Dutch Oven alternative for campfire?
I am going camping shortly. I have done some dutch oven cooking before, and there is one recipe that I want to make that uses one. However, I do not have a dutch oven...
I am thinking of using two aluminum pans (the cheap foil ones) and aluminum on the top (several layers) to make a sort of dutch oven alternative.
Has anyone tried that? Does it work?
I am also thinking of putting some sand or water between the two pans to make it hold and transfer the heat a little more evenly. Anyone know if this will work?
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Another alternative is:
Dig a hole the size of a dutch oven
Fold a liner for the hole out of several layers of foil
Remove the foil liner
Put hot coals in the bottom of the hole
Put the foil liner over the coals
Add the food
Cover the food with foil
Add more coals on top if you need them
The earth around the foil liner holds heat much like the dutch oven pot would. Re-fill the hole when you are done, taking care to put the sod back intact, and the environmental impact is minimal.
While you can easily melt a foil pan over a hot campfire, yours will be filled with juicy peaches - so assuming you don't over-cook it, you should be safe. 40 minutes directly on the coals might be pushing it though - consider using a gridiron to control the heat by elevating the pan slightly, and stick around to keep an eye on things... Remember, dutch ovens are thick, heavy, and slow to transmit heat, and the recipes reflect this.
I would avoid doubling either the pan or the foil: you'll end up with an air gap between the two layers, which will likely just end up ruining the outer pan. Pay a little extra for the thicker "heavy-duty" foil and you should be fine.
Wet sand between two pans is an interesting idea... If you try it, report back!
My biggest worry here would be burning the peaches before they have a chance to release their juices (no slow warm-up with aluminum - you'll essentially be frying them). If you can elevate the pan, you should be fine; otherwise, consider macerating them first (if you have very ripe, juicy peaches, count your blessings and ignore this suggestion).
Finally, consider that Harbor Freight sells cast-iron dutch ovens for . The quality isn't stellar, and it's extra weight to lug around, but you'll probably end up with better food all the same.
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