Tip - 5 Great Dutch Ovens: And 10 Recipes to Put Them to Work — Dutch Ovens 2011

When it comes to fall cooking, the Dutch oven is the workhorse of the kitchen. What is a Dutch oven? It is any large, heavy pot that is suitable for stovetop or oven use. But most people really mean the extra-heavy cast iron, enameled pots typified by Le Creuset and Staub. These hard-working pots are the perfect tool for slow-simmered soups and braises, as well as a few other favorite fall meals. Read on for our look at five excellent cast iron Dutch ovens, in a variety of price points, and a roundup of 10 recipes to put your own big pot to work. From chicken braised in milk and garlic, to spiced apple butter, to homemade no-knead bread with a shatteringly crisp crust, each of these shows off what a Dutch oven can do.