79R4638 MW-D

By:  Armbrister                                                 S.C.R. No. 9  



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The State of Texas traditionally has recognized a 
variety of official state symbols as tangible representations of 
the proud spirit and heritage of our state; and
	WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the pecan tree, the Guadalupe bass, 
and the lightning whelk are examples of some natural specimens that 
serve to symbolize the great diversity of the Texas landscape, 
while the state dish, chili, fittingly represents another aspect of 
our shared culture as Texans; and
	WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the 
cast iron Dutch oven as the official State Cooking Implement would 
provide suitable recognition for this sturdy utensil; and
	WHEREAS, A welcome and dependable fixture at campfires across 
the Lone Star State, the Dutch oven was used extensively by Spanish 
explorers, early settlers, ranchers, and chuckwagon cooks over the 
course of Texas' history; and
	WHEREAS, The Dutch oven has also remained a popular item with 
a vast number of Texans today, and in January 1995, the Lone Star 
Dutch Oven Society was founded to promote its use throughout the 
state; and
	WHEREAS, Ideal for use in moist-cooking methods, such as 
braising and stewing, the Dutch oven's versatility has made it the 
food preparation implement of choice of both the Boy Scouts of 
America and the Girl Scouts of America; and
	WHEREAS, Renowned for its portability and durability, the 
cast iron Dutch oven has been a cooking mainstay of Texans from the 
time of the pioneers to the current day, and it is indeed 
appropriate that it receive special legislative recognition for its 
role in our state's history and culture; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby designate the cast iron Dutch oven as the official State 
Cooking Implement.