Dakota Oven

[CapeCMom]

Hey, has anyone tried this?

http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=52&stc=1&d=1249389081

I hope that worked-it's called Dakota Oven?
You use a clay pot over the underground fire-with the right pot I suppose you could bake bread in it as well. I am wondering if you could build a small brick oven over it as well...

[rAcErRicK]

Hey, has anyone tried this?

http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=52&stc=1&d=1249389081

I hope that worked-it's called Dakota Oven?
You use a clay pot over the underground fire-with the right pot I suppose you could bake bread in it as well. I am wondering if you could build a small brick oven over it as well...

Nice post CCM. I was involved with the boy scouts of America for quite a few years while my son was growing up, and this method was taught and used quite extensively. Ones imagination is about the only limitation for the use of this method. The size of the vertical hole, and the amount of fuel (wood) determines the amount of heat directed upward toward the cooking surface. It is extremely effective and can easily be made to resemble a large blowtorch. Heating water for dishwashing can be done in an unbelievablely short period of time. It is also very fuel effecient in that the proper oxygen intake causes very little smoke. Since the majority of the fire is below the surface of the ground and not easily seen from a distance, also makes this method one of the best in the survival mode. A very small hole in the ground can focus a huge amount of heat onto a small cooking surface. With a little practice, this is by far, the quickest and most efficient way to cook, not to mention it's stealth capabilities (in survival mode). Another note; in very soft or sandy soil, various sizes and lengths of pipe make this method much easier to use, and may be crucial to it's success. Again, a little practice here makes a huge difference. Even a flat piece of thin metal can be rolled into a circle and used to hold the sand back and maintain the holes basic shape. With a little practice an preperation, this will probably become your primary cooking method in the natural invironment. It's only drawback is that it does not replace the time honored friendly campfire for a fun type gathering event. It IS however, a serious cooking method. :yes4: KEY: Practice makes perfect.

[CapeCMom]

Thanks Rick, I was so intrigued when I saw this. Even though I have one of those oil barrel type grills that you can put a wood fire in and cook on, I was still trying to figure out how to make bread outside. I do have sandy soil but it usually beneath a good layer of gray clay. I will keep what you said in mind though-about the tubing.

[hunter63]

Here is the rest of the discussion on this type from another forum:
http://homesteadingtoday.com/showthread.php?t=318562