch oven cooking to kids, and I love your simple, basic approach to learning to do it easy first, then get fancy when you have mastered the basics. Thanks for being an awesome example of a teacher!

[@Sitka_rn]

If you dont have a trivet.. little rolls of aluminum foil or small flat rocks will lift the pie tin off of the bottom...less weight to carry... also you can cook over an open fire with flames if you hang it from a tripod and you do not have briquettes..

[@TexasScout]

That was a great primer for cooking! If I may, I’d like to offer a few tips from my 24 years to Boy Scouts. The size of your Dutch oven, for example 12 inch, if you put +2 coals on top and -2 Kohl’s on the bottom from your size, it gives you approximately 350°. Bringing up a wind break is a great way to cook faster when the wind is blowing or it’s cold. If you don’t have a trivet you can use small stones to elevate your pie plate inside.Lastly, you can invert the lid and lay directly on a campfire Kohl’s and cook bacon and eggs, pancakes and sausage as a skillet. Thanks for your videos I really love them.

[@rjay7019]

Or 25 degrees per 2 coal's 👍 approximately.

[@alisabundrick4707]

Thank you for reminding me about my dutch oven.... My dad used to make the most succulent roasts and stews but he used the dig a hole method and placed the coals in the bottom top and sides. I am going to retrieve that oven he gave to me and try your method in his memory....He passed on so many good ole practical ways to my sister and I....

[@PREPSTEADERS]

That sounds great, Alisa! What a good memory to have. :)

[@saltyrebel2037]

That was an excellent presentation as usual. You hearkened the days from some 25 years ago when I guided tourists and hunters in the Bitterroot range of NW Montana. I hope you don't mind if I suggest one thing. And you probably already know this so it's not a critique for you as much as a suggestion for other viewers. If you will dig a hole about six inches bigger in diameter than your oven and put the coals in the bottom and the oven on them and then more coals on top and cover it with any type of wood you can find, you'll find that the ground does two things. It will not only "hold the heat" but it regulates the heat wonderfully(it's almost foolproof). Keep the loose dirt near your in-ground oven. In the event your oven starts to get too hot, the dirt does great to sprinkle over the coals to lower the temperature quickly before you burn your meal. The reason for the "air space" around the oven is for a pending "disaster"! If you throw loose dirt in the space it will cool the oven in nothing flat without harming it like dashing water on it will. Sorry I was long-winded, but I promise this is tried and true information. Good luck with your dutch oven recipes! Love ya, Prepsteaders!

[@zoe9632]

Thankyou!

[@djspatriqt2290]

So Glad to see you back on. I've been missing you and your Sweet Spirit.

[@rebeccashetter2309]

If you find yourself without a dutch oven and need to cook over a fire.. Remove the plastic knob and turn the lid over and place it onto the pan. You need a heavy lid like the old aluminum or super heavy stainless steel or cooper. Making Bread and baked goods are better in a cast iron dutch oven. But, just in case you don't have a dutch oven and have to cook. Look for antique cookware or vintage from the 40's for best results. Great presentation; always a pleasure to learn from you.... God Bless.

[@CombatDoc54]

For a grate in the bottom of mine, I use canning jar lid rings.

[@themaldonados]

I have 2 Dutch ovens, several skillets, and bread pans. I even baked upside down pineapple cake from scratch while camping and shared with the park ranger that stopped by our campsite to provide more firewood. It was delicious. That was one cooking experience for me as we were “practicing” survival and campfire cooking

[@kevb1959]

I got an old rusty dutch oven at a goodwill near me, I'm stoked!

[@baileybrunson42]

Another home run Miss Christa.. I love my Dutch oven. Most versatile piece of cook ware I own. **No batteries required** 😄

[@tectardedprepper8954]

Darlin I am teaching my children how to home cook and this reminded me of my mom and my grandma and all the lessons I was taught ☺️ . Also you have the most soothing voice and very beautiful to boot . God Bless You and Your Family Always . In Jesus Name Amen

[@prayerpier]

Such a precious soul! Love your videos! God Bless!

[@lorrieb28]

You are so inspiring and such a lovely lady. Thanks for all your videos.

[@thomasgleaton685]

Bout time you jumped back in here! We all need guidance and encouragement in these days. Always great to see your spin on things!

