The number of coals used to heat a Dutch oven can be adjusted to obtain certain temperatures.
Placing the coals
If you are using a 12" Dutch oven with approximately 24 coals, use the following guidelines for positioning them for the cooking temperature you need:
To sauté, fry or boil: Spread all coals underneath the pot (12 to 16 coals may be enough).
To simmer or stew: Spread about 16 coals underneath the pot and 8 coals on the lid (⅔ bottom and ⅓ top). Allow the coals to burn for 1 to 1½ hours before replenishing.
To roast: Make a cooking ring with about 12 coals underneath the pot and 12 coals on the lid (½ bottom and ½ top). Replenish the coals after 30 to 45 minutes or as needed.
To bake: Make a cooking ring with about 8 coals underneath the pot and 16 coals on the lid (⅓ bottom and ⅔top). Replenish the coals after 30 to 45 minutes or as needed.
Camping Essentials
While camping, there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot something important at home, and it’s not always easy to run out to a nearby store to pick up what you need. To avoid
Personal/shelter basics
Safety/navigation basics
It’s always a good idea to prepare for a camping trip by starting with the most basic supplies listed here.
Camping Food Basics
Plan out your meals before you purchase all the food for your camping trip. Below is a basic list of other foods you might need while spending time in the great outdoors. Photocopy and print this list and add to it as needed.
Cooking necessities