What is a Dutch Oven?

Some readers of this blog my be a little confused as to what a dutch Oven is. To most Chefs and cooks today, it is any deep pot. To us it is a cast iron deep pot. There are two types of these. The three legged ones, known to us as a "Camp" oven, and the no legged ones, known as "home" ovens. We use the camp oven to facilitate charcoals, or even open fires. Charcoal makes heat control much easier. We place charcoals both, under them, and on top to heat the insides as an oven. This type of cooking is also known as Pioneer, and chuck wagon cooking. But, with the better heat control, it has been elevated, even to a gourmet status, used in cook-offs. (cooking competitions) Our peruse, In this organization is to preserve this type of cooking, and to have a good time with friends. Not all D.O. cooks must compete. Just cooking with family or friends at camp, pic-nics, B.B.Q.s and Dogs. (Dutch Oven Gatherings) is our main goal. We would love to hear from you with questions, and comments. My e-mail is on a posting here somewhere. Ron.