Scouting Magazine Master Chef Contest Savory Winner
KATAHDIN SURPRISE, by Jim Rausch
Judges’ Comments: The camp Dutch oven’s renowned multi-functionality is wonderfully demonstrated in this recipe by Jim Rausch, in which the device begins as a fry pan, transitions to a pot and ends as an oven. We loved the complexity the apricot preserves brought to this one-pot traditional southwest favorite, making it the grand prize winner in the savory category.
What you’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless pork, cut bite-sized (can substitute stew beef, chicken, or firm tofu)
- 2 (1.25-ounce) packets taco seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 (8-ounce) bottle salsa, your choice
- 1 (10-ounce) jar apricot all-fruit preserves
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (11-ounce) can corn
- 2 pounds shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 (8.5-ounce) packages Jiffy corn bread mix
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
What you’ll do:
- Light and heat 15 briquettes.
- Place meat into a one-gallon sealable bag along with taco seasoning. Seal bag and shake well, making sure to thoroughly coat pieces with seasoning.
- Pour vegetable oil into 12-inch Dutch oven and place over 15 briquettes. Fry coated pieces of meat until brown.
- Add salsa, apricot preserves, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans and corn to Dutch oven.
- Cover oven and simmer until thoroughly cooked, about 30 minutes.
- Add cheese to oven and stir well.
- In a second one-gallon sealable bag, add cornbread mix, eggs and milk. Seal bag and knead contents until all large clumps disappear.
- Light and heat 25 fresh briquettes.
- Cut a corner from bottom of ziplock bag and squeeze cornbread mix evenly over top of the bubbling mixture in Dutch oven. Do not stir batter! Cover oven.
- Place eight coals underneath the oven and 17 of coals on the lid.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until top of cornbread is lightly browned and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Find even more Dutch oven recipes at scoutingmagazine.org/dutchoven.
About the judges: Tim and Christine Conners are proud parents of two Scouts and authors of several camping cookbooks. Find their books at local Scout shops or at booksbyconners.com.
Is this a sort of chili? Also, how many does this serve?
I made this a couple of months ago at a campout and it was a big hit. I am about to leave for another campout and I am making it again.
Great cheese dip!