By Jones of Dallas                              H.C.R. No. 54

      75R1393 WMS-D                           

                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-1           WHEREAS, The State of Texas traditionally has recognized a

 1-2     variety of official state symbols as tangible representations of

 1-3     the proud spirit and heritage of our state; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the pecan tree, the Guadalupe bass,

 1-5     and the lightning whelk are examples of some natural specimens that

 1-6     serve to symbolize the great diversity of the Texas landscape,

 1-7     while the state dish, chili, fittingly represents another aspect of

 1-8     our shared culture as Texans; and

 1-9           WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the

1-10     cast iron Dutch oven as the official State Cooking Implement would

1-11     provide suitable recognition for this sturdy utensil; and

1-12           WHEREAS, A welcome and dependable fixture at campfires across

1-13     the Lone Star State, the Dutch oven was used extensively by Spanish

1-14     explorers, early settlers, ranchers, and chuckwagon cooks over the

1-15     course of Texas' history; and

1-16           WHEREAS, The Dutch oven has also remained a popular item with

1-17     a vast number of Texans today, and in January 1994, the Lone Star

1-18     Dutch Oven Society was founded to promote its use throughout the

1-19     state; and

1-20           WHEREAS, Ideal for use in moist-cooking methods, such as

1-21     braising and stewing, the Dutch oven's versatility has made it the

1-22     food preparation implement of choice of both the Boy Scouts of

1-23     America and the Girl Scouts of America; and

1-24           WHEREAS, Renowned for its portability and durability, the

 2-1     cast iron Dutch oven has been a cooking mainstay of Texans from the

 2-2     time of the pioneers to the current day, and it is indeed

 2-3     appropriate that it receive special legislative recognition for its

 2-4     role in our state's history and culture; now, therefore, be it

 2-5           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

 2-6     hereby designate the cast iron Dutch oven as the official State

 2-7     Cooking Implement.