A New Year's resolution ...

To be a better Christian in 2009, practice these two great two virtues of life ...

Patience and wisdom

Wisdom is said be the application of knowledge. We all know that a skunk will spray anyone who intrudes on his space. It's a wise dog who patiently waits for the skunk to finish eating.

Here's what the Epistle of James has to say:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:5-7).

and

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand (James 5:7-8).

Dinner on the backheard

The crew at the Pacific Coast Railroad in Santa Margarita, California, are at it again. This time they've produced a 21-minute video about cooking on the boiler backhead in one of their steam locomotives.

The YouTube.com link takes you to the 41-second introduction to the video. They posted the full-length video to Google Videos. View either one my clicking on the image below.

Railroad chef Jeff "Grumps" Badger cooks breakfast and much more to the sounds of steam as he grills on the backbead. Where else can you open a tri-cock and steam hot chocolate but in the cab of a locomotive?

"It's completely organic -- lots of, like, hydrocarbons burning as you cook," said Karell Reader from the commissary crew.

Enjoy the video. Who knows when you're going to need this information on the lost art of backhead cooking.

Surplus field feeding equipment on eBay

I occasionally receive email or comments that ask where the sender can locate U.S. Army surplus field feeding equipment. Since I joined eBay 10 years ago, I've always found that the on-line auction site to a good source of these items.

I found three interesting military food service equipment items while searching for an unrelated auction. I've purchased items from the seller, Coleman Military Surplus, LLC, 360 Klinger Road, Millersburg, Pennsylvania, 17061 (1-888-4-SURPLUS).

These items are pricey. The steamtable and griddle assemblies start at $399 each (with a $425 Buy it Now feature). The tent will set you back $795 (with $850 Buy it Now). And you have to drive to Millersburg, Pennsylvania, to pick up your winning bid. The seller has indicated that he won't ship.

The first two items carry the same description. I can't tell from the item description which burner unit is included with the bid, whether it's the M2A or the MBU. You'll have to contact the seller to answer that question.

Part of the MFK (Modular Field Kitchen) issued to all hospital units except the MASH. Designed to feed up to 250 people. Unit measures 54" x 24. Holds four 19" x 11" x 4" steaming trays(included) with lids. With the supplied base the top sits 36" off the floor. Two burner assemblies included that are currently set up to run off of gasoline, but can be converted to use propane.

Griddle Assembly

Steam Table Assembly

The third item is an M-1948 kitchen tent, which is a bear to set up. These tents were designed in the wake of World War II to shelter a company-sized field mess. The cooks could fit three M-1937 field ranges under the "stack" in the back of the tent.

M-1948 Kitchen Tent









Here's the description:

You are bidding on the complete kit for a M-1948 Military Issue Kitchen Tent. Brand new, originally designed for use as field kitchens. Everything is included in the crate including tent, poles and stakes. Tent is constructed with a raised roof section to dissipate heat from cooking. Makes an excellent camping tent because sidewalls of canvas may be rolled up, or raised outward to create a canopy while the screening protects occupants from insects! Outfitters, emergency units, festival promoters, whoever needs a great tent at a great price, this is a great deal! Overall dimensions 18 ft. long x 12 ft wide. Height at rear 12 ft., sides at rear 9 ft. Height at front 9 ft., sides at front 6 ft. Made of Olive Drab Cotton Duck fabric. This item cannot be shipped UPS. Please call or email for shipping quote. Crate size 28 1/2"H x 47 1/2"W x 97" L. Weight 670 lbs. US Government surplus.

Adding a chevron

I welcomed each advancement during my 29-year tour in the active and reserve Navy. I'm sure Petty Officer Thompson feels the same way ...

BAHRAIN (Dec. 25, 2008) -- Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs The Honorable H.C. "Barney" Barnum Jr. pins Petty Officer First Class insignia on Culinary Specialist 1st Class Karen Thompson during his visit to the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). Iwo Jima is deployed as the lead ship of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad R. Erdmann.

ACB-1 Seabees share holidays with San Diego Center for Children

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Morales, Amphibious Construction Battalion 1

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) (12/25/2008) -- Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 Seabees invited the San Diego Center for Children into ACB-1's chiefs mess to share a home cooked meal for the holidays on Dec. 23 at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

SDCC is San Diego's oldest non-profit organization, celebrating more than 121 years of service. Children and adolescents face many challenges: mental, emotional, or behavioral. SDCC helps them regain a healthy and normal life with family, friends, and school.

The ACB-1 first class mess gathered donations of $450 from the command to supply food and gifts for the holiday gathering.

"I just wanted to show these kids we care," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Kisha L. Jacobi, vice president of the ACB-1 first class mess.

Many ACB-1 Seabees took time out of their normal duties to participate in making this holiday gathering a success.

"This time of year, it is better to give than receive," said Engineering Aide 2nd Class Salvador Hernandez, ACB-1 assistant Seabee Combat Warfare coordinator. Salvador provided an enchilada dish and assisted in arranging other dishes to form a buffet style serving line.

