Texas State Cooking Implement

Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Adopted on 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.

Dutch oven is the term that refers to a cast iron pot with tight fitting lid.

Gale Merriwether and his wife Mary attend a DOG (Dutch oven gathering) in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Courtesy Mary Merriwether

Texas State Cooking Implement:
Cast Iron Dutch Oven

According to Ragsdale the name Dutch Oven has been applied to a variety of cooking pots, kettles, and ovens over the years. The origin of the name, "Dutch Oven", is uncertain but Ragsdale suggests a few theories.

1. In 1704 a man by the name of Abraham Darby traveled from England to Holland to inspect a Dutch casting process by which brass vessels where cast in dry sand molds. Upon returning to England Darby experimented with the process and eventually patented a casting process using a better type of molding sand as well as a process of baking the mold to improve casting smoothness. Darby eventually began casting pots and shipping them to the new colonies and throughout the world. Ragsdale suggests that the name "Dutch Oven" may have derived from the original Dutch process for casting metal pots.
2. Others have suggested that early Dutch traders or salesmen peddling cast iron pots may have given rise to the name "Dutch Oven".
3. Still others believe that the name came from Dutch settlers in the Pennsylvania area who used similar cast iron pots or kettles.

To this day the name "Dutch Oven" is applied to various cast pots or kettles. The most common application of the name is to a cast iron pot or kettle with a flat bottom having three legs to hold the oven above the coals, flat sides and a flat, flanged lid for holding coals. These ovens have a steel bail handle attached to "ears" on each side of the oven near the top for carrying.

Texas Senate Resolution No. 9

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9, 79th Legislature, Regular Session (2005)
79R4638 MW-D
By: Armbrister S.C.R. No. 9

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.