The annual class for Dutch Oven cooks is on target for Autumn 2020. Organizer Rick Wilson announces that the class will be held on Saturday September 12, 2020 from 8am til 12 noon at it’s traditional location inside Heritage Park at 416 Jackson Street in Sulphur Springs. Masks will be worn and cooking sites will be set up on social distance guidelines.
Cost to sign up for the John Chester Dutch Oven Cooking Class is $15 person. The class will be taught by Wilson and by veteran outdoor cook Carlie Penson. You can attend the class individually or bring along a cooking partner. You will learn how to use the various dutch oven utensils and will learn how to manage the fire and cooking area, as well as fire safety measures. You will learn about the types of foods which can be prepared in Dutch Ovens, from breads to meats and vegetables to desserts. You will also learn how to regulate the heat on these ovens for the best cooking results. Although you can bring your own Dutch Oven cooking ware, there will be utensils available for you to use while you learn. Students will not need to bring any food items, as everything for the class will be provided. All the sites will prepare a few basic recipes, and a lunch will be spread from the foods which have been prepared during the class. Cost to enjoy the lunch is included in the $15 registration fee. Dress causal, as you will be cooking in an outdoor campsite environment. There will also be door prizes.
According to Wilson, if you have questions about Dutch Oven equipment which you own, you can ask him about this or bring photos to show him. The annual class was begun a number of years ago and has started many individuals off with this fascinating hobby. And, no one is ever too expert that they can’t learn something new or brush up on their cooking skills. During his lifetime, award-winning cook John Chester was a major influence on keeping the art of Dutch Oven cooking strong locally, because he practiced it year-round. He invited people from far and near to enjoy the cooking at his campsite, wherever he was set up, in Hopkins or in surrounding counties. Wilson began the John Chester Cooking Class after John passed away, and teaches this valuable ‘pioneer’ skill to all ages. To sign up or with questions, contact Rick Wilson at 903-335-2752 or Carlie Penson at 903-383-2648. Or you can mail your entry to Wilson at 140 Clayton Road, Sulphur Springs, Tx 75482.
