Three Reasons Why I Cook with Sunshine

Years ago, I got a letter in the mail along with a mechanical drawing so detailed it made me want to look the other way. It was a plan to build my own solar oven. Right. Like that was ever going to happen. It did, however, pique my curiosity.

I learned that with the right collection of mirrors, angles, hinges, clamps, screws and patience, it is possible to cook food in the sun. I looked into it and found it to be a viable option should an earthquake, storm or some other event produce a power failure.

“Some other event” has struck my home. It’s called a do-it-yourself kitchen remodel. My husband says it’s a three-month job, but I know better. We’re talking many months, maybe even a year. I’m okay with that, except for one tiny problem―my temporary kitchen does not include an oven.

A few days of intense research prompted me to not even consider building my own solar oven, but to invest in a Global Sun Oven. This particular oven held up to reviews from many satisfied owners. I concluded that the few negative reviews came from people who simply failed to read the instructions.

After about a month of use, I am sold and for these three reasons:

1. Easy. Sun Oven is light weight. It’s all one piece and takes just minutes to set up, and collapses to make it compact and portable (about 21 pounds with carrying handle). The instructions that came with Sun Oven are clear and easy to follow.

2. Efficient. The first time I used it, I was skeptical. My ultimate test was an 8-pound turkey breast, which takes about 2 hours at 350F in a traditional oven. I couldn’t stop staring as the inside temperature climbed to 325F. That turkey breast roasted perfectly. It turned golden brown, produced amazing juices and after about 2 hours reached an internal temperature of 160F. Best of all, that turkey was absolutely delicious.

So far, I’ve baked bread and cookies in my Sun Oven, roasted turkey, boiled pasta, and made a complete meal of rice, vegetables and teriyaki chicken using the Sun Oven Stacking Pots.

3. Economical. Every time I fire up my Sun Oven, it just knocks me out that I am taking advantage of free energy. Solar energy is legal, readily available (even on partially overcast days) and powerful.

There are many types of solar ovens available these days, and simple plans to help you build your own. But for me, Sun Oven meets my needs both as a temporary appliance and a valuable addition to our emergency preparedness plan.

Here are a few more pictures that are going to make you crazy hungry for roast turkey!

Question: How are you doing with your emergency preparedness plans? Post your tips or questions about your plan, here.