WHY TAG YOUR COOKWARE?

Two scenarios best explain the reason you will want to tag your cookware.  The first being simple identification at cooking events, large gatherings and competition cook-offs.  The second reason is to record research information, and attach it to that piece of cookware, once you start collecting cast iron.

If you haven’t already developed a code system for your tags you will quickly see the need.  A good system will also allow you to rematch tops[lids] and bottoms, that may get mixed up at gatherings, during clean up, or while in storage.

For more info and coding system suggestion follow this link to the full article.

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CAMP STOVE LEVELER

I was tired of not having a level camp stove when using a picnic table.  Fabricate a leveler.  Here is a simple, relatively inexpensive solution.  It uses common materials.   If you have a welder and a hack saw this is a couple hour project.

The idea for this leveler has been rattling around for some time.  You may have to alter this to accommodate your stove.

(4) Sections of 1 inch x 1/8 angle iron
(4) 3/8 Coupling Nuts
(4) 3/8 x 2 1/2 Elevator Bolts.

While I buy my steel at a steel supplier, it is available at Home Depot or Loews. Just be prepared to pay double at the big box stores.

4 pieces of appropriate length 1 inch by 1/8 angle is used. The ends are cut at 45° angles and the length is made 1/4 inch longer on the inside measurement, than the outside dimensions of your stove. That gives a little bit of play (1/8 inch all around) in case something is slightly off.  Be sure to square up each corner before welding.  Also gap all weld joints to create your exact dimensional length measurement, before welding.  Depending on your stove you may have to add a middle support(s) using 1 x 1/8 strap.

My 4 pieces that create a rectangular leveler frame, are clamped to a welding table upside down. The bottom of the 45° seam is welded. The vertical corner seam is welded. (DO NOT WELD THE INSIDE OF THESE SEAMS)

When all four corners of the leveler are complete.  Grind your welds to your finished preference. Clamp the rectangular frame down to your welding table, top side up.

Weld your “coupling nuts” to the sides flush with the front edge. End of nut should be flush with the table top (and the finished bottom of the frame) Grind welds if needed.

Finish paint with high temp flat black.

 

 

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RETURN OF THE LODGE 8 inch 2 qt L8C03 Dutch Oven

I was pleasantly surprised to see Lodge is once again producing the 8 inch, 2 qt, L8C03, Camp Dutch Oven.

I have 3 of these smaller camp style Dutch Ovens.   One unmarked, and 2 Lodge marked.  I had picked all of them up in the past.  New then, they were selling for around $39.00.  Then Lodge started revamping their foundry and these were suddenly discontinued.

As with anything you can’t get, someone is willing to pay to secure one.  At the highest I saw them new in the box, listed on eBay for $125.00.

These smaller Lodge are some of my most coveted pieces of cookware.  I normally solo camp.  They are perfect for that, or for two people.  I would even stretch and say they would accommodate cooking for 4.

Try our lasagna recipe that works perfect and fills it to the brim.

Do you need to only bake a half dozen homemade biscuits?  How about a small cake, or deep dish apple pie?  The L8C03 handles it with less food waste and fewer charcoal briquettes.   Less space and weight for your vehicles or small camping trailers.

 

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