This morning we had what I like to call a 'Simpsons Sky', big white clouds with a blue background. These types of clouds mean longer cooking times. If I wanted to make my lentil shepherd's pie entirely in the
Sun Oven I would have to get busy. As long as the lentils and potatoes were done by 1:00 p.m. I could leave the assembled pie in the oven all afternoon while I was at work. I love it when I'm out working and my dinner is waiting for me in the back yard. The lentils were cooked just in time, but I had to cheat a little with the potatoes by boiling them on the stove for about five minutes. I should have put them in the Sun Oven at the same time as the lentils. If I had they would have been ready in time. This little cheat, however, did allow me to bake the pie in the Sun Oven and gave me the luxury of coming home to a fully cooked meal.
If you want the recipe you can find it here:
http://www.meatlessmonday.com/lentil-shepherds-pie/
I'm hesitant to experiment with my solar oven too much because here in Utah it's cold and has been cloudy lately. How well do you think a solar oven works on clear days that average between 30-60 degrees anyway? Is it worth trying anything now that the heat of summer is past--and should I just wait for 70's again in the spring to try anything (a little success with the whole solar oven thing would be good).......
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment and question. While I am in no way an expert; sure I call myself Solar Oven Chef, but hey, this is the internet; I would definitely try using your solar oven on a sunny day no matter the ambient temperature. That is, assuming you are using a Sun Oven. I have successfully used my Sun Oven even on the coldest clear days here in Arizona, which, I will admit, is not saying much. However, according to Paul Munsen, president of Sun Ovens International, they are used at the base camp of Mt. Everest. I can't imagine that Utah would get any colder than that!
ReplyDeleteThanks for replying. Utah is cold, but it's no Everest--and yes, mine is a Solar Oven. Do you store yours somewhere (i.e. in the garage) or do you leave it out?
ReplyDeleteI keep mine on my screened in patio when it's not in use. I wipe off any condensation and clean up any spills before storing it for the night.
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