By JARED WEBBER
Within the next few weeks the state of Utah may have an official cooking pot.
Proponents of Dutch ovens are lobbying the state legislature to pass House Bill 203, making the pot a recognized symbol of the state’s history.
Dutch ovens were used by explorers such as Jim Bridger and John Wesley Powell, by transcontinental railroad workers, cowboys and the Mormon pioneers who crossed the plains to Salt Lake Valley.
“This year of sesquicentennial events relating to the first pioneers coming to Utah is an appropriate time for us to remember their efforts and in a unique way establish a continuing link for Utah families — their past ancestors and to future descendants,” said Dick Michaud, the founder of the International Dutch Oven Society.
Michaud was the 1984-85 world champion in the Dutch Oven Cookoff. He is now spearheading the bill to make the black cooking pot an official Utah tradition.
“I got into it by inspiration and stay in by perspiration,” Michaud said. “It’s a good thing for the family.”
Because of the time involved in cooking a meal, Michaud feels that Dutch ovens bring the family together.
“It takes awhile to cook, and then the children go back for seconds and thirds and it turns into a two or three hour family affair,” Michaud said.”I believe that 80% of all wards have one, because of its influence to the church and family.”
Michaud believes many state citizens come into contact with Dutch ovens through ward activities and scout camps. In those activities many people prepare or eat food cooked in Dutch ovens.
One couple who have kept the tradition alive in Utah Valley are Robert and Priscilla Mathews. They have spend a lot of their time teaching others about Dutch ovens.
“We have taught Relief Societies, Boy Scouts and youth groups,” Mr. Mathews said. “We teach a class at Pleasant Grove High during the spring; we do pizza and peach and pineapple upside-down cakes.”
