Texas State Cooking Implement

Cast Iron Dutch Oven Adopted: June 18, 2005

The cast iron Dutch oven became the official state cooking implement of Texas when Governor Rick Perry signed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9 on June 18, 2005.

S.C.R. No. 9

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Texas traditionally has recognized a variety of official state symbols as tangible representations of the proud spirit and heritage of our state; and

WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the pecan tree, the Guadalupe bass, and the lightning whelk are examples of some natural specimens that serve to symbolize the great diversity of the Texas landscape, while the state dish, chili, fittingly represents another aspect of our shared culture as Texans; and

WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the cast iron Dutch oven as the official State Cooking Implement would provide suitable recognition for this sturdy utensil; and

WHEREAS, A welcome and dependable fixture at campfires across the Lone Star State, the Dutch oven was used extensively by Spanish explorers, early settlers, ranchers, and chuckwagon cooks over the course of Texas' history; and

WHEREAS, The Dutch oven has also remained a popular item with a vast number of Texans today, and in January, 1995, the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society was founded to promote its use throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, Ideal for use in moist-cooking methods, such as braising and stewing, the Dutch oven's versatility has made it the food preparation implement of choice of both the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America; and

WHEREAS, Renowned for its portability and durability, the cast iron Dutch oven has been a cooking mainstay of Texans from the time of the pioneers to the current day, and it is indeed appropriate that it receive special legislative recognition for its role in our state's history and culture; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate the cast iron Dutch oven as the official State Cooking Implement.

Texas State Cooking Implement: Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Photograph

Texas Law

The cast iron Dutch oven was designated the official state cooking implement of the State of Texas by Senate Concurrent Resolution and is, therefore, not listed in the Texas Statutes.

Only a small number of Texas' myriad symbols have been actually adopted by an act of the legislature and written into the Texas Statutes.

Sources...

"Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9." The Texas Legislature Online. The State of Texas, 2011. Web. 12 Oct 2011.

Additional Information

Texas Pays Tribute to the Dutch Oven: National Public Radio presentation, April 22, 2005.

Dutch Oven Cooking: Boy Scouts of America: U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc.

Dutch Oven Cooking: Cast Your Irons in the Fire: Article by John Raven, Ph.B. from Traditional Texas Food: Articles about Texas' most famous foods.

Lone Star Dutch Oven Society: Official website.

International Dutch Oven Society: Official website.

More symbols & emblems: Complete list of official Texas state symbols from NETSTATE.COM.

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Ovens: For more than four generations Lodge has been making cast iron cookware. Lodge Manufacturing Co. is the sole domestic producer of foundry seasoned cast iron cookware in the United States.

Texas Treasury of
Dutch Oven Cooking

Texas Treasury of Dutch Oven Cooking, Compiled by the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society. 232 pages. Competition Recipes of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society. This 232 page cookbook is comb bound with a laminated cover. The recipes were compiled from the 1995 and 1996 Cookoff seasons and are competition tested. Many of the recipes contain the history behind the recipe. This history information makes the book a unique and rich Texas Treasure. The overview includes a number of hints and tips on buying and seasoning an oven, "the Dinwiddie method of Charcoal Briquet Use", temperature control, and other interesting tidbits of information. This book is truly a must have for all Dutch Oven cooks.

The Complete Book of
Dutch Oven Cooking
Author j. Wayne

The Complete Book of Dutch Oven Cooking, by Author j. Wayne. 144 pages. Publisher: Skyhorse Publising (2010) From the differences between aluminum and cast-iron ovens to care and cleaning of ovens to useful accessories, this comprehensive guide includes a wide range of useful information that will appeal to new and seasoned Dutch oven cooks alike. Learn how a Dutch oven is made, what to look for when purchasing one, and how to season it properly before using it'lessons from an expert: J. Wayne Fears is a member of the International Dutch Oven Society, an author of acclaimed outdoor cookbooks, and has served as a judge at many cook-offs, including the National Cornbread Cook-off. Follow simple recipes to make: Cowboy biscuits Cornbread Stews and soups Chili Baked salmon Hearty meatloaf Peach cobbler French coconut pie Apple pie And more! Whether you're camping or throwing a party for friends, Dutch ovens will make cooking simple, unique, and enjoyable.

