Update

by Keith Fisher

I wanted to update my December contest and talk about the current one. Tuesday, I delivered a Chuck Wagon Dinner bell to Nichole Giles. Her name was chosen from the draw and she won in December. As you can see in the picture, she was thrilled. Use it in good health Nichole.


So far, I’ve had two comments but nobody entered the contest for the video. Either it’s not a great prize or I wasn’t successful in my promotion. It couldn’t be that hard. Just read old blogs and go to a website. I will extend it for another week, after that, if nobody enters I’ll put my video away for another day.

I watched the deer as they came down from the mountain the other day. I wished I had a camera with a really long lens. Deer come down in the winter every year but this year, we got several deep snowstorms in a row. Snow still covers some of the roads where I live. People get stuck, and the Deer are coming down in herds.


I stood there, watching, not willing to leave. During the time when I can pursue those deer, they have the advantage. Yes, it’s true I have a rifle, but my deer have developed methods of concealment, and they are getting better at it.


During the winter, however, survival is paramount. My deer can’t play concealment games. So we humans get to watch the splendor. To admire the beauty of a majestic animal—to lament the old days when deer were easier to hunt. There’s a lesson in there someplace, but I’m going to leave you to think of one.


I thought of a great idea. Right now there are many opportunities to get out and play in the snow. There is a park and pavilion nearby to where I watched the deer. I could invite my friends to come and watch the deer and I could cook a Dutch oven meal. What a great Saturday afternoon party it would be. If you decide to try it, dress warm, take pictures, and send them to us.





Return to the Neighborhood.

And while you're there, subscribe to our fantastic newsletter. In addition to being able to shop in the new virtual neighborhood, our newsletter brings you articles, products, services, resources and interviews from around the world—all with an LDS focus. Look for issues delivered to your email inbox every week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Neighborhood Newsletter Subscriptions are FREE, and joining is easy.

Moving Up the List/Another Contest

by Keith Fisher

I perused the Google images to find inspiration for this blog and noticed something. I found I was listed on the third page back, but it was my website, not this blog. The website is pretty much static, so, it should be farther back. Don’t get me wrong I’m glad to be there, but since I post on this blog twice a week, it should be listed closer to the front. It took a while, but I finally found the blog after searching several more pages.

Could you help me out? I need an ego boost. Tell your friends about this blog and encourage them to come and leave comments. If we get enough hits, this page will move closer to the front, and I will be very happy. In fact if you get someone new to visit, tell them to drop your name and I’ll put you in a drawing for a special prize.

To help out in this situation, I think it’s time to give something away. This time, in order to win, you must leave a comment here, and leave your answers in an email (unless you want to give the answers away) bloggame57 at yahoo dot com.

At this point in the game, an announcer named John comes on and tells us what prize we can win. Since we don’t have an announcer, or the money to pay one. Shoot, we aren’t even on television. I guess I’ll have to show you.


This is a never been viewed, VHS copy of Cookin’ Outdoors with Johnny Nix. He is the host of a cable program called Campfire Café and he talks the viewers through their first time experience with outdoor cooking. It’s even entertaining for old time camp cooks.

Here’s what you have to do to win. Email your answers to five questions.

1. What year did I win the World Championship Dutch Oven Cook Off with my partner?
   
2. What do I love to do first thing in the morning on campouts?
   
3. Name 3 Dutch oven manufactures.
   
4. What is the name of my Dutch oven website (not my blog)?
   
5. What does the picture show on top of the picture scrapbook?
   

All of these answers can be found on this blog, or my Dutch oven website. in the event of a tie, we will draw names from a pot.

There you have it. Feed my ego, and I’ll put your name in the drawing. Answer the questions and win a free video. Until then, the best way to beat the cold is to light a fire and cook over it.

Return to the Neighborhood.

And while you're there, subscribe to our fantastic newsletter. In addition to being able to shop in the new virtual neighborhood, our newsletter brings you articles, products, services, resources and interviews from around the world—all with an LDS focus. Look for issues delivered to your email inbox every week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Neighborhood Newsletter Subscriptions are FREE, and joining is easy.

Soap & Water

By Keith Fisher

There once was an old sheepherder who had a nephew visit him. During the visit, the old man made dinner for the nephew, teaching him how to cook in Dutch ovens. During the mixing and preparing, the nephew kept trying to clean up. He went to wash a mixing bowl and the old man said. "Don’t worry about it, soap and water will take care of it."

