Stirrin' The Pot At Northwest Technology Center

By Melinda Barton
Northwest Technology Center

Walking into the classroom of Margaret Goss at Northwest Technology Center, doesn't usually lead to thoughts of chuck wagon cooking!   However, go through her backdoor, and you will find a grill, cast iron cookware, Dutch oven and utensils and a variety of foods cooked over the campfire.   It will make your mouth water!

They don't exactly look like "Cookie" from an old western movie, but their food is probably better!   

Jeff Wilber, an avid Dutch Oven cook from Cherokee and Margaret Goss, a former family and consumer science teacher with a ranching background taught Northwest Technology Center's first ever "Chuck Wagon Cooking" Class recently.   The class was held on Tuesday's during the time of the evening meal and an overflow crowd enrolled. 

The Wilber-Goss Chuck Wagon Team explained the use and care of cast iron cookware.  They also demonstrated breakfast ideas, sourdough breads, pastry making using Dutch ovens, meats and dessert ideas.  The highlight of the class was when students brought their favorite Dutch Oven food and demonstrated how to make the food.

The group indulged in such campfire delicacies as campfire corn, brisket, fried potatoes, beans and cornbread,  peach and cherry cobbler baked on the fire and a variety of other delicious treats!  

Betty Mantz who took the class with her husband, Roger said, "I go on trail rides and this type of cooking is perfect because you can get the food started and then go ride and come back to it.   The new recipes, the fellowship and the experience were all really fun!  I would take this class again if it was offered and I have visited with many other people who are also interested." 

A second session of the class is planned for the spring semester.  Dates and times will be announced in Northwest Technology Center's spring catalogue which is due out during the first week of January. 

 For more information on this or other Northwest Technology Center classes, contact Kate Nickel at 580.327.0344 or log onto the Northwest Technology Center website at www.nwtechonline.com.