Pat Korman received the Montgomery County Old Threshers Appreciation Award for her volunteer work since 2007 in Dutch Oven cooking. She, along with other Dutch Oven enthusiasts, participated in demonstrating, workshops and contests. This year will be the fourth one for getting other people around the state of Missouri to come and participate. Patrons are encouraged to stop by and visit with the cooks and share their experience or learn more about cooking in the Dutch Ovens outside using hot coals, maybe in their own backyard.

Korman has been interested for a long time in how the pioneers, settlers and cattle drives used to cook in Dutch Ovens. Her son Bart took outdoor skills in 4-H and his leader Gary Hinegardner introduced them to Dutch Oven cooking. It was easy making spaghetti and chili and other main dishes but when it came to baking cornbread and biscuits they would get burnt on the bottom.

In 2004, Korman and her friend Kathie Hoette went to a Woman’s Outdoor Weekend and one of the sessions was on Dutch Oven Cooking. Attending this was a game changer. They learned how to control the temperature and not burn the biscuits and cake. The campers actively prepared the evening meal for 75 hungry campers.

Korman got more experience by cooking and demonstrating at 4-H Hayrides, Autumnfest, Hermannfest, Library Programs, Stone Soup Story at schools and just getting together with others in the area. She also led outdoor skills 4-H projects focusing on Dutch Oven and outdoor cooking. She thought doing it at the Old Threshers Show would fit in with their theme. The Montgomery County Old Threshers were very happy to include the program at their 2007 show.

Many of her students and 4-H’ers would report back on their success in their cooking experience of Dutch Oven cooking.

Korman welcomes everyone to come by visit and share experiences and maybe improve what you have been doing. The contest is on Aug. 17. It begins about 9:30 a.m. and lunch should be ready by noon. All donations for tasting plates and judging ballots will be going to the Central Missouri Honor Flight program.