Every time the young man tried to clean up, the sheepherder reminded him that soap and water does a good job. Finally the meal was done, and it turned out to be delicious. Once again the nephew offered to help clean up. "No need. Soap and water will do," the old man said.

After awhile, they sat around the campfire swapping stories when the Nephew saw a big dog come around the corner of the wagon. The Old sheepherder noticed him, and called the dog. "Come here Soap and Water," he said.

I know the temptation is great to use a dishwasher when you’re in the mountains, but please refrain. I’m sure the nephew threw up when he discovered the source of all his uncle’s clean dishes.

I often wish all Dutch oven enthusiasts would compete in a Dutch oven cook off, because one of the judging criteria is to have a clean kitchen. Judges watch the cooks to make sure they use rubber gloves when needed, wash the dishes frequently, and wash hands constantly.

Not so much anymore, but in the old days of cook offs, the food was distributed to the spectators as samples gratis. So the food needed to be free from problems. The judges watch these days, because it’s bad news to give a judge food poisoning.

Because of this concern, and because the cooks are an example to the public, the World Championship event requires a current food handler’s permit issued from the county where they live. Dutch oven competitors have become knowledgeable in safe food preparation and I would eat at any of their tables.

All you need to do is take a class (see a film), take an open book test, and pay the fee. I got mine in an afternoon. It has been invaluable to me. The things I learned made me a cleaner cook. I can cook anywhere with pride, knowing my food is safe and my guests are protected.

Little things like a three-tub dish washing system can kill 90% of all major problems. In the three-tub system, you have one tub filled with hot, soapy water. Another with rinse water, and a third tub, filled with one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water.

Clean countertop surfaces with the same solution in spray bottle. But don’t re-use contaminated sanitize solution. Wash hands frequently and sanitize. Wear rubber gloves when handling meats and other raw foods. Don’t use the same knife on your vegetables that you use to de-bone the chicken.

All these things will help make your next cookout a happy experience. And you will be hero instead of the Blankity-Blank who poisoned your guests. When you get a minute, take the class, get your food handler’s permit. Then you can claim to be a professional.

Return to the Neighborhood.

Another Chance

By Keith Fisher

Let me be the first to wish you Happy New Year. Isn’t it amazing that each year we get another chance to do all the things we neglected to do last year? We take a calendar off the wall and tack up a new one. Twelve pages of unfilled boxes, lines to fill in our commitments, promises not yet made.

What a great chance we have to do it right and fill those calendar pages with things that matter. 2009 promises to be one of the best years of our lives. True it is, that our country faces economic uncertainty, but it seems it’s only a matter of positive confidence.

Economic recovery during the Great depression came through confidence. The people of our country began to believe in themselves again. With that in mind, we can turn things around. I know it works, because it worked in 1940.

Now, it’s time to celebrate. Yes, of course with Dutch ovens. I ask you what better way to ring in the New Year, than by tapping a Dutch oven lid with your fork. Seriously, take the family to the nearest hillside. The snow will reflect the light—it’ll be like daytime. Let the kids slide down the hill on inner tubes and you can cook a tasty treat. Even if it’s only hot cider, It’ll be fun for you. When the big moment comes, light the fireworks, and ring your Chuck wagon dinner bell.

Let me take the liberty of filling your calendar for you. First is the Super bowl party. A great Dutch oven feast can be had while you and your guests watch the big game on tape, fast-forwarding the commercials.

Next, of course is human rights day, followed by Presidents Day. I think a cherry pie would go well with the beef roast.

If you forget to get a gift for Valentines Day, don’t delay, run out to the carport and start cooking a great Dutch oven dinner. Tell her/him you are cooking it especially for them. Then when you have to run to the store to retrieve a forgotten ingredient, remember to get a nice greeting card.

St Patrick’s Day in March gives you an opportunity to learn some Irish recipes. Spring begins in March this year. Throw a spring party—cook a leg of lamb.

There’s Easter, and Passover. Good Friday, and Secretaries Day. Start thinking of theme meals you can cook. Our family usually goes camping when Easter falls in April. I can make cheesy potatoes with boiled eggs. I’ll give you that recipe in April. Don’t let me forget.

