Why cast iron?

[Lola]

OK, don't hate me. I'm just a newbie! I'm just getting back into camping and what I once knew I've forgotten.

Let me start off by stating I cook with cast iron at home a lot. I love it. But it just doesn't seem like something I'd like to drag around on a camping trip. It's heavy and requires a little extra love when cleaning.

I do see the appeal of a Dutch oven, but other pieces seem like they'd be more trouble and weight than they'd be worth. How is cast iron as travel friendly as lighter stuff?

So, what am I missing? I really don't get it, even though I "get" cast iron.

Enlighten me please! Thanks! -L

[bobhenry]

. It's heavy and requires a little extra love when cleaning.

Enlighten me please! Thanks! -L

"A little extra loving when cleaning"

Yep boil some water wipe it out and go again !

The wood handle never goes up in flames in a campfire!

The aluminum won't melt down if you get sidetracked.

The teflon won't go up in flames giving you a good case of polymer fume fever.

The worst that can happen is you turn it cherry red burn your dinner and get the opportunity to reseason the cooking utinsel

[Lola]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

You're putting it IN the fire. Not on the lil Coleman propane stove.

Yeah I guess that would make a difference! See, I knew I was missing something.

Thanks!

[bobhenry]

some times a picture speaks volumes

[Steve_Cox]

lola,

I don't put my iron skillets in the campfire. I take the same ones camping that I've been cooking in for 30+ years. I've had my share of coated and other high end copper clad cookware over the years, but always keep using the iron. Guess it's just a matter of preference.

[RAYVILLIAN]

We have light trailers so we can carry heavier cookware.

Gary

[Steve_Cox]

We have light trailers so we can carry heavier cookware.

Gary

[Lola]

Now you're just making fun of me!

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Lola,
It's because cast iron is so easy to use & it's so versatile...

And...


(Hawaiian Braided Bread... First time I ever baked bread)


(My version of B&J Cherry Garcia Ice Cream...)


(Meat Lover Pizza)


(Prime Rib)


(Grilled White Flesh Peaches w/Balsamic vinegar glaze)



(Apple Vanilla Cream Cheese Cobbler)

...Because We Like To Eat Good When We're Camping!!!

[Prem]

Lola,

You are soooooh fortunate that the maestro just showed you some of his many creations in a Dutch oven!

Hope you join our club. (A short drive up 101 for you.)

P.S. Usually some charcoal briquettes under the Dutch oven and more on the recessed lid. That makes it a really effective oven, not just a cooking pot. Camping Dutch ovens have three legs and recessed, heavy lids for using charcoal briquettes top and bottom, so cooking is usually done on a low metal table or similar. You pre-fire the briquettes and use tongs to position them under the Dutch oven and on the lid. It's a well-developed, and still simple system. Google "dutch oven cooking" for more.

[Lola]

Those do look good. mm

I do like the versatility of cast iron. I guess I was raised with tent camping and quick meals where versatility meant the handles came off the pans so they'd all stack small.

I AM a little space-constrained at the moment because I don't have a trailer yet, but I guess some fun is to be had playing with the fire.

[Cliffmeister2000]

Lola, IMHO there's not a lot to do on the average week long camping trip. I am only willing to hike so far and so often. I can't read all day long. I used to (I admit it) get bored sitting around the camp spot. Now that I can cook a little in my black pot, I have been known to spend the better part of the day cooking something. It may not be for everyone, but for me it's a blast!

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I practice at home. Outside. My wife LOVES this aspect of it!

Come on over and visit with some of the best cooks at Camp-Cook. Link at the top of this page.

[godskid]

Another thread about "why do I always burn things on my Colemans stove" seems to have concluded that cast iron spreads the heat better than anything else, and helps make you a better (non-burning) cook.

[Mightydog]

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I practice at home. Outside. My wife LOVES this aspect of it!.

+1

Usually on the weekends...sometimes during the week. Practice makes you look like you know what you're doing at the camp site. People walk by and tell you how good it smells!

Thanks, Dean! I need to go get some lunch now.

[campinwi]

used the lightweight camping pots for years to boil water and for quick things. Always brought along the cast iron dutch oven for using over the fire. In the past ten years, I have gone back to using my cast iron skillets and griddles at home also. Got tired of all the coated cookware that needs to be thrown out after a few years. Cast iron is much less expensive.