Prior to eating, ACB-1 Seabees, friends, family and SDCC bowed their heads in prayer as Chaplain Joseph Roach led everyone in prayer.

The holiday gathering also provided a home cooked meal to ACB-1 single Seabees far away from home.

They feasted on turkey, mashed potatoes, candy yams, sweet potatoes, corn, chips, dip and much more.

"It's priceless to see a smile on everyone's faces, especially during this time of the year," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Jugdeep Kingra, from San Fernando Valley, Calif. Like Salvador and many other ACB-1 Seabees, Jugdeep helped setting up food, chairs, and plates.

SDCC children and adolescents enjoyed the holiday meal and gifts provided by ACB-1.

"It's a great opportunity for them [SDCC children and adolescents] to get to meet new people and positive role models," said Allison Christian, a native San Diegan child care provider working with SDCC.

After the meal, Seabees continued to play with many of the younger children in various games.

Merry Christmas

Here's Merry Christmas from the 'Round the Chuckbox family ...

I'm sitting in my mother-in-law's easy chair, watching Fox News, checking in on my favorite blogs. Until a minute ago, my granddaughter and I were the only ones up.

As with Thanksgiving, someone else will take center stage in the kitchen today. This afternoon my sister will host Christmas dinner in her Bay Area home. We'll enjoy the fellowship of my mother and family, including all our grandchildren.

I set a sponge for Dutch oven French bread last night. I'll form the dough sometime this later morning and bake the bread for dinner. I'm using the recipe that I posted last week.

As we prepare for the day's activities, please take a minute to reflect on the true meaning of Jesus Christ. One of my favorite scriptures brings a message of humility to Christians. It comes from Paul's Epistle to the Phillipians, which he wrote from a jail cell in Rome.

The apostle Paul admonishes the Philippians to display the same attitude as Christ Jesus. As we live our lives, Jesus' example of humility (He "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men") and obedience (He "became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross") should always be on our mind.

With that in mind, here's the passage:

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:1-11).

Revised Dutch oven cookoffs for Northern California, Southern Oregon and Western Nevada

Here's a list of Dutch oven cookoffs in Northern California for 2009. Don Mason, who chairs several of these events, assembled the list. Originally intended to broadcast cookoffs in the north state, Don has expanded it to include events in Southern Oregon and Western Nevada.

Check with the contact person for applications, rules and maps and to make sure dates and times are correct.

January

Winter Camp Cookoff
January 17, 2009 at the Colusa County Fairgrounds, Colusa, California
Contact: Vicky Stegall, 530-458-8009.
It can be cold, hot, foggy, windy and rainy; that's why we call it Winter Camp

International Sportsman's Exposition
January 15-18, 2009 at Cal Expo State Fairgrounds, Sacramento, California
January 17: ISE/IDOS Dutch Oven Cookoff
Contact: Gary House, 209-480-8406, CCDOA@sbcglobal.net or Central California Dutch Oven Adventures

February

None scheduled

March

Nor–Cal Boat, Sport and RV Show
March 6-, 2009 at the Shasta District Fairgrounds, Anderson, California
March 6: Iron chef cookoff
March 7: Dutch oven cookoff
March 8: Barbecue cookoff. Shasta County Fairgrounds
Contact: Lynn Gilliss, 530-365-1381 or mail@norcalsportshow.com
Space is limited, so enter early

April

Colusa Western Days Dutch Oven Cookoff
April 4, 2009 at the Colusa County Fairgrounds, Colusa, California
Contact: Colusa Chamber of Commerce, 530-548-5525
The oldest Dutch oven cookoff in Northern California; rib cookoff on Sunday, April 5

May

Butte Creek Mill Dutch Oven Cookoff
May 2, 2009 at Eagle Point, Oregon
Contact: Peter Hambly 541-608-0289
This is a tentative date, we will keep you posted; a fun place to have a cookoff

6th Annual Cook’en in the Park Dutch Oven Cook-off and National Canoe and Kayak Races
May 16, 2009 at River Park' Red Bluff, California
Contact: Don Mason, 530-527-1027 or dmason50@att.net or Parks and Rec., 530-527-8177 Lots going on with a cookoff, craft fair and races

Rhubarb Festival
May 30, 2009 at L&S Gardens, La Pine Oregon
Contact Linda Stephenson 541-536-2049 or lsgarden@uci.net
Come and cook your favorite Dutch oven recipe for rhubarb

June

Pioneer Day and Dutch Oven Cookoff
June 6, 2009 at the Crook Museum fund raiser, Fall River Mills, California
Contact: Jim Geiger, 530-873-4863 or JimsAdventures@aol.com
Enjoy the High Desert of Northeastern California

Carson City Rendezvous
June 12, 13 & 14, 2009. Carson City, Nevada
June 13: Dutch oven gathering.
June 14: Dutch oven cookoff
Contacts: David Herzog, 925-784-1843 or norcaldutchovendave@yahoo.com or Maxine Nietz, 775-887-1294
Dave can e-mail you application, rules and camping information

Stirling City Founders Day and Dutch Oven Cook-off
June 20, 2009 at Stirling City, California
Contact: Jim Geiger, 530-873-4863 or JimsAdventures@aol.com
Emphasis on logging heritage

Stirling City Founders Day and Dutch Oven Cookoff
June 20, 2009 in Stirling City, California
Contact: Jim Geiger 530-873-4863 or JimsAdventures@aol.com
Emphasis on logging heritage.

