Cooking with a wood cook stove is a delightful experience that connects us to a simpler time. In this article, we’ll explore some delicious wood cook stove recipes that showcase the versatility and charm of these stoves. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, these recipes are easy to follow and sure to please your taste buds.
Before You Begin
Before diving into the recipes, here are a few important points to consider when cooking with a wood cook stove:
1. Fuel and Fire Management:
- Make sure you have a well-established fire in your stove before you start cooking. You’ll want a bed of hot coals to work with.
- Pay attention to the size and type of wood you use. Hardwoods like oak and maple provide steady and consistent heat.
- Manage the temperature by adjusting the airflow and adding or reducing wood as needed.
2. Cookware:
- Use heavy-duty cookware like cast iron pots and pans. They distribute heat evenly and hold up well to high temperatures.
3. Oven Temperature:
- Wood cook stoves often have a built-in oven. To maintain the correct temperature, check it with an oven thermometer as stoves can have hot spots.
4. Wood Cook Stove Safety:
- Keep in mind that wood cook stoves can get extremely hot. Use oven mitts and long-handled utensils to avoid burns.
- Always supervise the stove when it’s in use.
Recipe 1: Dutch Oven Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
- Add the warm water and mix until you have a sticky, shaggy dough.
- Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rise for 12-18 hours.
- Preheat the wood cook stove to 450°F (230°C).
- Place a Dutch oven inside the oven to preheat.
- When the oven and the Dutch oven are hot, carefully remove the Dutch oven and add the dough.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
Recipe 2: Wood Stove Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a cast iron pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and tomato sauce.
- Stir in the chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and let it simmer on the stove for at least 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
Recipe 3: Wood Stove Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sliced and peeled apples
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon to create a crumbly topping.
- Layer the sliced apples in a cast iron baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apples.
- Place the baking dish in the wood cook stove oven, preheated to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Cooking with a wood cook stove adds a touch of nostalgia and flavor to your meals. Whether you’re baking bread, simmering a pot of chili, or whipping up a delicious dessert, these wood cook stove recipes are a reminder of simpler times and the joy of traditional cooking methods. Enjoy!