A cast iron Dutch oven is one of the best ways to cook meals while you're camping. You can cook almost anything in your Dutch oven: Stews, country biscuits, bacon, eggs, and even pizza. But before you get started, you'll need to buy a good Dutch oven and season it.
A Dutch oven intended for outdoor use will have a flat lid and three or four short legs on the bottom. The legs allow the oven to benefit from the heat of the coals without actually touching them, and permits air circulation so that the coals stay hot. Choose a high quality Dutch oven; Lodge makes good ones.
Your Dutch oven will be covered with a layer of wax or protective coating, which helps protect it from rust. To remove the coating, scrub it down with soapy hot water and a steel wool pad. This is the ONLY time soap should come anywhere near your Dutch oven.
Now you just need to reason your Dutch oven. A properly seasoned Dutch oven does two things for you: It prevents rust, and it creates a nonstick layer. Start by rubbing a layer of oil or fat inside your Dutch oven. You can bake it in your oven upside down at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour, although it's better to do this on an outdoor grill so that smoke and grease drippings won't be an issue. Don't forget to do the lid; it can rest beside the pot during the baking process.
Never wash your Dutch oven with soap and water. This removes the nonstick coating and encourages rust. You would have to re-season it after every wash.
If you buy a good quality cast iron Dutch oven and keep it seasoned, you'll enjoy delicious camping meals for years to come.
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