Chuck wagon cook Kent Rollins shares 6 tips for cooking in extreme weather

As much of the country shifts from winter storms to warmer temperatures with the arrival of spring, one veteran cowboy cook says decades of experience have taught him to prepare meals in the harshest conditions on Earth.

Longtime Chuck Wagon cook and Outdoor Channel host Kent Rollins has cooked for farmers across the country in extreme weather conditions for decades.

“If they can cowboy and ride horses, I can cook right there,” Rollins told Fox News Digital.

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New Mexico-based Rollins has learned how to adapt from minus 30-degree wind chill to 117-degree heat while preparing simple meals outdoors year-round.

“Life is simple,” he said. “Don’t complicate it with cooking.”

Rollins has millions of followers on social media and hosts “Cast Iron Cowboy” on the Outdoor Channel.

He also recently started the “Cowboy Coffee Time” podcast with his wife, Shannon, which shares two stories and lessons on courage, faith and cowboy rules.

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Here are six tips for cooking in extreme conditions, Rollins explained to Fox News Digital.

1. Stay hydrated in extreme heat and pay attention to warning signs

Rollins, who grew up in Oklahoma, said hydration is critical in high temperatures, but water alone isn’t enough.

Kent Rollins is a rancher and host of the popular Outdoor Channel show “Cast Iron Cowboy.” (Shannon Rollins)

“You’ve got to have something that’s going to put some of the good stuff back into you,” she said, noting that she often resorts to electrolytes, bananas, and even coconut water.

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He also warned people to pay attention to their bodies.

“If you reach there to wipe your brow and there’s no more sweat, you may have gone too far,” he said.

2. Dress in layers in cold weather to prevent frostbite

Cold weather brings its own dangers, especially for those who cook outdoors for long periods of time.

Rollins suggested dressing in layers and wearing moisture-wicking clothing.

Rollins says cooking outdoors requires both adaptability and common sense. (Shannon Rollins)

“If you sweat in the winter, try to wear something that wicks away moisture because water and cold make ice,” he warned.

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Rollins also emphasized the importance of covering exposed areas and noted that freezing can occur quickly in extreme wind and snow.

3. Plan your meals according to the weather

Rollins said what’s on the menu should change depending on the weather.

It focuses on high-calorie, filling meals during the colder months.

“We do a lot of one-pot meals,” he said; The casserole included homemade sloppy Joes with red peppers and ground beef, onions, jalapeños, chipotle peppers, adobe sauce, and shredded cheese to thicken.

Rollins says farmers can still enjoy steak in warm weather. (Outdoor Channel)

For breakfast, she keeps things simple with a biscuit recipe that calls for only self-rising flour and heavy whipping cream.

However, in extreme heat, appetite decreases and meals become lighter.

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“Cowboys don’t eat that much, especially at lunch,” he said.

4. Protect your fire and always have a backup plan

Rollins said cooking outdoors, especially in bad weather, means everything depends on your fire.

This means protecting it from wind, snow or rain and having a plan to keep it going.

Rollins says a well-placed shelter and dry firewood are essential. (Shannon Rollins)

“Make sure you have some sort of shelter…don’t let the water put it out,” he said.

5. Preheat the cast iron in cold weather to prevent cracking

Extreme temperatures can also affect cookware, Rollins said.

Cast iron should never be turned from too cold to too hot too quickly, he said.

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“If you take cast iron from too cold to too hot, you can split it in half,” he said.

Instead, he suggested heating it slowly near a fire or stove before cooking and then slowly cooling it.

Rollins says proper maintenance of cast iron in extreme conditions is important. (Shannon Rollins)

6. Use coolers for more than just keeping food cold

One of Rollins’ most versatile tools isn’t a pan or pot. This is a cooler that he uses in a variety of ways depending on the weather.

In winter, an ice chest can prevent ingredients such as potatoes from freezing. It can also help defrost meat or maintain heat with hot water.

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Overall, mindset is the most important component, according to Rollins.

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it will never change you,” he said.