July

Oregon’s 150th Birthday Celebration and Frontier Days
July 4, 2009 in La Pine, Oregon
Contact: Linda Stephenson 541-536-2049 or lsgarden@uci.net
Come and demonstrate your Dutch oven cooking skills and celebrate Oregon’s 150th birthday

Prairie Challenge Cookoff
July 3-6, 2009 in La Pine, Oregon
July 4: IDOS format, 3 pot cookoff
Contact: Linda Stephenson 541-536-2049 or lsgarden@uci.net


August

Olive Festival and Dutch Oven Cookoff
August 22, 2009 at Corning, California
Contact: Corning Chamber of Commerce, 530-824-5550 or chamber@sbcglobal.net or Don Mason, 530-527-1027 or dmason50@att.net
Olives, olives and lots more

September

None scheduled

October

Fortuna Apple Festival and Dutch Oven Cookoff
October 3, 2009 at Rohnert Park Fortuna, California
Contact: Marvin Rutledge, 707-764-3547 or Fortuna Parks and Recreation, 707-725-7620 or park@ci.fortuna.ca.us
Lots to do and get your winter apples too

Trinity County Historical Society Dutch Oven Cookoff
October 17, 2009 at the Trinity County Museum, Weaverville, California
Contact: George Chapman, 530-410-8013 or digginbar@juno.com
More events, salmon festival and blacksmithing

November

None scheduled

December

None scheduled

Stacked Dutch

Blog No. 24 brings some cast iron art ...

Since I didn't bring the firepan Saturday, I needed a platform to keep the Dutch ovens off the wet ground. The nice thing about working around a railroad engine house is the nearby iron rack.

I laid five iron straps on the frame of the Diamond and Caldor flatcar. They made a good Dutch oven table. As you can see, the 1/4- by 4-inch-thick straps provided a sturdy platform for three 14-inch Dutch ovens.

On a side note: The first thing I do after I unload my equipment is to boil a pot of water. I hold the water inside the Army surplus insulated beverage container. It gives me a ready supply of hot water for hand and dishwashing.

I call 'em hotcakes!

We've got hotcakes my 23rd post of the month ...

NORFOLK, Va. (Dec. 10, 2008) -- Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Henry Kennedy, from Opelousas, La., prepares eggs as pancakes cook on the grill aboard the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753). Albany recently returned from a scheduled deployment.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Xander Gamble.

Real railroaders eat quiche

Yes they do! And in case they don't, just serve biscuits and gravy too. Blog No. 22 shows you how to bake the quintessential egg pie ...

To quote a popular cliche: "Real railroaders eat quiche."

I approached the menu for the annual Christmas working breakfast at the El Dorado Western Railway this week with a bit of uncertainty. On one hand, my experience with the crew told me not to worry. They've eaten every dish that I've handed to them in the past three years.

But I was still concerned. I found the recipe for the creamy Southwestern quiche on the Growlies Recipe Exchange and Party Planning Board website. A reader wrote:

I have a question about this recipe which I made recently. First of all, it wasn't done in 30 mins at 350 so I stuck it back in the oven for 20 more mins at 400.... Then it came out fine. However, I would like to know the best way to handle this for future reference. The recipe is excellent and I think it's the best brunch recipe I've ever made. But I don't want to overcook it because it could get dry.

I quickly found the recipe on the Growlies for Groups website. Since the recipe looked promising, told her that I'd bake a pie Thursday evening, which I did.

A search of comparable recipes on the Internet told me her problem was timing. The pie needed 15 to 20 additional minutes in the oven.

Then I found the identical recipe on a travel website. The site attributed the quiche, called cheese and egg brunch pie, to the 1890 Williams House, a bed and breakfast inn in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

After testing the recipe Thursday for dinner, I agreed the Growlies reader. The creamy, smooth texture of the quiche will please any railroader, this one included.

I served the quiche with grilled sausage links and biscuits. To be safe, I added sausage gravy at the last minute.

The gravy turned out to be a wise addition to the menu as I dropped one of the two quiches that I baked. The crew enjoyed the gravy, and it stood in for the ruined quiche.

And, for the record, they enjoyed the remaining quiches as well.

SOUTHWESTERN QUICHE

In the outdoors, bake the quiche in the pie pan inside a 12- or 14-inch Dutch oven. Add coals for 350 to 400 degrees.

