This Campcraft article originally appeared in Canoeroots and Family Camping magazine.
The surface of the sun is about 10,000°F. Why not put some of that energy to use and make yourself a snack? A solar oven works by redirecting and concentrating the sun’s rays, trapping their heat inside the collector box. You’ll be amazed at how simple and fun it is to cook treats using only the power of sunlight!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
1 large pizza box
Aluminum foil
Box cutter, scissors
Heavy-duty plastic wrap
Black construction paper
Tape
Aluminum pie plate
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cut a flap out of the lid of your pizza box as shown in the picture. Cut along three sides, leaving about an inch and a half between the flap and the edges of the lid. Use the box’s hinge as the flap’s folding edge.
Line the entire interior of your pizza box— top, bottom and sides, including the flap— with aluminum foil. Tape it into place with the shiny side showing.
Cut two pieces of heavy-duty plastic wrap slightly larger than the flap to cover the opening—this will seal in the heat created by the sun’s rays. Tape them into place in a double layer.
Line the bottom of the box with black construction paper, taping it down on top of the aluminum foil. The black paper will absorb the warmth.
Tape over any holes where heat may escape your oven while making sure it is still able to open and close. Decorate the exterior.
You’re ready to cook! Put your food on the aluminum pie plate, aim the flap so that it reflects the sunlight into the box and prop it in place with a stick.
You’ll get the best results on a hot, sunny day between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. This solar oven will reach temperatures up to 200°F. Keep an eye on it as you cook and use oven mitts. Expect cooking times to be about double that of a conventional oven. You can preheat the oven in the sun to speed things up.
SOLAR OVEN RECIPES
Stellar Mini Pizzas
Spread tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, chopped veggies and sliced pepperoni sticks onto an open-faced English muffin. Cook until the cheese melts and the muffin is toasted.
Solar S’mores
Place some chocolate and a marshmallow on a graham cracker and allow them to melt. Place a second graham cracker on top and enjoy.
Quesadillas del Sol
Spread shredded cheese, chopped onions, peppers, mushrooms and salsa onto one half of an open tortilla flat. Fold it over and cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy.
This article originally appeared in Canoeroots & Family Camping, Fall 2012. Download our freeiPad/iPhone/iPod Touch App or Android App or read it here.
