cookin’ with sunshine.

The themometer says 85, your house feels even hotter, and still, you find yourself have a craving for an apple crisp. Well, why not try something outrageously different and build yourself a solar oven. Solar cooking is an easy and safe way to get your food on without consuming any fuels (including burning the BBQ coals) and will keep your kitchen nice and cool.

It might sound a little overwhelming, but it’s easier than you think. With just cardboard, aluminum foil, a bit of wire, and a little bit of patience, a solar oven can be yours. There are several online spots to find step by step directions.

A few good tips on temperature: solar ovens typically max out at around 150° C / 300° F so if you have recipes that say they need a 177° C / 350°F or 232° C / 450° F temperature, it doesn’t mean that you can’t use the sun – it just means it will take a little a longer to get that delicious dish ready for serving. (And PS – Paper burns at 233° C / 451° F – so no worries about it the cardboard catching on fire).

Find out more about solar cooking and answers to your FAQ at the Solar Cooking Wiki.