Fort Hunter – Year of Building Construction

I was noticing how old the various buildings were in Fort Hunter when I was out there walking earlier today. Most of the them are from 1870-1910, dating back to the Schoharie Crossing. 

Seasoning a Dutch Oven

Seasoning a Dutch oven helps create a non-stick surface and prevents rust. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Clean the Dutch oven: Wash the Dutch oven with warm, soapy water to remove any factory residues or dirt. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely.

  2. Apply a thin layer of oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, or grapeseed oil. Apply a thin layer of oil to the entire surface of the Dutch oven, inside and out.

  3. Preheat the oven: Place the Dutch oven upside down in an oven preheated to around 300Β°F (150Β°C).

  4. Bake: Let the Dutch oven bake in the oven for about 1 to 2 hours. This process allows the oil to polymerize and create a non-stick coating.

  5. Cool and repeat: After baking, turn off the oven and let the Dutch oven cool inside. You can repeat the seasoning process 2-3 times for better results.Remember, seasoning is an ongoing process. The more you use and cook with your Dutch oven, the better the seasoning will become. Regular cooking with fats and oils will help maintain and improve its non-stick surface over time.