Pro Staff - Will McLaughlin

Will McLaughlin

Will McLaughlin

Will McLaughlin / That's Good Cooking! There is nothing like sitting around the campfire on a cool evening with a serving of beans and cornbread…or starting the day with a big breakfast of chicken fried steak, potatoes, and biscuits all smothered in country gravy. Will McLaughlin enjoys cooking and eating all the food that was, and still is today popularized by the cowboys of the past. However; times they are changing - people today are looking for more exciting dishes that not only can be cooked in the Dutch oven, cast iron skillets, over an open fire or a camp stove…but recipes that can be cooked in the home as well. Will has been introducing new exciting and entertaining dishes at his events. He cooks using charcoal, stoves, grills, and the open fire, while at the same time shows those who attend his events how to cook these recipes on the stove at home. Some of his recipes include; Jerk Chicken, Sweet Potato Chili Hash, Pork Tenderloin with a Pumpkin and Cranberry Sauce, 40 Clove Garlic Chicken with Chili Peppers, and Thai Style Flank Steaks…these are just a few of the dishes he creates while still keeping to tradition and cooking outdoors. He also includes Salsas and Sauces in his classes as well as…vegetable dishes (yes, I said vegetables…) like Prosciutto wrapped Grilled Asparagus, Spiked Beans, and Fire Roasted Onions. Of course being in The Great Northwest, fish is always on the menu, Grilled Bourbon Salmon, Fish Tacos, and Pan Seared Tuna Steaks. McLaughlin's inspiration for this style of cooking comes from great cooks like Chef Tim Love (of Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Fort Worth, Texas) who has been cooking and serving the New Cowboy Style Cuisine in his restaurants. Located in Southern Oregon, Will contributes a lot of time to the Southern Oregon Historical Society. Cooking, giving classes, and promoting their special events in education and entertainment. He recently attended the International Dutch Oven Society Annual Convention held in La Pine, Oregon. He was invited to teach classes on his style of cooking that "breaks away" from the stereotype of Dutch oven and outdoor cooking just being "beans & biscuits". He offers classes to the public as well as for corporate and private events. He goes to special events, tractor pulls, steam engine conventions, rodeos and just about anyplace where he can cook and talk about the history of campfire cooking. He keeps busy with private parties, special events, fundraisers, and an occasional Country Wedding from time to time. For 2008 he will be scheduling events with the BLM, Oregon State Parks, The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (Baker City), and of course the Southern Oregon Historical Society. He also has a few special projects for sponsors to get involved with; check out his website and contact him about these opportunities. Will McLaughlin is also available to provide training and demonstrations of Camp Chef products to retailers, their staff, and for special events. Currently he is out promoting their new Cabin Kitchen Cookware which includes: Cast Iron Aebleskiver pan, Muffin Toppers Biscuit Pan and Fajitas Skillet.

Related Links That's Good Cooking! Southern Oregon Historical Society International Dutch Oven Society Video Interview with Will McLaughlin More Articles by Will McLaughlin: • Will McLaughlin's Appearances • Recipes • Newsletter