Cast iron cooking requires a constant even heat where possible. When using your oven outdoors, here are a few tips that will be helpful to know.

When cooking outdoors, high quality charcoal briquettes are recommended. Briquettes provide a long lasting, even heat source.

By varying the number of briquettes placed underneath and on top of the Dutch oven, the temperature inside the oven can be accurately controlled.

For boiling, deep frying, and stewing, you will want more coals on the bottom where this higher heat will be transmitted the liquid in the oven and then the food. Baking requires that you put more coals on the lid.

Prior to cooking you will want to preheat the Dutch oven. You do this by placing a few coals under and on top of the oven for a few minutes before cooking.

Here are two easy formulas to help you control the cooking temperature.