Dutch ovens were the backbone for the chuck wagon as they crossed the West.  It filled the bellies of hungry cattlemen on their seasonal drives.  It sustained lonely sheepherders on their long, summer mountain vigils.  From the 16th century forges of Holland came the Dutch oven and a cooking technique that spread across the world as settlers spread out.  And now it’s experiencing a revival interest across America.

A round or oval cast iron pot (now available is several sizes and colors) with a handle and lid, the Dutch oven is a versatile tool.  Some ovens have been handed down through generations.  They can be used to a wide variety of thing from main courses to deserts.

Once primarily the staple of camp cooking, Dutch ovens are now versatile tool in most every kitchen.  In Nevada, Dutch oven cooking and poetry can be found with the ever popular rodeo.

What brings Dutch oven cooking and poetry together?

“I think people are trying to cherish and revive their ranching heritage,” says Cowboy Poet, Master Dutch Oven Chef and PBS TV regulary Dennis Golden.

Traditional camp cooks used wood fires and frequently buried their pots in pits in the ground.  But today both grills and stove tops are used.

Dutch oven recipes usually take some time. But just like a well-turned poem, the results are worth the wait.

Whether you are a good cook, an exceptional cook, or an aspiring cook, choosing good cookware and learning to use it well will help you find success. If you like to watch famous chefs prepare dishes on cooking shows featured on television you will undoubtedly notice that each one likes to cook with a different kind of cookware. You will see some prepare sumptuous dishes in enameled cookware, non-stick, and stainless steel coookware. So how do you decide what type of cookware is right for you? Below you will find the information that you need regarding each kind of cookware so you can make an informed decision.

Non-Stick Cookware

This is perhaps one of the most common types of cookware on the market today. After the discovery of non-stick technology, T-Fal became the first company to offer this type of cookware. Even without using any oil, food does not stick to the surface of the cookware and it’s very easy to clean. Unfortunately a health study has determined that this type of cookware has certain health concerns and is likely to be not safe for everyone to use. It’s likely that in the next few years, this type of cookware, in it’s current form will be outlawed. Not all forms of this cookware are hazardous to your health so make sure you do your research on the exact type of non stick cookware that you are thinking of purchasing.

Stainless Steel Cookware

Most people have a set of stainless steel cookware and they are great. Easy to clean, effective and available in many shapes and sizes, you can’t really complain about stainless steel cookware. Pay attention to the construction of the cookware as many inexpensive forms of stainless steel cookware are very poor quality. You really do get what you pay for so consider spending a little extra and buying a good set of stainless steel cookware.

Enamel Cookware

This cookware is perhaps the most visually appealing cookware. It’s made of cast iron most likely, and then covered in an enamel. It can be painted all sorts of bright colors and works well for frying and baking. Le Creuset has made this type of cookware famous with their high quality enamel cast iron cookware.

Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware has been around for several centuries and has stood the test of time. It’s heavy, durable and if seasoned properly, is non stick as well. Cast iron cookware also has health benefits for those who suffer from anemia as it does leak small amounts of iron into the food. This iron is not harmful and can actually help those with low iron levels. It’s a treat to cook with as it heats evenly and makes food taste great. This type of cookware comes in many forms including cast iron dutch ovens, cast iron skillets and even cast iron bakeware.

The very best candy in the world can appear in your own kitchen. And, your kids will never forget you making candy for them – or letting them help you.

One of my favorite memories as a child is of an old fashioned taffy pull. My mom, Jacqueline Moreno, would make a big kettle of taffee. All the kids from church were there. We would each get a buttered plate with a bunch of the taffee in the center. After smearing butter on our hands, we would take the taffee outside and start pulling it.

Grabbing the taffee with our finger tips, we would pull it out as far as we could and then double it over. The taffee was hot, so mom would always do this when there was snow outside. So, as soon as our hands got too hot, we would put down our plates and put our hands in the snow.

The taffee started out a dark brown, but when it had turned a blonde color, we know it was done. Then we put our plates out in the snow – where the dogs couldn?t get it. And we would go play games until it was cool. Then we got to try our creations. If we had done it right, we could break off small bites of taffee that would be chewy but soft enough so you wouldn?t break a tooth.

You can make the same kind of memories in your home with some of these recipes:

Pecan Candy

3 cups granulated sugar, 2 cups milk, pecans, and butter. Place 1 cup sugar in iron skillet and melt to a light brown. When melted add 1 cup milk. [Then add remaining milk and sugar.] Boil until it forms soft ball in cold water. Remove from fire, add butter and pecans, and beat thoroughly. Pour on buttered dish or oiled paper and cut in squares. Use about 1/4 pound of butter and as many pecans as desired. Be sure to cook over slow fire.

Popcorn Balls

1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup or molasses, 1 tablespoon butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon vinegar. Melt the butter in an enameled saucepan, add the sugar and syrup, and cook without stirring until a little dropped into cold water will crack. Remove from the heat and pour the syrup over the popcorn, which should be spread in a large pan. Pour very slowly, turning the popcorn so that the kernels will be well coated. Shape in small balls, pressing well into shape, and wrap each in waxed paper.Meringue Panachees Fill meringue glac%uFFFDes with ice cream, or ice cream and water ice. Garnish with whipped cream forced through pastry bag and tube, and candied cherries.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

In a sauce pan, cook together 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 tablespoonfuls peanut butter, and 1/2 cup milk until it forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water . Add 1/2 teaspoonful vanilla, cool and beat until creamy. Pour into a buttered pie plate and when nearly cold, cut it in small squares.

Meringue Mushrooms Shape meringue glace mixture in rounds the size of mushroom caps, using pastry bag and tube; sprinkle with grated chocolate.  Shape stems like mushroom stems. Bake, remove from paper, and place caps on stems.

And you might want to try this old historic recipe – Apricot Leather:

Wash 1 package dried apricots and put them in water to soak overnight. Next morning, bring apricots and water to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain thoroughly. (Be sure all the water has drained off.) mash the apricots through a sieve, or belnd in a blender until smooth. Measure pulp: return it to the saucepan and add 1 part sugar to every 3 parts pulp. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly (at thsis tage the mixture may burn easily, so stir carefully.) Let the mixture cool for 15 minutes; then spread almost paper thin on a large piece of glass, marble slab, or aluminum cookie sheet. Form a rectangular shape. Place in a warm dry room (an attic is excellent) to dry for 1 to 2 days (it should be pliable enough to roll). Cut the leather into 3-inch squares, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and roll tightly into rolls about the size of a small pencil. Roll in granulated sugar and stroe in a tightly closed box.” ?The Thirteen Colonies Cookbook, Mary Donovan et al (p. 251) [Georgia]

Plan a candy making party sometime soon!