Dutch ovens are awesome kitchen equipment that can be used in many ways. Whether camping, cooking over an open fire, or just trying to get the most out of your outdoor space, the popular Dutch ovens offer many possibilities.
Le Creuset’s stylish Dutch Ovens serve well beyond their intended purpose and can help you spice up your kitchen decor. Here are seven creative ways to use a Dutch Oven.
1. Using a Dutch oven as a Pitcher
A Dutch oven can serve drinks as a unique and attractive pitcher. Fill it with your beverage of choice and serve.
You can also decorate the outside of the pitcher with etching or paint. For an added touch, freeze fruit or herbs in ice cubes and add them to your drink. The other option is to float paper flowers on top of the liquid inside the pitcher.
In addition, use some scrap material from a t-shirt or sweater to make sleeves around the outside so that you can pour the liquid out of the top and into glasses without spilling any contents.
2. Using Dutch Oven as Kitchen Decor
Your Dutch oven can be used as kitchen decor in various ways.
A Dutch oven is a heavy cookware, so it’s not the best for hanging from a pot rack. However, if you have a sturdy pot rack, you can use your Dutch oven to decorate your kitchen.
Hang the Dutch oven at eye level and place it where there is enough space between the wall and the pot rack for people to walk around easily. You may also want to avoid cooking or baking with this Dutch oven since hanging anything on a shelf will inevitably cause wear and tear over time.
If you hang your Dutch oven outside on a porch or deck for decoration, ensure it is away from potential hazards like a fire pit.
When decorating with an old rustic chic look, you may also want to invest in other vintage kitchen utensils, such as an old hand mixer that has seen better days but makes for great decorations by its lonesome. If your windows are high and large enough, try placing them up there for quick views when someone walks by. They’re great-looking pieces that no one ever sees except the owners.
3. Using a Dutch oven as a Flower Vase
You can use your Dutch oven as a flower vase! Fill it with water and arrange your flowers. For extra decoration, add rocks or marbles to the bottom. Be sure to change the water daily to keep your flowers fresh.
If you want to remove the plants from the oven, be careful not to damage them or their roots.
4. Using Dutch Oven as a Cooler
Do you have a big event and need a way to keep your food and drinks cold? A Dutch oven can come in handy! Just fill it with ice and place your food and drinks inside. The thick walls of the Dutch oven will keep everything cold for hours.
It’s also perfect for camping trips, tailgating parties, or picnics where you want to transport things easily.
5. As Cold Storage for Desserts
When it comes to dessert, there’s nothing quite like a good pie or cake. But what do you do when you don’t have any space left in your fridge? That’s where a Dutch oven comes in handy.
Place your dessert in the pot and put it in the coldest part of your kitchen. The next day, you’ll have a delicious and chilled treat. If you’re not planning on eating it right away, cover the top with plastic wrap and store it in the freezer.
6. Using Dutch Oven as Bold Serveware
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Then, find a delicious recipe you want to make in your Dutch oven.
Once you have your recipe, gather the ingredients and place them in the pot. Now it’s time to get cooking! Place the lid on the pot and let it do its thing.
After the food is cooked, remove the lid and use a spoon or ladle to serve it directly into bowls or onto plates. You can also use your Dutch oven as bold serveware by placing it directly on the table for people to help themselves.
Finally, if you are looking for a new way to host an event, consider using your Dutch oven as serving ware by serving the food at tables instead of dishes.
7. Using Dutch Oven to Bake Desserts
Who doesn’t love a good Dutch oven? This versatile cookware can be used for many things, from baking to braising. And when it comes to desserts, a Dutch oven is the perfect tool.
Because Dutch ovens can produce such even heat, they’re ideal for evenly cooking ingredients and ensuring they brown in just the right spots while remaining moist and delicious on other parts. They also make an excellent vessel for cooking many types of desserts.
If you don’t already have one, now’s a great time to grab one. Not only will you have lots of fun with it in your kitchen, but who knows what else you might come up with?
Conclusion
A Dutch oven is a versatile cookware for braising, frying, baking, serving, and more. Try one of these seven creative ideas if you’re looking for new ways to use your Dutch oven. Whether you have a new or old one, it can play a significant role in your home. From cooking to acting as a vase of life, Vaseoven can help you solve all your problems.