5 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces cottage cheese
1 (4-ounce) can green chili peppers
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese (2 cups)
1 (9-inch) pie shell, unbaked

Combine eggs, flour, cottage cheese and chili peppers in a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Stir in butter, baking powder and cheese.

Pour filling into pie shell. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 350 degrees, and bake 20 to 25 minutes until set. Let rest 10 minutes.

Cut each pie into 6 or 8 wedges, as desired. Serve with spicy yogurt sauce (recipe follows).

SPICY YOGURT SAUCE

Adjust cayenne pepper to taste.

1 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch cayenne pepper
Juice of 1 lime

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate. Makes 1-1/4 cups.

Season's greetings from Cee Dub's

We last heard from Cee Dub in June. So, after a summer and fall filled with challenges, blog No. 21, brings you his latest message ...

Season's Greetings from from Cee Dub

Howdy,

It's been way too long since I sat down and sent a newsletter. Some of you may even think we dropped off the end of the earth. But ... I'm not telling any of you something new when I say 2008 has been a most different and sometimes difficult year!

The skyrocketing price of fuel caused Pen and me to severely curtail our 2008 travel schedule and like many other companies, we saw our sales drop along with the economy. When offered to us, we took the day job of managing Las Piedras Ranch. To make matters worse my mother suffered a bad fall this last summer which required surgery and included three months of therapy/rehab. She is now doing great though. On the bright side of 2008, we've been healthy, and our fifth grandchild, Maggie, was born in September.

As a result this new cookbook, which has been in progress much longer than we projected, is now at the printers with an early January delivery date. Of course we wanted this new cookbook in time for Christmas but it didn't work out.

So, as we look forward to our new cookbook and a New Year we want to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our friends.

A New Book and 2009 Clinic Schedule

Most people think writing a fifth cookbook would be easier than writing one's first book. In one aspect that is correct, but there is an added burden of making a new book better. Since we first started the project, "writers block" reared its head on several occasions and although it took longer than we thought, we believe the results are worth the wait. Twelve years and a hundred thousand plus books later, we get as excited as first time expectant parents every time we send a new book to press.

Highlights of the new cookbook include more recipes than any of our earlier books, an updated section on sourdough, a section on how to make your own homemade sausage, and a special section on "Hill Billy Cookin'." Of course, there are some stories, too.

A theme we emphasized in the book relates directly to the title, "GATHER 'ROUND THE TABLE..."! As life becomes more hectic with every new technological invention, we hope folks will relate to our belief that time spent around a table sharing good food with friends and family trumps many of the concerns that make life not so simple anymore. And, that times spent together are what make special memories for years to come!

When you visit the website, make sure to check out the "Clinic Page". Currently we've scheduled a couple of two-day Dutch oven clinics, and we will again have our Five Day Ranch Clinic here at Las Piedras Ranch. It's not too late to get your favorite camp cook a spot in a Cee Dub's clinic for Christmas. Al will print up a certificate to put under the Christmas tree!

Making homemade sausage at some of our demonstrations the last couple of years generated a lot of interest. So, if enough folks are interested, we will schedule an additional clinic devoted to making sausage and homemade sauerkraut. Drop an e-mail to ceedub@ceedubs.com and we'll get it on the schedule as well.

Check Out Our New Book

As I write this newsletter the sun is just breaking over the ridge top and ground fog is starting to burn away. With just enough breeze to gently turn the windmill out in the yard, its my guess that today is going to be a great one. I'm hoping for all of us that 2009 starts and finishes just like today.

As 2008 draws to a close it's our hope that all who read this are healthy, happy, and looking forward to the New Year as are we!

Our Very Best to You and Yours this Holiday Season

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Cee Dub, Penny and Al

Dutch oven cookoffs for Northern California, Southern Oregon and Western Nevada

Here's a list of Dutch oven cookoffs in Northern California for 2009. Don Mason, who chairs several of these events, assembled the list. Originally intended to broadcast cookoffs in the north state, Don has expanded it to include events in Southern Oregon and Western Nevada.

Check with the contact person for applications, rules and maps and to make sure dates and times are correct.

January

Winter Camp Cookoff
January 17, 2009 at the Colusa County Fairgrounds, Colusa, California
Contact: Vicky Stegall, 530-458-8009.
It can be cold, hot, foggy, windy and rainy; that's why we call it Winter Camp

International Sportsman's Exposition
January 15-18, 2009 at Cal Expo State Fairgrounds, Sacramento, California
January 17: ISE/IDOS Dutch Oven Cookoff
Contact: Gary House, 209-480-8406, CCDOA@sbcglobal.net or Central California Dutch Oven Adventures

February

None scheduled

March

Nor–Cal Boat, Sport and RV Show
March 6-8, 2009 at the Shasta District Fairgrounds, Anderson, California
March 6: Iron chef cookoff
March 7: Dutch oven cookoff
March 8: Barbecue cookoff. Shasta County Fairgrounds
Contact: Lynn Gilliss, 530-365-1381 or mail@norcalsportshow.com
Space is limited, so enter early

