Page 192 - The Lost Ways

The problem is that it’s really hard to explain heat distribution in other terms, especially
since different wood coals will hold heat differently.

Think in terms of equal space. You’ll usually want to use as many coals as it would take to
completely fill in the space below your oven. Distribute the coals according to the
guidelines below. Adjust the amount as you see fit after you gain a little experience.

❖ Roasting: Using the starting amount of coals, put half on top and half on the
bottom.

❖ Baking: Put a quarter of your coals on the bottom and three-fourths on the lid.
❖ Simmering: Place three-fourths of the coals on the bottom and a quarter on top.
❖ Frying: Put all your coals on the bottom.

***Always space your wood coals evenly apart for the best results.***

Companion Tools

There are plenty of good accessories to go with your Dutch oven. Depending on your
cooking preferences, some of these will be more useful than others.

❖ Leather gloves and heavy potholders to handle a hot oven
❖ A lid lifter—a long metal hook used to remove the lid of your Dutch oven safely
❖ A small shovel to move coals around
❖ A trivet for baking or steaming in your Dutch oven to keep your food off the hot

sides
❖ A cake pan to be placed on the trivet that is slightly smaller in diameter than your
Dutch oven.
❖ –Long-handled tongs
❖ Other utensils that you would always use, such as spoons, spatula, etc.

Recipes Past and Future

These recipes were chosen to be easy and without too many exotic ingredients (sans
spices—stock up on those!). With that in mind, enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your larder
55
is well stocked, and your garden is growing well. You deserve a feast .

55 "DSC_2292" , by: Virginia State Parks, (CC BY 2.0)

191