A Dutch Answer

I have a theory about Dutch ovens and why they are called Dutch ovens (“In the Kitchen: The Dutch Question,” April 22). Holland is, of course, incredibly small; people live very packed together in housing that tends to be tiny. Kitchens also tend to be very small. As a result of this lack of room, ovens are minuscule and, particularly in the past, were often omitted in favor of stove-top burners. As a result, the Dutch still cook almost everything on top of the stove in those large pots or Dutch ovens. Those pots really take the place of the oven. And that’s my theory, completely unsubstantiated, as to why they are called Dutch ovens.

BONNIE STIBBE

Holland