[@thomasgleaton685]

Oh yeah, watching Andy. Good things...all around

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Thank you, Thomas!

[@arnoldreiter435]

i retired last year and bought a camper...just in time to run straight into the growing pandemic. Many trips to the forests and open public lands i have discovered cast iron! in the campfire, on the stove top. with the new induction cook plates it just works!! Thanks for showing how its done.....

[@davidfrank3728]

ya gotta use it, before ya need it.. Practice makes perfect.. check out Cowboy Kent Rollins here on the tube, all about dutch ovens and camp cooking. and "Townsends" 1700 colonial cooking. also using a sun oven is a good skill to learn and making and using a "rocket stove" the way this world is going, we may really need these skills..

[@lornasleeper7262]

We love cowboy Kent and Shannon!

[@TexasRob28]

I think not only having a dutch oven is good ,but having a collection of cast iron cookware.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Absolutely! Somewhere in the episode I placed a little link to our episode on my favorite pieces to get started with!

[@lorirode-off]

@@PREPSTEADERS thank you!! I am thankful to Jesus for you!❤🙏❤

[@yfelwulf]

In the middle of assembling mine tired of expensive high tech cookware that never lasts. Cast iron good till it literally disintegrates.

[@david_reynolds3660]

I do hope that you take a bit better care of that oven. And regular B&B or Royal Oak Charcoal is your best bet.

[@lynnbryant9866]

Beautifully done, as always. Thank you. Cast iron is a very worthwhile investment. If price is a concern, check the various thrift stores. If the condition is, uh, suboptimal, KZbin has many good videos on cleaning and seasoning cast iron. It’s actually hard to mess it up.

[@2ponshomeplace132]

You're on the right path by teaching us new peppers HOW to use the supplies we have. The simpler the better. Thank you

[@aurorarose2836]

We have a show "Tim Farmer's Kitchen" in Kentucky, which is also shown on the internet, and he cooks with cast iron and charcoal brickettes. He explains everything concerning the number of coals "top and bottom". A good show regarding outdoor fire/cast iron cooking.

[@brentbarr7800]

Great video, but a “Lodge coal chimney” is essential and the “16 inch Lodge lid lifter” is a better product of lid lifter.

[@OperationMintyHippo-zm1ly]

I was happy to get one for Christmas this year and was intimidated to use it. Thank you for this video,,, now I can't wait to try it out:)

[@waynef.martin4925]

12 years as a boy scout leader and many training classes Dutch over cooking was one of my favorites. You can also make an oven out of a computer paper box. Not as durable as a Dutch oven but works quite well.

[@carldaniels4827]

living in the sandhill area (ancient beachfront property millions of years ago ) pinecone's are plentiful and are a great kindling starter. excellent video!

[@petracripps3474]

Appreciate these videos and your smile!

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Glad you like them! Thank you, Petra!

[@billybreuer3224]

I don't have a trivet, if l need one l put down 3 or 4 canning jar rings it works great.

[@davidallen4552]

You did a fantastic lesson Darlin. I am proud of you from Dutchovendave.

[@suzanneweitzel8969]

Unfortunately the desert southwest is under extreme fire watch and recently high winds for a couple of months now! I can't even use my solar oven the wind gusts over 45 mph! Even fire places are a threat! Go figure that one! So! I prep for that in my own way. More moderate temperature foods. Been eating a lot more canned sardines and crackers, nut butter crackers, dried fruits, and canned soups! I suppose I could use a propane stove top to heat up water. I need to get one of those soon! BTW, my Dutch oven is very heavy! Maybe it's just me, becoming wimpy! 🤭 Good video! 🤠

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Suzanne, you brought up a great point I haven't ever covered and that is: Preparing highly nutritious foods that need no cooking whatsoever. I hope you stay safe. Thank you for sharing!!

[@clementjackson6807]

Excellent! You're such a skillful and gentle lady! Thank you for sharing with love!

[@deannadove3505]

Amazingly useful video! I have a large cast iro Dutch oven that I bought last year and haven't used yet. I hadn't thought about the heat distribution when using it outdoors. I LOVE this channel! God bless!