April

Colusa Western Days Dutch Oven Cookoff
April 4, 2009 at the Colusa County Fairgrounds, Colusa, California
Contact: Colusa Chamber of Commerce, 530-548-5525
The oldest Dutch oven cookoff in Northern California; rib cookoff on Sunday, April 5

May

Butte Creek Mill Dutch Oven Cookoff
May 2, 2009 at Eagle Point, Oregon
Contact: Peter Hambly 541-608-0289
This is a tentative date, we will keep you posted; a fun place to have a cookoff

6th Annual Cook’en in the Park Dutch Oven Cook-off and National Canoe and Kayak Races
May 16, 2009 at River Park' Red Bluff, California
Contact: Don Mason, 530-527-1027 or dmason50@att.net or Parks and Rec., 530-527-8177 Lots going on with a cookoff, craft fair and races

June

Pioneer Day and Dutch Oven Cookoff
June 6, 2009 at the Crook Museum fund raiser, Fall River Mills, California
Contact: Jim Geiger, 530-873-4863 or JimsAdventures@aol.com
Enjoy the High Desert of Northeastern California

Carson City Rendezvous
June 12, 13 & 14, 2009. Carson City, Nevada
June 13: Dutch oven gathering.
June 14: Dutch oven cookoff
Contacts: David Herzog, 925-784-1843 or norcaldutchovendave@yahoo.com or Maxine Nietz, 775-887-1294
Dave can e-mail you application, rules and camping information

NEW Stirling City Founders Day and Dutch Oven Cook-off
June 20, 2009 at Stirling City, California
Contact: Jim Geiger, 530-873-4863 or JimsAdventures@aol.com
Emphasis on logging heritage

July

None scheduled

August

Olive Festival and Dutch Oven Cookoff
August 22, 2009 at Corning, California
Contact: Corning Chamber of Commerce, 530-824-5550 or chamber@sbcglobal.net or Don Mason, 530-527-1027 or dmason50@att.net
Olives, olives and lots more

September

None scheduled

October

Fortuna Apple Festival and Dutch Oven Cookoff
October 3, 2009 at Rohnert Park Fortuna, California
Contact: Marvin Rutledge, 707-764-3547 or Fortuna Parks and Recreation, 707-725-7620 or park@ci.fortuna.ca.us
Lots to do and get your winter apples too

Trinity County Historical Society Dutch Oven Cookoff
October 17, 2009 at the Trinity County Museum, Weaverville, California
Contact: George Chapman, 530-410-8013 or digginbar@juno.com
More events, salmon festival and blacksmithing

November

None scheduled

December

None scheduled

Winter Camp Cookoff application

Now that you understand the rules, you have one more step. I've posted the application to the Colusa Winter Camp Cookoff in blog No. 19 ...

Winter Camp Cookoff rules

It's time to get the rules straight in blog No. 18 ...

SACRAMENTO RIVER CAST IRON COOKERS

Winter Camp Cookoff

Contestant Cooking Rules

1. Cook great food and have lots of fun.
2. Enter 1, 2 or 3 categories of your choice.
3. Teams may consist of 1 to 4 members.
4. Teams provide all ingredients, and cooking utensils.
5. Please use good health practices. Ice chests are recommended. Keep cold food cold and hot foods hot.
6. You must use charcoal briquettes and all fires must be least 12 inches off the ground.
7. All foods must be totally prepared and cooked on site using Dutch ovens as the primary cooking utensil. Sourdough starters are exempt from this rule.
8. The use of battery or electric appliances is not allowed.
9. The use of home processed foods or wild game is not allowed.
10. Gas or propane stove is only allowed to heat water for good hygiene and safe food practices. A fire extinguisher should be present for the gas and propane stove.

Click here for more information on the Winter Camp Cookoff.

Dutch oven French bread

Blog No. 17 brings you the French bread recipe that I baked for the El Dorado Western Railway Christmas social ...

This recipe uses the straight dough method where the ingredients are scaled and mixed in one step. You can use the sponge dough method to develop a more complex flavor-texture profile.

A sponge dough is produced in two steps. The yeast is first mixed with all or part of the liquid and part of the flour.

After mixing into a thick batter, the dough is allowed to ferment until double in bulk, often overnight. The remaining ingredients are mixed into the sponge. The remaining steps follow the recipe.

DUTCH OVEN FRENCH BREAD

This recipe makes a 5-pound dough. If desired, divide dough into three 1-pound 10-1/2-ounce portions. Form a traditional loaf by starting with longer side, roll up tightly, pressing dough into roll with each turn. Pinch edges and ends to seal.

Place on greased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal and proof until double in size. Bake in a 425-deg. oven for 25-30 minutes until brown. Spray or brush loaf with cold water several times during baking for a crisp crust.

