What You Need to Know
Chimney cranes, also known as fireplace cranes and pot cranes, are a feature of the homes of the American Colonial period and 18/19th century of Western Europe. Although the chimney crane may be thought by some to be a Yankee invention, it was common in both British and American houses of the era. The purpose of the crane is to allow a cooking pot to be swung away from the fire, preventing burn injuries to the cook as well as regulating temperature of the pot. The chimney crane is an important step in open hearth cooking as it helped save lives and allowed cooks to be more creative.
Steps
- 1.
New England Clam Chowder (United States): Allows slow simmering with controlled smoke infusion
- 2.
Welsh Cawl (Wales): Traditional stew preparation with adjustable height for different cooking stages
- 3.
French Pot-au-Feu (France): Enables gentle cooking while maintaining easy access for stirring