Solar Cooking for Fun and Safety

Solar cooking is not just for people without wood, charcoal, gas, or electricity. Yes, it can be a life and health saver in emergency survival situations - in the developing world, and after disasters anywhere. But it's also a fun, non-polluting way to cook when camping, boating, on a road trip, or on an average patio.

What Dishes Can You Prepare with the Sun?
Fish
Meat
Bread
Cake
Cookies
Pies
Strawberry rhubarb crisp
All sorts of vegetables
Rice or whole grains
Beans
Ratatouille
Chili, soups, and stews

There are actually whole books on cooking with sunshine , and some famous restaurant chefs who create dishes with the sun for the public.

Safety
Water pasteurizing
Can't boil water in the usual ways? With a device to check when the water is safe to drink, you'll know when the tap water is potable.

Multi-Task:
You can also leave the oven or parabolic grill unattended for hours, without worry of fire. (It is best to check periodically, and move the unit to keep it facing the sun, however.)

Build Your Own
Non-profit Solar Cookers International offers instructions for making several types. Supplies are simple - cardboard boxes, aluminum foil, duct tape, black construction paper, and heavy duty glass cut to size. Units can be built for under $20, and make a great hands-on learning project.

The website also includes information on many related subjects, and recipes.

Or Buy a Pre-Made Sun Oven
The non-profit Solar Oven Society sells the Sport model, raising money for projects in poor communities. This model costs less than the ones you will find in catalogs for $200 and up.

Their site also includes some very tasty recipes.

True adventures of a solar cooking novice