8/10 ounces active-dry yeast
1 pound warm water (110-deg. F.)
1 ounce granulated sugar
13 ounces warm water
1 ounce shortening
8/10 ounce salt
3 pounds bread flour

Combine yeast, 1-pound water and sugar in a 10-quart mixer bowl. Stir to dissolve yeast. Let stand 10 minutes.

Add 13 ounces warm water, shortening and salt to yeast mixture. Mix until blended, using dough hook. Add flour and mix on low speed to blend. Increase mixer speed to medium and knead for 7-10 minutes, or until the dough feels smooth and is elastic.

Let dough ferment in warm place for about 2 hours, or until double in bulk. Punch down dough by pulling the dough up on all sides, folding over the center and pressing down, then turning over in the bowl.

Divide into five portions, 16 ounces each. On lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a ball. Place in a 8-quart Dutch oven sprinkled with cornmeal. Proof until double in bulk. With sharp knife, make two or three diagonal slashes across top of loaf.

Evenly pour 1/4-cup water over rounds. Cover and bake at 450-deg. for 15 minutes. Reduce oven to 350-deg. for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.

Makes 5 loaves.

Lessons from First Samuel

Blog No. 16 turns to a topic close to my heart ...

The book of First Samuel never ceases to amaze me. It contrasts King Saul’s rejection of God with David’s constant drive to align himself with God’s rule his life.

While David’s failures standout in 2 Samuel -- like adultery with Bathsheba and her husband’s murder in chapters 11 and 12 -- his life was marked by willingness to constantly repent and turn his life back to God.

From David’s first encounter with the Philistines in chapter 17, it’s evident that he honored God in every aspect of his life. David recognized that God would give him victory against the Philistine giant:

Moreover David said, “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

David knew (through faith) that God would give him victory, even though he was up against Goliath. Saul, in his lack of faith, reasoned that David wouldn’t be ”able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33).

The sad truth of the story is God’s rejection of Saul in chapter 15, a direct result of his rejection of God’s word (1 Samuel 23, 26). Although Saul often expressed remorse for his sinful ways, he never really repented. Saul spent must of his time on the throne serving him own desires instead of seeking God’s desires.

It was this Old Testament account that impressed me last October as I prepared for our Wednesday night Bible class. I read the last 13 chapters book in one setting on the bus home.

It’s as if I had never read the story of Saul and David, united Israel’s first and second kings. It was like God’s words were new and I was reading them for the first time.

The story of Saul’s pursuit of David excites you when you read of the time David secretly cut off the corner of Saul’s rode in the cave (1 Samuel 24:1-7). Despite encouragement from his soldiers, David restrained himself from killing Saul, a man David recognized as his master and the Lord’s anointed.

The book invokes great sadness when you read of Saul’s misplaced allegiance to himself and his earthly desires. He spent many years chasing David throughout Israel instead obeying God and following His law. Saul’s clandestine visit to a medium on the day before his death characterized his failure to call on God in times of trouble (1 Samuel 28:7-19).

First Samuel also causes great contemplation in the reader. David’s faith during those years and into his 40-year reign over Israel and Judah. After all, it’s David who's included in this great statement of the Hebrew writer:

... who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (Hebrews 11:33-34).

So, read through the book. It's much more than endless stories of an ancient kingdom. Woven into the battle between Israel and the Philistines are the reactions of two kings. One king who honored God in his life, and the other one that rejected Him.

Marin County waterfall?

Marin County waterfall?
Originally uploaded by SeabeeCook

No. 15 is a picture from my past, taken 86 uears ago ...

My grandfather, Bennett Karoly, took this photograph of a waterfall on June 4, 1922.

I don't know the location, but suspect it is a Marin County waterfall in Northern California. My grandfather often took his two sons fishing in the creeks and rivers in the north part of the county.

Bruschetta with roasted tomatoes

My 780th blog of all time propels us past my 2006 record of 181 blog posts. Enjoy this simple appetizer recipe as you read blog No. 14 for December ...

This dish was originally intended for the annual progressive potluck at work. Since I work on the sixth floor, my office is always charged with bringing an appetizer to the event.

Instead, the managers took the crew to the Spaghetti Factory for an appreciation lunch. I placed my roasted tomato topping for bruschetta in the refrigerator and set it out for lunch the next day.

BRUSCHETTA WITH ROASTED TOMATOES

8 Roma tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick
4 fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 (16-ounce) baguette

Oil a 13- by 18-inch sheet pan with olive oil. Place sliced tomatoes on sheet pan in a single layer. Roast in a 400 degrees oven soft but still firm, about 10 minutes. Cool briefly. Remove and discard tomato skins. Turn oven to 450 degrees.

Dice tomatoes and place in a medium bowl. Add basil, parsley, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Gently combine with a spoon. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Slice baguette on a diagonal into 1/2-inch thick slices. Coat one side of each slice with olive oil using a pastry brush. Place on a 13- by 18-inch sheet pan, olive oil side down. Bake bread slices on top rack until bread just begins to turn golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.

Prepare bruschetta just before serving. Spoon 2 teaspoons tomato mixture on each slice of bread. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Makes 2 cups tomato topping and 24 slices bread.