[@WilletteB]

The demonstration is great. The end of your video is perfect. 🛐🙂

[@MsAusarian]

This is brilliant. I haven’t even finished watching and I am in awe of the info.

[@mrjoseph9827]

Ty for those scriptures. I really needed to hear that. Ty for the vid and info.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

God bless you today, Mr Joseph!

[@goldenwhisper66]

I've gotten my first one.. I received as a 5 year gift from work. Glad to come across this..

[@conniegage2141]

Keep the videos coming . Love how you teach.

[@michaeledwards6335]

What a blessing to it is to have found this. Thank you for all the help. I have just purchased a Dutch oven and I wanted to learn how to use it. More than this the sharing of your faith was a really the blessing at the end. You are a blessing. I have subscribed and cannot wait for more. God bless you richly.

[@stevenrider9632]

For those who get the basics down a good guide to recipes can be found on the Kent Rollins channel and Townsends does a fair number of dutch oven episodes.

[@amandamorrison5777]

Love Kent Rollins.

[@billg4630]

You are so calming to watch...love your vids

[@tightcamper]

Perfectly clear and concise. Outstanding!

[@AT-ny4ct]

You are a lovely lady. Your knowledge is so valuable. Thank you!

[@andrewbarlow8937]

Outstanding tutorial from an Outstanding Lady. Excellent job

[@raymiegrube2967]

Thank you! This was super helpful. We have a family campground in the Mts. and am trying to learn how to use a dutch oven. Love the first run with a frozen pie. Smart!! You are sweet, beautiful, and love Jesus!! We do too. So good to meet you.

[@rosered1070]

Wonderful video,and uplifting too. Thank you,God Bless.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you, Audrey!

[@suegoff2684]

Great for biscuits, cobblers and lots more.

[@steveabbott2736]

I love your videos you do a wonderful job narrating the video good job.you convinced me to get a Dutch oven.

[@ragnarmjolnir9654]

Always a good show👍🇺🇸

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Thank you, Ragnar!

[@lornasleeper7262]

We are trying this technique right now! This is so interesting! We did recently purchase a dutch oven, so watching this video encouraged us to give it a try! We love your channel!

[@lornasleeper7262]

And we see you watch Coyote Works also!

[@mchrysogelos7623]

Thank YOU for being a blessing to us all! You are always so inspirational! You have inspired me to go test out my Dutch oven now!

[@biffjohnson3354]

I have an enameled Dutch oven on my list. I already have a regular cast iron one. It does an amazing job with bread.

[@DonnyPavoliniOutdoors]

I love using my dutch ovens! Temperature regulation is everything in their use. Great video Ms Christa! God bless!

[@christinichka]

Thank you for showing us how to use the Dutch oven on foil. I'm a renter and I don't have a grill or anything but have been wanting to practice Dutch oven cooking and not ruin the property. I'm looking forward to trying this out.

[@davepalmetto]

Have fun and take care and take it easy and enjoy it

[@thomastierce5935]

I always enjoy your videos your always so pleasant and informative may the lord bless you .

[@greeneyedflower2408]

This was a really informative video! Thank you!

[@nydiamarcial3844]

Great video! I am just starting my cast iron collection.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

That is wonderful, Nydia!

[@hldye7442]

Good Job and God Bless from Tennessee

[@charitytanel8107]

Thanks Christa, I have a dutch oven, but we mainly use it on the gas bbq outside(less mess than inside); to deep fry things, as my husband likes that: it keeps a very constant temperature. I'm going to try charcoal. I have used it in the fire. It's very hot & heavy. Definately a lid lifter is a good idea, and I'm going to buy some of those gloves. 💜 Charity

[@ELIZABETHBROWN1227]

I am definitely trying this!!

[@rachelkivarkis1801]

Wow, that is interesting. I really missed u, and thank u. I have a cast iron skillet, but I don’t have a Dutch oven. This looks delicious. Thank u for the information. 👍❤️☘️🌷✝️👍👏

[@GinaSiska]

I was just wondering where you’ve been 😁 missed you! God bless!

[@littlehummingbird1015]

this is exciting.....and the cooking stand in the description box is really cool! Fry eggs and other things on the underside of the lid. Who would have thought?!