101 Things to Do
with a Dutch Oven
Vernon Winterton

101 Things to Do with a Dutch Oven, by Vernon Winterton. 128 pages. Publisher: Gibbs M. Smith (March 20, 2006) Dutch oven cooking has long been popular out West, but when people nationwide find out just how easy and delicious Dutch oven cooking is, they'll be scrambling to get one! Whether used outside with charcoal briquettes or inside the regular kitchen oven, Dutch ovens provide a stable, even cooking temperature, easy clean up one-dish cooking, and hearty recipes for every meal. The book also includes a Helpful Hints section, and plenty of information about getting started with Dutch oven cooking for the beginner.

Cooking in Cast Iron
Mara Reid Rogers

Cooking in Cast Iron: Yesterday's Flavors for Today's Kitchen, by Mara Reid Rogers. 256 pages. Publisher: HP Trade; 1 edition (September 4, 2001) No other cookware quite captures the spirit of American homestyle cooking. Durable and timeless, cast iron has been handed down from generation to generation. Today, there are cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, casseroles, woks, and grill pans. The original non-stick cookware, it's perfect for cooking with less fat or oils-and readily adapts to a wide range of ethnic cuisine.

Cooking in Cast Iron will acquaint home cooks with the benefits, history, care, and use of this rugged and romantic cookware. Plus, more than 150 recipes-from main dishes and side dishes to breads and desserts-demonstrate the versatility of cast iron in today's kitchens.

Cee Dub's Dutch Oven
and Other Camp Cookin'
C. W. "Butch" Welch

Cee Dub's Dutch Oven and Other Camp Cookin', by C. W. "Butch" Welch. 208 pages. Publisher: Back Country Press, Publisher (December 6, 1996) A back country guide to outdoor cooking, spiced with tall tales. Cee Dub's First Dutch Oven Cookbook, Published 12/96 - This cookbook focuses on Dutch oven and camp cooking, and is spiced with humorous and informative stories of Mr. Welch’s experiences cooking in the backcountry of Idaho.

It includes the basics of history, selection, and care of Dutch ovens along with many recipes that a beginning Dutch oven cook, as well as a more experienced cook, will be able to master. There is also a section on sourdough cooking. The objective is to prepare easy, healthy, and delicious meals outdoors. Recipes from this cookbook are used on Cee Dub’s Public Television Series, Dutch Oven and Camp Cooking.

More Cee Dub's Cookin'
C. W. "Butch" Welch

More Cee Dub's Dutch Oven and Other Camp Cookin', by C. W. "Butch" Welch. 210 pages. Publisher: Back Country Press/P.L. Welch, Publisher (April 1, 2000) This cookbook is a "continuation" of Cee Dub's Dutch Oven and Other Camp Cookin' with over 150 new recipes, new photos, and all new stories.

Dutch Oven Cookin'
LIVE with Cee Dub

Many of the recipes are contributed by friends who also enjoy Dutch oven cooking and the outdoors, to provide a variety of tastes and favorites. There are shortened sections pertaining to the history, selection, and care of DO's which provide a wealth of information for the beginner and the more experienced camp cook.

Dutch Oven Cookin' LIVE with Cee Dub, by C. W. "Butch" Welch. (DVD) 72 minutes. Filmed in front of a live audience at the Tri-Cities Sportsman's Show in Pasco, Washington, this Cee Dub exclusive video promises a treat for all that's new in the world of Dutch oven and outdoor cookin'! Plus, Cee Dub will demonstrate how to bake in a Dutch oven with wood coals side by side with charcoal briquets.