INVEST IN A CAMP OVEN

If you camp a lot then a camp oven, or Dutch oven, is a very worthwhile investment. A camp oven is a cast-iron casserole dish that can be used for all your one-pot meals that are cooked over a fire, including stews, soups, breads and desserts. If you don’t have a camp oven you could use something similar like a Le Creuset. However, be aware as it will probably blacken over the heat. Ensure any dish you use is suitable for an open heat source.

It is not advisable to use a camp oven on a gas cooker. As I see it, a camp oven works almost like your home oven, creating heat all around the food, achieved by putting coals around and on top. However, with gas you cannot achieve the same effect. Keep your camp oven for cooking over an open fire and use saucepans over gas.

Your camp oven may need seasoning when you first buy it, so check the manufacturer’s instructions. This is done to remove any coating that was applied during manufacture. Your camp oven will also need a bit of love and care after each use, but it’s worth it. Once you’ve served up all the food, put a little bit of water into the dish, put the lid on and sit close to the fire to warm through (you can always do this while you’re eating). Ensure the water isn’t too hot, then wipe out any food scraps. Don’t use any detergents on your oven (unless you have had it for years and it is very well seasoned). Dry the pot well, preferably sitting by the fire or with a tea towel, then re-season by coating the insides, including the lid, with cooking oil to prevent it rusting – this is easiest done with paper towel. Wipe off any excess oil.

This really isn’t as much of a hassle as it sounds. After your tent, sleeping bag and mattress, this is one of the most useful pieces of camping equipment you can have.