A blog reader sent me the link to an article from the Austin newspaper about solar cooking. Like I’ve said before, I know they’re not for everyone — especially those of you who live where there’s not enough sun, but if you have just an inkling of desire for one and you live where it will work, I highly recommend them. I’m still so thrilled with the one we got.
We’re grilling steak tonight so the potatoes just went into the solar oven and they’ll be wonderfully tender and moist by the time the steaks are ready for dinner. They tell me it isn’t easy to burn anything in there and if I put them in plenty early, I don’t have to hope they’ll be done. I washed them, then stuck them in a round Granite Ware cake pan and covered it with a Granite Ware pie pan. It’s best to cover things to keep the steam from escaping and fogging up the glass, thus blocking the heat. And, we’re not supposed to use foil because it’s reflective and it blocks the heat. So, they’re in the cake pan unwrapped, and covered with the pie pan and for dinner, we’ll have yummy baked potatoes that required no fuel or costly energy to make . . just harnessed the sun’s rays for free.
I think a big part of why I love it is because it makes me feel like there’s something good coming from this miserable heat!
This morning I’ve cut okra, canned okra (10 pints), made bread, cleaned house (minimally . . just enough for Vince to notice that I did some housework), washed two loads of clothes, cleaned the globes on the four ceiling fans on the porch, got the potatoes in the solar oven and now . . I’m going to sew.
Sibyl Scott says
Judy
Can you use the solar oven in the winter? It sounds like a super neat thing—especially with all of this heat–not having to turn on the stove would be wonderful.
Sibyl
JudyL says
The outside temperature doesn’t make much, if any, difference. I suppose if it was 10 below zero, that might be an issue but from what I’ve read, even on 30 degree days, just so there’s plenty of sunshine, the solar oven works just fine. I haven’t had mine during the winter and you know how little winter I’ll have but I plan to keep using it during the winter because it’s free! Takes no propane!
vickie van dyken says
OK I am tired just reading what you have accomplished 🙂 LOL actually we are now having solar cooking weather. It set a new record here yesterday…85 degrees!! I know, I know, That is hot for us!! I really like the solar oven idea…I know that I could only use it 3-5 days a year (hahahahaha) but I am intrigued 🙂
Shelley says
You need to try making “Sunshine” jam. Delicious!!! and so nice as you have said not to be warming up the house and letting the sun do the work.
Sukie says
Judy, I had not heard about solar ovens since my girl scout days (last century 😉 until you brought it up. Thanks for the great suggestion! Any problems with fireants messing with your food in the oven?
Ruth says
I’m fascinated by your solar oven. If I had the kind of sunshine and heat you have, I’d get one too.
Susan says
I’m so jealous of the okra! Do you can it with vinegar? Today I’m canning salsa – or tonight, when it’s a little cooler. You accomplish so much every day.