The Dutch Oven became a practical cooking style for the first settlers to the Ozark mountains. It consisted of a black cast iron pot that allowed the cook to steam stew, bake and fry in the large pot and to use the inverted lid as a frying pan. No other cooking container was needed. On cattle drives this took little space.
The Ozarks refer to a mountain chain located in the central part of the US which includes parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma. Many people are descendants of the German, English and Scots-Irish with a mixture of Native American influence. Music has always played a strong role in the Ozark culture as can be seen by the rich, traditional songs that have been passed down through the decades.
The Dutch oven was used in England and called casserole dish. The shape of the Dutch oven changed in America so that it had legs and became shallower. It accompanied the settlers across the continent as they made their way westward. It was highly valued and included in family wills as a treasure to be passed on to other family members. The modern Dutch oven is even in use today.

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