Dutch Oven Days!

During the summer, I struggle to muster much motivation to turn on the stove, heat up the kitchen and cook something; a few years ago, I discovered Dutch Oven cooking and have LOVED IT! I can't think of a Dutch Oven dish that I have not liked, however, this one is my absolute favorite of all time. My uncle is famous for this dish, so, in fairness, I cannot take the credit :) It tastes amazing, but, even better, it is fairly easy to make. My aunt and uncle have been bringing this to family get togethers for as long as I can remember. Thanks Brian and Vikki for sharing this one!!

Brian's Baked Beans:

1 lb Bacon, cubed
1 medium Onion, chopped
5 cans Pork and Beans
2 1/2 Cups Brown Sugar

The simplest way to get your coals started is in a chimney starter, but if you don't have one, any charcoal grill or fire pit will work just fine. You'll want to heat the coals for about 30 minutes before you begin (you could even prepare this over a burner if you want, but it's not as "authentic") I usually buy bulk bacon, the kind that's not even sliced yet, then I can cube it instead of cutting the strips, but, if you buy regular old sliced bacon it works as well. What you're going for is bite sized pieces of bacon. Grab a 12 inch Dutch Oven, heat it over hot coals and cook your bacon bites for a few minutes, you don't want the bacon crispy, just the fat cooked through. Add your chopped onion and saute until the onions are limp. Then, add your pork and beans, any brand will work, and the brown sugar. At this point, all you need to do is heat it through and serve. This is soooo good, I crave it during the summer!

Sweet Treat in the Dutch Oven

Desserts are amazing and easy to do in a Dutch Oven. They are perfect for summer afternoons. One of my favorites is the Pineapple Upside Down Cake, he is my favorite recipe:

Pineapple Upside Down Cake for the Dutch Oven:

1/2 cup Butter
1 1/2 Cups Dark Brown Sugar
1 20 oz can Pineapple Rings
10 Maraschino Cherries
1 Pineapple Cake Mix
1 1/3 Cups Pineapple Juice
1/3 Cup Oil
3 Eggs

The 12" Dutch Oven is the standard size, so usually, if its not specified, I typically assume the recipe will work in a 12"- this recipe is made for that standard size. So, get your coals going, about 30 minutes before you plan to cook. In your 12 inch Dutch Oven, melt the butter, then pull the Dutch Oven off the heat. Sprinkle the sugar evenly across the bottom and arrange the pineapple rings in a single layer in the bottom and sides. Drop a cherry in the middle of each ring and set it aside.

In a mizing bowl, combine your cake mix (yellow can be substituted for pineapple in a pinch), pineapple juice (use the juice from the can of rings, then add water or pineapple concentrate mixed with water to get your 1 1/3 cup), oil and eggs. Mix until just combined, it will still be lumpy but that's the way you want it. Pour the cake batter over the pineapple rings in your Dutch Oven. Put on the lid and arrange your hot coals evenly spaced below the Dutch Oven and on the lid for optimal cooking. About every 15 minutes, turn the Dutch Oven and the lid each a quarter of a turn so the heat is evenly distributed. All together, the cake takes 30-45 minutes (2-3 quarter turns) to cook all the way through. Remove the coals and take off the lid, then inverte the cake on to a serving platter or plate- it is really quite fun looking and the kids love the rings and cherries!