Dutch Oven Cooking for Two!

I bought a Lodge 10" DEEP. It is smaller around than a 12" so I can cook smaller recipes but by being deep I have the larger capacity if needed. I have not noticed the extra top space affecting the cooking when not full.

I think you'll find it isn't as small as it sounds. I have an AL 10' that I take when 4 of us do a river trip and make cobbler in it. It's enough cobbler for 4 adult men.

SWMO wrote:

wbwood wrote:
We have a 12" and its a good size, but really too much for 3 of us. I've been wondering about getting a 10" or 8". I'm leaning towards an 8". One it's cheaper. And if I decide that it's not big enough, then I can always get a 10". Can't have enough iron...lol

As I've said before, we have two 8" and they are our most used DO's. There 2 or 3 of us and with the two one can cook the main course while the other does desert.
We have a deep 12 and still use it on rare occasions when the kids and grandkids are around, but that's not all that often. We have a 5" that sees more use.

I'm liking the idea of the smaller one for things like sides as well...maybe some beans or rice...etc... and smaller deserts.

wbwood wrote:
We have a 12" and its a good size, but really too much for 3 of us. I've been wondering about getting a 10" or 8". I'm leaning towards an 8". One it's cheaper. And if I decide that it's not big enough, then I can always get a 10". Can't have enough iron...lol

As I've said before, we have two 8" and they are our most used DO's. There 2 or 3 of us and with the two one can cook the main course while the other does desert.
We have a deep 12 and still use it on rare occasions when the kids and grandkids are around, but that's not all that often. We have a 5" that sees more use.

We have a 12" and its a good size, but really too much for 3 of us. I've been wondering about getting a 10" or 8". I'm leaning towards an 8". One it's cheaper. And if I decide that it's not big enough, then I can always get a 10". Can't have enough iron...lol

Mmmmm, time for biscuits.

garmp1 wrote:

gkas wrote:
I use this Lodge LCC3 Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Combo Cooker, 3-Quart in my truck camper. Perfect size for the wife and I. It's a Dutch Oven and a skillet. Love it. It also fits perfectly in my Volcano Grill.

Interesting you should mention the volcano grill. We have become very interested in purchasing one. The first time we saw one was at last years NDOG in Arkansas where they had them for $80. We planned to attend this years in Iowa, but illnesses & Dr. appts prevented that. We are very much DOG nubees. Do you have/use the optional lid or cover? Do you think it's worth the expense.

thanks

I have the foldable Volcano cover. Wouldn't be without it. It turns the Dutch oven into a evenly heated oven. I bake biscuits and bake with the covered oven. I use propane, so it also lowers the amount used.

SWMO wrote:
This might be old hat to some, but in many decades of DO cooking I hadn't seen or heard of it. I wonder why I didn't think of it.
On a Good Eats show recently Brown turn the oven upside down, put the coals on the upturned bottom and and the lid on the upturned legs,it was a simple way to use the lid as a griddle. The legs secured the lid for frying. I haven't used my lid very often for frying, but when I did I set it on a lid stand. I though the lid on the bottom of the oven a better idea.

Yep, it's still seen sometimes at Dutch Oven Gatherings and Chuckwagon events. Now that frying pans like the Combo cooker are available, you don't see it as often.

With the combo cooker you put the coals inside the deep pan and flip the lid over to use as a griddle.

This might be old hat to some, but in many decades of DO cooking I hadn't seen or heard of it. I wonder why I didn't think of it.
On a Good Eats show recently Brown turn the oven upside down, put the coals on the upturned bottom and and the lid on the upturned legs,it was a simple way to use the lid as a griddle. The legs secured the lid for frying. I haven't used my lid very often for frying, but when I did I set it on a lid stand. I though the lid on the bottom of the oven a better idea.

Yep. I found an 8" at Gander Mountain. It's one of our next purchases.