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Absolutely, Lynn! I use it a lot but didn't have it out for this episode. We will show it more in the future. Glad you liked it!!

[@vonsquirrel8378]

I have 2 Dutch ovens. One with legs and one without. I'm going to try this. Thank you

[@Jomama02]

Thank you!

[@RSJ-Texas]

Excellent video. I’ve been using Dutch ovens for years

[@PREPSTEADERS]

They're the best!

[@georgeearls3338]

Thank you for the video. I think you covered the basics well. My opinion the best chef in any city can't come close to the food quality of cast iron cooking. The only thing I would add is to mention is if the surface used is cool or damp, preheating it will help also.

[@jayshelton2765]

Thank you my sister..Ms Jay

[@verdexj160]

I love your videos. Maybe the next one can be proper care and rust removal of your Dutch oven. 🙂

[@Eyota567]

No need. Adding charcoal to lid

[@frankmarullo228]

I just found your channel. .you did a great job on this dutch oven. Video!thank you Frank from montana....

[@joanneaschenbach3590]

Please do some recipes in Dutch oven

[@PREPSTEADERS]

I have so many, Joanne! I will absolutely show more in the future!

[@theobserver450]

I am learning a lot! Thank you 😊

[@brianhanks8207]

Thanks for the good basic tutorial. I've followed Cowboy Kent Rollins and wanted to start Dutch Oven cooking but yours has made it simple enough that I'm finally going to do it. I've been puzzling over rotating the oven/lid for a while now. If you rotate the oven one way and the lid the other you would limit the uneven heat on the food but you would keep the same uneven heat pattern on the coals (maybe you want that?) But if you rotate the whole oven clockwise 1/4 turn then add a clockwise 1/4 turn to the lid I would think it would even the heat even better. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

[@PREPSTEADERS]

I think either way would work, Brian. Any bit of turning throughout the baking process will help. I turn the bottom half of the oven 45 degrees one direction and the lid 45 degrees the other direction every 15 minutes. Thank you for your comments!

[@marcie7634]

Thank you for the simple instructions! I have a Dutch Oven w/a bail handle. It has a domed lid and flat bottom. How can I alter your instructions to use it?

[@Isaiah41_10]

I wanted to ask the same question! My Dutch oven is a Lodge but it has a domed lid and no feet. Can I use that our do I need to get the kind you have?

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Marcie, the flat bottom can be propped on 3 or 4 stones that are carefully placed to act as "legs" lifting it above the coals below. If it is a deep enough dutch oven with only a slightly domed lid, you could possibly invert the lid (upside down) so that it can hold the coals on top. The one you have is great for cooking indoors or on the stove. You might just want to save up for a Dutch oven with a bale handle, legs, and a lipped lid like you see on mine. It can be used so many ways outdoors or in your fireplace, as well as in your kitchen oven. I hope that helps!

[@marcie7634]

@@PREPSTEADERS Thank you for the rely! I had been wondering about using a Dutch oven in the fireplace :)

[@patriciaburr4826]

Thank you. I did purchase a dutch oven but never thought...gee maybe I should learn to use it 😂 This was great! It's almost hurricane season down here and I like to be prepared. Have a solar thing to boil water and a small power station that is also solar but if I cook like this I can save my energy for more important things. Thank you again lovely lady.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks so much for your interesting video.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

My pleasure, Mark!

[@selenakareena2582]

I have a brand new one, is it necessary to "season it? How do you do that?. Also it looked like you had a little grill on the bottom inside?

[@CookingLessonsforDad]

Thank you. That was super helpful.

[@HiddenBlessingsHomestead]

So glad I found your channel, I just subscribed.

[@wiredwrong]

Add a wonderbag cooker and you have a great combo

[@fayetanner2244]

Thanks for sharing❣

[@Maleezza]

What size dutch oven do u recommend to bake pies & cakes in?

