All you need to do is throw in a stove, skillet, a utensil or two, some fish fry mix and a small bottle of oil. Good to go. When it comes time to stock your chuck box, think about it in terms of your kitchen, but also tailor it to your particular needs. Here's a short list of items to stock:
Full Answer
What is a chuck wagon?
The chuck wagon is an iconic symbol of the American old West and familiar to folks around the world. Countless western films feature a chuck wagon. The first purpose built chuck wagon is usually accredited to Charles Goodnight, a famous Texas rancher.
How many oxen pulled the first Chuck Wagon?
Six oxen pulled the first chuck wagon.” The chuck wagon was used both on the trails, when driving cattle to the railheads for the Eastern market, and on the ranch during the round up. The “Cookie” drove the wagon, and had a status second only to the trail boss.
How faithful is the model kit to historical chuck wagons?
The model kit was designed to be as faithful to historical chuck wagon construction and detailing as reasonably possible. Research revealed a wealth of detail from reliable sources including plans drawn from an actual historical wagon. Nearly all wooden parts are laser cut in basswood leaving very few parts to be made from strip wood.
What did they eat in a chuck wagon?
With a Dutch oven and some sour dough, a chuck wagon cook could feed an entire trail crew. Biscuits and beans made up the majority of what was served on the range, but the occasional dessert did make its way onto the menu when possible.
What was commonly served on a chuck wagon?
Chuckwagon food usually consisted of foods that were easy to fix and preserve. These included beans, salted meats, coffee and sourdough biscuits. The chuckwagon cook — usually called “Cookie" — was often second in command of the wagon train after the trail boss.
What supplies were packed on a chuck wagon?
What were the standard supplies on a chuckwagon? The chuckwagon had sparse provisions. “Cookie” packed flour, cornmeal, green coffee beans (until Arbuckle's came on the market), ubiquitous pinto beans, baking powder, salt, sugar, sourdough starter, salt pork and canned goods such as peaches.
How do you cook a chuck wagon?
Instructions:Pre-heat oven to 350°F. In a Dutch oven brown bacon over medium heat. ... Put Dutch oven back on the stovetop over medium heat. Brown ground chuck, stirring frequently for 5 minutes; stir in jalapeño and onion; spoon out and discard excess fat. ... Put lid on Dutch oven, place in oven and bake for 45 minutes.
What was the job of a chuck wagon?
A chuckwagon is a type of field kitchen covered wagon historically used for the storage and transportation of food and cooking equipment on the prairies of the United States and Canada. Such wagons formed part of a wagon train of settlers or fed traveling workers such as cowboys or loggers.
What did a typical family carry in their wagon?
These wagons could carry loads of up to 2,500 pounds, but the recommended maximum was 1,600 pounds. Research suggests that a typical family of four carried 800 pounds of flour, 200 pounds of lard, 700 pounds of bacon, 200 pounds of beans, 100 pounds of fruit, 75 pounds of coffee and 25 pounds of salt.
How many miles a day did a wagon train go?
The covered wagon made 8 to 20 miles per day depending upon weather, roadway conditions and the health of the travelers. It could take up to six months or longer to reach their destination.
What kind of seeds are on a chuckwagon sandwich?
Chuckwagon Burger You'll cook beef over a grill or broil it in an oven. It's then served on a toasted sesame seed bun or biscuits. Adding a slice of cheese is optional.
What did cowboys eat on cattle drives?
Along the trail, cowboys ate meals consisting of beef, beans, biscuits, dried fruit and coffee. But as cattle drives increased in the 1860s cooks found it harder and harder to feed the 10 to 20 men who tended the cattle.
Did cowboys eat a lot of beans?
Beans and potatoes were also by far the two most common vegetables in the old west. They could be cooked quickly and added to a number of dishes, like stews. Beans could also be dried and rehydrated months later.
Why is a chuck wagon so called?
Often, cowboys showed up for work with little more than the clothes on their backs, so there was also space for bedrolls, blankets, and slickers. Since the cowboys referred to their meals as “chuck,” an English term that referred to good, hearty food, this new invention became known as the chuck wagon.
What is a chuckwagon breakfast?
Cowboy Coffee, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Fried Potatoes, Refried Beans, Biscuits, Sausage Gravy, Orange Juice. Check-in at the visitor's center at 7:45 a.m. where tickets for the Park may also be purchased if you plan to make it a day.
What is a chuck wagon cook called?
The chuckwagon cook — usually called “Cookie" — was often second in command of the wagon train after the trail boss. In addition to cooking meals, he was also often the barber, doctor, banker and judge while out on the trail. The chuckwagon was more than just a cafeteria to cowboys, though.