Information related to the Outdoors – Trips – Gear & Reviews – Dutch Oven Cooking – Recipes
We have a reader that is seeking more info on his Bridge Beach & Co. Parlor Stove.
Such a beautiful stove. Too bad there are not more of these in existence. Or more documented history.
Follow this Link for more Details
See our related article on this stove. The owner is asking for your help in Identifying it, knowing its era or history, etc. Add or follow the comments.
We have a reader request to help provide information about this LIVE OAK cast iron stove.
Can anyone provide any type of information as to era, foundry, etc.?
Submitted notes/comments:
Appears to be a No. 12
Similar to Gem Oak No.11 (Bridge Beach & Co, St Louis, Missouri USA)
Era could be 1900-1910
Looks like some top parts are missing?
Other versions with Gem Oak such as No. 210 were produced by Detroit Stove Works
The below piece of Cast Iron has not been positively identified by anyone. If you have knowledge of what is shown here, please email us with any info. We are looking for things like the foundry or manufacturer, Year or Circa manufactured, current value, etc.
We will in turn contact the person that submitted the photo(s). Thank You so much! Email to: info@toponautic.com
Posted 12/27/2017 to be identified – Don Hopkins
Gate Marked, Continuous Heat Ring, #9, Distinct Handle, U4 stamp or mark
Final preparations are going on for me today. Loading the trailer and taking inventory of camping gear and cooking utensils. We are cooking in competition associated with out sister website TheDutchOvenCook.com and the facebook group Las Vegas Dutch Oven Enthusiasts
This coming weekend is the annual Cathedral Gorge Dutch Oven Cookoff (Saturday September 16th, 2017). Sponsored by the Nevada State Park and surrounding businesses. The weather is looking to be near perfect.
This cookoff is a big deal. At least for the competitions we normally attend. There are normally around 50 cooks, and some of those preparing multiple recipes. We have seen crowds of people (250+) showing up to taste, vote on their favorite, and just plain enjoy the day.
If you are in the area, be sure to come out and support the event. Enjoy the food, enter the raffle, and enjoy the beautiful Nevada State Park.
It’s nearly that time of year again. Camping and Dutch Oven Cooking Competition at Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca, Nevada.
Link to the official State Park information
Actual competition cooking is on Saturday September 16, 2017
A group of us camper/Dutch Oven cooks have been attending this event for years. The rangers at this State Park make this the best we have ever competed in. Aside from the awesome prizes they solicit from supporting businesses, they just make this plain fun.
Be prepared to arrive early and to stay until after dark. The whole day can be taken up hiking early in the morning, then wandering around watching the cooks prepare the food that is judged and served to the public in the evening.
Many of us start arriving Thursday and Friday to also spend a few days camping. Sites are first come first served. Though the rangers have always made room for everyone even if it means “dry camping” off the edge of the pavement near the picnic area.
This time of year expect warm days and cool nights. The Milky-way will blanket you in the sky above. The coyote’s will sing you to sleep at night.
Las Vegas in the middle of summer is easily hitting 110°F daytime temperatures. For some that is not conducive for enjoying a hot bowl of Chili. Many reserve that cuisine for chilling winter days.
Not me. I enjoy Chili year round. Chili isn’t at it’s best unless you have cornbread, as a side to accompany it.
On a hot day outside I often drag out the crock-pot to make a batch without heating up the kitchen. While I am a cast iron connoisseur, I am certainly not firing up some charcoal and Dutch Oven cooking when it is a scorching +110°F outside either. Thinking about getting the kitchen oven up to 425°F for a batch of cornbread doesn’t sound too appealing either. The heats the whole house up.
This is where vintage Cast Iron meets the modern Counter-top Convection Oven. The combination works well together and doesn’t kick my air conditioner on more than normal.
Now I am sitting back enjoying a bowl of Chili. Dipping my hot buttered corn sticks in some maple syrup. What a killer combination. Both in the cooking technique, as well as the food paring.
I find leftover pizza is sometimes better than fresh baked. As with many tomato and herb based foods. Aging seems to increase the flavor. Especially if it is homemade.
How many of you enjoy cold left over pizza for breakfast? I certainly do. How about the re-heated version?
My favorite technique for re-heating leftovers is to use a cast iron skillet. You can’t be in a hurry. If you are in a big rush just throw it in the microwave. If you really want something better than just baked, try using cast iron.
I put my cast iron on a burner set at its lowest setting. I always use gas stoves. If you cook with electric you may have to experiment. As soon as the Cast Iron is warm to the touch (a minute or two) I wipe it with a very thin layer of Crisco vegetable shortening. I place the pizza on the Cast Iron and cover it with a lid or tent of aluminum foil.
I kept the heat as low as possible and allow the pizza to warm slowly until the top cheese is warm and melted. Serve at this point. You will be rewarded with a delightfully crispy bottom crust, and aged sauce that has brought out even more flavor.
My favorite for pizza re-heating is my square vintage BSR (Birmingham Stove & Range) Breakfast Griddle.
Both these pieces of Cast Iron where recently picked up at an Estate Sale. I considered them priced at a premium, nearly retail. But when they come in the condition these were in, I am willing to pay a little higher. All the picker, antique, and flea market shows, have made these items really popular. Look on eBay at some of the prices. Some of us that have been collecting for years think people are out of their minds.
Both of these are nothing special or vintage. Common and easily found. The 10 1/4 inch round skillet (Wagner’s 1891 Original Series) is often found at garage sales or flea markets in the $5 to $10 range. Expect double that at an Estate Sale. No they are not from 1891. This series of cast iron cookware was produced at the General Housewares’ Wagner foundry from 1991 until 1999… until the foundry closed in 1999.
I like the square LODGE Skillet Griddle. Both of these pieces will be seasoned several times and then put in my kitchen for everyday use. I intend to use Crisbee’s Seasoning product that I tested for a previous review. I like the finish it produces.
You can follow this link on Reconditioning & Re-seasoning cast iron if you are looking for tips or methods.
Gear Review: Dutch Oven Cooking table from Chuckwagon Supply
We love gear reviews that our readers submit or allow us to share with you. Tom from 1960HikerDude graciously allowed me to re-post his video. If you are in the market for a Dutch Oven Cooking table this certainly needs your review. This table has options you won’t find on others. I particularly like the high wind screen and the collapsible side tables.
Please check out other video’s from Tom from 1960HikerDude
You can click here to follow to the Chuckwagon Supply Website.