[@marip6291]

Thanks so much for this video. It's important for folks to know that any cast iron cookware needs to be cured first before using... and, oh, PLEASE don't cook with rust.... I studied molds and fungi and worked with many as a Horticultural Pro, and rust is not the red powery benign stuff that many people claim it is ( You hear it all the time on cargo trailer tiny house construction vids) Rust is a deadly mold; the powdery stuff that flies all over are the spores. rust attacks everything; even plastic! I never put rusty anything in my garden, because rust is a disease that will kill the plant... I truly believe that rust is the main benefactor to cancer; there are reports for a few years from the scientific medical researchers that it is acknowledged that cancer is mold related... If you use a rusty pan; the spores could possibly end up in your food; what with the moisture/steam evaporation coming from the cooking... Burning it off would probably kill it; but why take the chance anyway? It's easy to kill; even white distilled vinegar does a good job killing rust...And, there are a few good videos that show how to restore rusty cast iron pans... but if you make sure your pans are treated( cured) before you put them away; they will never rust... I just don't want anyone getting ill trying to keep whole and safe... Shalom.

[@brianhanks8207]

Can you site a reference for rust on iron being a deadly mold? Having taught both biology and chemistry I can tell you that rust on plants is not the same as rust on iron. Rust on iron is a chemical reaction between oxygen and iron. The reason vinegar "kills" rust on iron is because it causes another chemical reaction that removes oxygen from the rust.

[@asmith7876]

Rust the plant disease and Rust the oxide of iron aren't the same thing. Simply share a name.

[@jolyndaj]

Good idea!! God Bless you!! 🙌

[@jerri117]

I have an old cast aluminum Dutch oven my mom gave me years ago but she couldn't find the lid for it so I use it for an extra big pot. But I just purchased a 6 quart Dutch oven from Pantry Chef and haven't used it yet. It was way too expensive, I admit and can still kick myself for paying that price! But I've really been wanting one so badly and can't find a good one anywhere. After seeing yours, I really want a big cast iron one! I'm slowly going back to cast iron, and getting away from the nonstick cookware. The last that I bought i made a spiral ham and in the bottom of the pan, its like it completely rusted all the way around. And it wasn't cheap. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing videos! You have taught me so much! God bless you and your family always!

[@margiemelendy6857]

Jerri. You didn't completely ruim your cast iron. Do a little research on seasoning and caring for cast iron. Also if you want you can contact me. The main thing is to wash the item as soon as you can with hot water and NOsoap. The hotter the water the better. Lodge cast iron sells a plastic scraper that help with cooked on stubborn stuck food but generally just a dish rag will work fine. After you've rinsed it really well. Take a towel and dry it thoroughly. Put it on a burner for about a minute and turn the fire off this will finish drying any moisture. Then take a very small amount of crisco in a paper towel and rub it all over inside and out. Go sparingly you want a shiny sheen not a greasy coat. Then it's ready to use the next time and it won't rust. I prefer to use Ghee if you know what that is. Do not use butter it will go rancid. Some people use lard or different oils. If you're interest I can also give you instructions for making ghee. It's wonderful to cook with too.

[@ronaldbeasley4945]

You came also use wire cooling racks inside the Dutch ovens like the trivets to raise your pans off the bottom. Good information here as always.

[@LadyTSurvival]

I have several cast iron items, a dutch oven, a bean pot, an extra deep frying pan for deep frying, and several regular skillets.

[@carmenmendez6836]

Can we bake in a dutch oven?

[@carolineinon]

I love your videos. Please keep making them!❤️

[@serenityfarmsprepping2267]

Thank you:) I learn something every video, and I consider myself a "legend in my own mind", lol. Thank you again!!

[@SparksandBubbles]

I fell in love with the nice turquoise ring, do you have a reference for it?

[@robertaflanagan8149]

I love my Dutch oven too!

[@TUKByV1]

I finally got one, from a thrift store. I'm bummed that I am not getting notifications from your channel!

[@Edge1775]

Thanks for sharing Christa and God Bless

[@brightstarr57]

Super informative video! Thanks!

[@kevincoggeshall3079]

Love your videos

[@conniemagnuson2013]

This is good as I'm not that experienced cooking with cast iron.

[@annasurf595]

Thank you so-so much. Baked egg white is also one of my fave smells. God bless you and your family. ❤️

[@kamikazitsunami]

Great video. Thanks!

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Glad you liked it! Glad you made the Premier. Have a great day! :)

[@richardschmidt2430]

YES! YES! YES! You go, girl! Such an awesome video, and thank you for your message...awesome! Blessings from Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Thank you! You too!