Seagoing copper king

I know that I've talked about my love for the coppers in past posts. Blog No. 13 brings back memories ...

GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 27, 2008) -- Culinary Specialist Seaman Freddie Green prepares collard greens for the crew's Thanksgiving dinner aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61). The Ticonderoga class cruiser and Carrier Strike Group 2 are on deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility and are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Snyder.

Winter Camp Cookoff

Here a bonus blog, my 12th of the month ...

The 7th Annual Winter Camp Dutch Oven Cookoff will take place in Colusa, California, on Saturday, January 17, 2008. I watched the event, which is set up under a large barn-like fairground shelter, in 2004 and cooked in 2005 with my son.

Unlike the picture, the ground won't be covered in snow. But the heavy fog, wet drizzle and bone chilling wind is promised. Several fire pits lined down the center of the pavilion will warm the body. Your job is to warm the soul with great tasting vittles!

Flag mess

Since 1975, when the Navy combined the commissaryman and steward ratings, culinary specialists have provided food service to the general, CPO, wardroom, cabin and flag messes aboard ship. Enjoy blog No. 11 ...

GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 28, 2008) -- Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Jamie Scrubb, assigned to Carrier Strike Group 2, positions a place setting in the flag mess aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing 8 are on deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, and are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Remus Borisov.

Cloverleaf rolls ...

Navy photographers were busing Thanksgiving week. Here's tribute to the seagoing cooks and bakers of the U.S. Navy in blog No. 10 and following ...

PERSIAN GULF (Nov. 27, 2008) -- Culinary Specialist 1st Class Wayne Napples prepares Thanksgiving dinner aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Carter Hall is deployed with the Iwo Jima Strike Group in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Flordeliz Valerio.

How do you spell c-l-a-u-s-t-r-o-p-h-o-b-i-a?

If blog No. 9 makes you feel a bit claustrophobic, it should. I can tell you from personal experience that it's not fun living in a gas mask for hours at a time.

This is the first of four days of U.S. Navy photos of the seagoing cooks at work ...

PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 3, 2008) -- Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class Amanda Rampulla, from Wapakoneta, Ohio, helps Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Vaughn Green, from Mesa, Ariz., drink water through a MCU-2P gas mask during a general quarters drill aboard the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Charles Oki.

Alton Brown's baked meatballs

We're cookin' again for Blog No. 8 ...

Alton Brown's baked meatballs is one of those rare recipes that needed little modification. Understand that I don't usually modify a recipe to correct flaws, but to convert to a large quantity format or to Dutch ovens.

I prepared a double recipe Friday afternoon for the annual Christmas social of the El Dorado Western Railway Foundation. I weighted meat to ensure that I was working with AB's portions. And since I could only find 8/10th-pound ground lamb at the supermarket, I compensated with additional ground round.

Only one modification seemed in order. AB bakes his meatballs in a mini-muffin pan to ensure "even distribution" in the pan.

According the GoodEatsFanPage.com transcript:

This means that we will have even and rapid heating. But the real secret to this method is in making sure that the meatballs are just a little bit bigger than the cups. That way, they'll actually be suspended above the bottoms, okay? That means that they will keep their nice round shape, and any moisture will run off into the bottom of the cups, away from the orbs.("Great Balls of Meat" episode, Good Eats.)

Okay, AB. First, I don't have any mini-miffin tins. Not do I intend to buy something that I won't use. My only option was to use a baking sheet.

A standard half-sized sheet pan (13- by 18-inch) worked just fine for me. Since the meatballs didn't exude an excessive amount of fat and moisture, I don't see this as an issue.

BAKED MEATBALLS

I used a No. 24 disher to scoop out the meatballs. A lightly-packed scoop will give you a meatball that weighs

1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground lamb
1/2 pound ground round
5 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained thoroughly
1/2 cup finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1 whole egg
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumb, divided

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine pork, lamb, ground round, spinach, cheese, egg, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, red pepper flakes and 1/4 cup of bread crumbs. Using hands, mix all ingredients until well incorporated, but do not overmix or meatballs will be tough. Refrigerate overnight.

Place remaining 1/4 cup of bread in a small bowl. Weigh meatballs into 1.5-ounce portions and place on a sheet pan. Using hands, shape meatballs into rounds, roll in bread crumbs and place balls on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

The recipe makes 20 meatballs. Three meatballs per person leaves 2 extra for the cook!

Back fence photography

Blog No. 7 brings you a "not good" moment ...

At about 8:30 this morning, this sedan roared up the street behind our house, spun around and landed in the ditch. The driver jumped out of the car and ran off to get help.

Fifteen minutes later the car was gone. Skid marks on the pavement make it appear that the driver saw something, hit the brakes and lost control.

Engine 49 departs ...

DSP E49 departs ...
Originally uploaded by SeabeeCook

I was a "kid in a candy store" last night! I got to eat, enjoy friends and watch fire trucks all in the same evening.

