I first became aware of solar ovens several years ago, while attending a church activity. The entire evening revolved around food storage and alternative methods of cooking during emergencies.  One of the sessions I attended was ‘How to Cook Using a Solar Oven’. I have to admit, I was skeptical about the claims being made by the teacher regarding this black box with a clear plastic cover and how it could cook pretty much everything, including pasteurizing contaminated water to make it drinkable.

When the presentation was over, a group discount was being offered for those interested in purchasing an oven, so I decided to buy one –  just to have it on-hand in case of an emergency.

When the oven came, I opened it up to make sure everything was in order and then stored it away in my garage with my other emergency items.

Many months passed.  I had not even thought about my solar oven – until one day, when I was searching for something in my garage,  I came upon that black box – the one that was suppose to cook things. For some unknown reason, I decided to pull it out and try it.

My first baking experience was a loaf of homemade bread. 

I have to admit that I was shocked at how well it turned out. It looked beautiful and it tasted better than any loaf that I had baked in my electric oven!  From that point on, I was hooked with the simplicity and Eco-friendly way of preparing amazingly delicious food.  I started using my solar oven regularly.  As in most things, it takes time – and a little trial and error to master cooking in a solar oven. I admit  –  I’m still learning. . . . but loving my oven!

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing tips that I hope will be helpful and recipes that I have found to work well in my solar oven.

Leslie