Of course cooking for Mom on Mother’s Day, is one of the best things you can do to show you appreciate her. On Memorial Day, gather on Grandma’s front lawn, for dinner after you visit the grave.

You get the picture. Make this year the one to remember. Cook low fat if you have to, but get out there and have fun in your backyard or favorite campground. You have to eat anyway. You might as well enjoy the preparation. And have fun, show the world you have confidence and the economy will follow.



Return to the Neighborhood.

Cooking in the Wind

By Keith Fisher

I’ve been nursing a cold and forgot it was Friday, so I’m a bit late posting. I got a little sleep and dreamed I was cooking in Dutch ovens. It was summer and we were having a heat wave. The charcoal was so hot I wondered if I would sweat to death.

Then I woke up and looked out the window. Snow was piled up on the swamp cooler and icicles were hanging off the roof what a refreshing change. I was reminded of a cook off held on the fourth of July.

I love living in a place that has dramatic changing seasons.

Heres a Dutch oven tip for today:

If while you are cooking there is a serious wind to deal with, there are many options available.

The table, windscreen . . . many commercial tables come with a three-sided windscreen. They have tabs that fit over the lip on the table they block most of the wind.

For those who don’t have a commercial table, you can use a piece of aluminum roof flashing. Just wrap it around the pot, clamp it to itself with a paper clip.


I saw a cute idea of taking old license plates, stand them on end, connect them with wire and stand them up in a circle around the pot.


You can also close your cooking space in. A word of warning, however, charcoal fumes can kill you. Ventilation is important and the heat will melt a tarp.


Whatever method you use, you might still need to adjust your heat, there are a few tricks that with a little practice will help you. Pile extra coals on the windward side of the lid and under the pot. The wind will carry the heat over the oven. Whatever you do, remember it should be fun.



Return to the Neighborhood.

The Weather Outside is Frightful. So?

By Keith Fisher

Since LDS Neighborhood usually posts on Thursday, I would imagine you are reading this on Christmas Day. I hope you heard the Whos of Whoville singing their welcome if not, here is a part.

Fah who for-aze!
Dah who dor-aze!
Welcome, welcome Christmas Day.

So how did you make out for Christmas? Are you knee deep in new cast iron? I hope so. I hope you are able to have the kind of Christmas you want. I pray you are able to give to those in greater need and you will find the Joy that comes from the season. May God Bless you and yours through the coming year.

Now get out there. Shovel the snow away, and cook Christmas dinner. Jackie Poulter of Provo, Utah made the recipe below at Klondike Cook off 2004.

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. The charcoal is burning bright. Let us cook, let us cook.

GREEK HAMBURGER STEAKS

14 INCH DUTCH OVEN
400 DEGREES
20 COALS TOP/14 COALS BOTTOM

2 - POUNDS GROUND BEEF
3 - LARGE EGGS
1 - TEASPOON SALT
2 - TABLESPOONS OREGANO
1 - TABLESPOON BLACK PEPPER
1-2 CUPS FLOUR

MIX TOGETHER BEEF, EGGS, AND SPICES. SHAPE INTO LARGE SIZE PATTIES.
DREDGE IN FLOUR COATING LIGHTLY.
BAKE AT 400 DEGREES UNTIL DONE.
SERVE WITH GRAVY.

GRAVY
10 INCH DUTCH OVEN
12-16 COALS BOTTOM HEAT

4 - TABLE SPOONS BUTTER
1/2 CUP FLOUR
1/2 TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER
3 TABLESPOONS BEEF SOUP BASE
4 - 6 CUPS MILK

MELT BUTTER IN DUTCH OVEN, STIR IN FLOUR, AND PEPPER TO MAKE A PASTE. ADD 4 CUPS MILK, AND SOUP BASE SLOWLY STIRING CONSTANTLY.
COOK UNTIL THICK, ADD MORE MILK IF NEEDED.

PS Congrats to Nichole for winning the Chuck Wagon Dinner Bell.

Return to the Neighborhood.

Shopping the Essentials—A Christmas List

By Keith Fisher

As promised, Today we’re going shopping. This article is for those who will be buying Christmas Presents for you.

But first, As I announced last time we will announce the winner of the Chuck Wagon Dinner bell. As you might recall, We’re having a contest, drawing really. The only thing required was to share your favorite food combination.