You'll have to watch quickly as the fire engine is leaving the station in Blog No. 6 ...

Engine 49 answers a medical aid call toward the end of last night's annual Christmas social of the El Dorado Western Railway Foundation. For several years, the Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District graciously allowed us to use one of their spacious rooms at Station 49 for the party.

This year's venue overlooked the equipment bay. The photo came out a filtered on the left side since I was shooting through a window.

It's interesting that the fire fighters monitor the El Dorado command radio net in the bathroom that's adjacient to the conference room. That helped me time the shot.

The only problem was that I didn't have my remote in my hand. It was in my camera bag on the other side of the room.

To avoid loosing the shot, I used the 10-second camera delay, which made timing the picture a bit tricky. It took two shots to get this one.

Annual Christmas social

I'm baking a Dutch oven loaf of French bread and baked meatballs with pasta and sauce for tonight's Christmas social. You'll have to wait for pictures and recipes. In the meantime, enjoy blog No. 5 ...

Annual Christmas social
Originally uploaded by SeabeeCook

It's once again time for the annual El Dorado Western Railway Foundation Christmas social.

We decorated this the room morning and will gather this evening in the board room of the Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District at Station 49.

We have an evening of good food planned. Keith and I will recognize the volunteers and present a slide show of this year's accomplishments.

This has been a good year with the recent speeder car tour of the old Southern Pacific right-of-way and significant progress on the Diamond and Caldor No. 4 Shay locomotive.

Menu for chili party

Pairing side dishes with a nice, hot bowl of chili is the topic of blog No. 4 ...

I answered this message over at the Growlies Recipe Exchange and Party Planning Board yesterday:

I just got assigned to do the menu/food for Christmas dinner for 350 people. I have decided to have chili/chili beans. Now, what goes with that? Green salad? Yikes. Help, please!

While suppose there's no limit to chili partners, I like to limit side dishes to those that complement chili's bold (and sometimes rough) character.

My menu relies on sides that help cool the harsh bite from the hot chili peppers. Everyone knows that a dollop of sour cream will tame those out-of-control capsicums. The musty blue cheese in the roasted corn salad and a creamy cucumber and tomato salad has the same effect.

Tradition plays an equally important role in matching sides to a hot dish of chili. Who doesn't look forward to a nice bite of cornbread with each spoonful of chili? So, why not bake the quick bread in a rustic cast iron skillet or Dutch oven?

Round the menu with a complete line-up of condements and those ever-present torilla chips and guacamole and you have the makings for a well-rounded chili party.

Here's my menu:

• Cornbread baked in cast iron skillets or Dutch ovens
• Roasted corn and jalapeno salad with blue cheese
• Creamy cucumber and tomato salad
• Classic guacamole with tortilla chips
• All the condiments: sour cream, grated cheeses, chopped onions, chopped chili peppers, salsa, chopped cilantro, etc.

Back to the tracks

Lantern
Originally uploaded by SeabeeCook

I offer blog No. 3 as I finish the fall issue of The Dispatch (the El Dorado Western Railway newsletter) and prepare for our annual holiday social this Friday ...

Last month, the El Dorado Western Railway hosted rides on the county museum's track inspection car on the former Southern Pacific Placerville Branch in El Dorado, between El Dorado and Blanchard roads.

The ride gave us a chance to tell key people and organizations of our plans to build a railroad park and demonstration railroad on the site of the old SP railroad depot at El Dorado.

I'll post a picture of the Camino, Placerville and Lake Tahoe track inspection car tomorrow.

Cousins and a friend ...

Here's my second installment ... and with it, I inch ahead of last years dismal showing of 170 blog posts.

Cousins -- and the boyfriend of a niece -- get a few chuckle as they browse through mom and dad's 50th anniversary scrapbook on Thanksgiving Day.

Camp cooking school

As I did last December, I'm going to attempt to post one blog per day. A note and YouTube video on a camp cooking school in Montana is a fitting place to start ...

I last wrote about the Royal Tine Camp Cooking School in Philipsburg, Montana, on April 30, 2006. At the time, all I was only able to direct you to their website.

It seems I missed the June 2006 airing of "Fantasy Food Camps." The Food Network featured five-day camp cooking course at the school.

The show's producer described the show:

Follow four lifelong friends from the city as they head to the picturesque backcountry at Montana Cooking Camp. There, they’ll spend five days learning the tricks of the trade for making meals… all without electricity or other typical kitchen conveniences.

Other segments of the show featured a BBQ camp in the Texas Hill Country.



According to Royal Tine's website, they teach camp cooking in four-day and two-week courses. The courses cost $800 and $1,700, respectively. Prices seem competitive considering the hands-on approach to instruction and the course content.

The website does talk about four- and five-week courses, which are geared to desiring to become professional outdoor camp cooks. These may be older courses. The school will assist with job placement when you take the longer classes, including the two-week course.

Check the camp cook forum for recipes and how-to information.