We received some great suggestions. Some were a bit odd, others were down right delicious. All were appreciated, since we love to see the responses of those who read this blog. To all of you, thanks for playing. Stay tuned for the next one, however, because I have two more dinner bells to give away at another time.

On second thought, I think I’ll wait and announce the winner at the bottom.

When I started cooking in Dutch ovens. I had one pot, a 12-inch, a borrowed stand for cooking on, and a chimney starter that uses burning newspaper to light charcoal. Now, after 20 years, I have a much larger collection of equipment. So lets get started shall we?

Lets assume you already have a Dutch oven, and a table to cook on. Now you need a way to start charcoal. I only have one suggestion, when you place fire in one end of a tube it travels to the other end, because of a magical principle called draft. There are many types of Chimney starters on the market. My first one had a bottom so I couldn’t set it on a propane burner. Now I have that option.

Once they are hot, you will need to move the coals. I’ve seen a pair of pliers used, and one man used leather gloves. But unless you have a pair of tongs life can be difficult. I’ve done it though, We cooked for a large group up the canyon one time and I forgot the tongs. I used a fireplace shovel to move and place the coals. Everything took longer but it turned out okay.

Next, whether it’s a Goncho hook, forked stick, or commercial type, you will need a lid lifter. I recommend the Mair. It provides positive pressure so the lid won’t slip, and there are three sizes. 8-inch, 14-inch and one you can use for Dutch oven on the ground. You can get yours for around fifteen dollars.

Now you have lifted the lid to stir and add ingredients. Where are you going to set it? On a dirty rock, the ground, or on a lid holder. I use the commercial kinds of lid holder, but I prefer my hand-made, three legged, trivets and many cooks use three horseshoes welded together, propped up with bolts welded to the bottom. A lid holder also comes in handy when you need to set a hot pot on a plastic table. Also it will prop an inverted lid to use as a serving plate.

Dutch ovens are considerably hotter than hot potatoes, and sooner or later you will need a pair of leather gloves. Dutch oven manufacturers make good ones, or you can get a pair of welding gloves. I use a pair of work gloves that cover my wrists and part of my forearm. Whatever you choose, Remember, your gloves must be loose enough to fall off you’re hand if you shake it off. Leather is a natural protector against burns, but many cooks have been burned when the leather got too hot.

There you have it, a list of essentials. There are other things like spoons, vegetable oil, and matches, but that’s a no-brainer. I would mention that since it’s Christmas you might look into Maca Supply in Springville, Utah. They manufacture custom made lids for their ovens. For a price, they will cast your name or other special message into the lid

Also, Campchef offers a special propane stove. It combines a two-burner stove with an oven below. Now you can use an oven on a pick-nick table in the mountains. Of course don’t tell them I said it but that’s what I use Dutch ovens for. I can bake anything in my cast iron pots that I can bake in a kitchen oven. Now I can take the kitchen oven with me.

While we’re on the subject, there are many camp kitchens on the market. I have one, that never comes out of the shed but if I were to buy another, I would get one that has a kitchen sink. Operation is simple, a hose connects the drain to a five gallon bucket or, water container. Drain water is then carried away from the camp.

Some of the luxuries include: Propane burners, Tables & chairs. Injection needles, portable shelters, and water coolers. You might want to make a list when you go to the store. there are brushes and tables. dishtowels and plates. Cast iron getting heavy? take a look at aluminum.

Most sporting goods stores, some drugstores, price club, and even supermarket, sell these things. There is, however, something to be said for the big box Sporting goods store. In the area where I live, there are two. Sportsman’s warehouse and Cabela’s each store has a large variety of camp cooking equipment. Each store specializes in some things the other doesn’t. I’ve had more dealings with Sportsman’s Warehouse so I’m partial to them, but I recommend you take your loved one shopping and spend an hour looking at your must have item. They will get the message.


Okay, are you ready? drum roll please . . . I put everyone's name on a piece of paper. put all the papers in a 5-inch Dutch oven. Waited for my 11 year old daughter to come home. she drew a name and the winner is . . . Nichole Giles . . . . Yay! Congrats Nichole. let me know where I can send your New Chuck Wagon Dinner bell. Thanks again everyone, for participating and remember . . . I still have two more left. look for the next contest and come back often. Oh, and , if I don't see you, Merry Christmas.

Return to the Neighborhood.