Parsnips Are Optional

For some unknown reason I really want to like parsnips. I'm always amazed that they seem to be in every produce section of  every grocery store despite the fact that nobody I know has ever mentioned eating them, I've never been to a dinner party where they have made...

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Savory Pie To Go

I baked this savory pie for our packed lunch recently when we were out and about from early morning until late evening. On days like that I don't get any kind of cooking done. It was very filling and easy to eat on the go. I can see why British miners took savory pies...

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Cookware for Sun Oven Cooking

People who cook often like to collect cookware and if you've been following this blog you've probably noticed that I'm no exception. The bulk of my cookware collection predates my foray into solar cooking and being able to use most of it in the Sun Oven was a key...

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Solar Turkey Loaf

I'm not a big fan of turkey but I make this lighter twist on meatloaf now and then for the sides; Chipotle Cranberry Sauce and Whipped Chipotle Sweet Potatoes. I bake the sweet potatoes in the Sun Oven alongside the turkey loaf or the day before. Solar Turkey Loaf...

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Solar Pumpkin Bread

Even with my limited baking experience, I still manage to have more successes than failures. These two loaves of pumpkin bread came out prefect. As always, I used my bread machine to make the dough. I wouldn't even know how to tell you how to make it by hand, I'm sure...

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Solar Baking Disasters

I'm the first to admit that I'm no baker. I've had more than my fair share of cakes that didn't rise, breads that rose to much, and burnt cookies. In fact, in the short time I've been in California I've already managed to mess up a loaf of bread and a batch of...

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Solar Italian-Style Meat Loaf

This is my favorite meat loaf recipe. It's from the 1995 edition of the "Toaster Oven Cookbook" and is the only surviving page of my copy. It goes great with pasta and tomato sauce. Any leftovers can be used in sandwiches. Solar Italian-Style Meat Loaf Ingredients 1...

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Solar Lunch for One

Ever since I've been sending Mark off with a packed lunch I've fallen into the bad habit of not thinking about my own lunch until I'm so hungry I just raid the refrigerator. So I picked up this gold nugget squash because I liked the one-serving size and the color; and...

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Pumpkin and Potato Solar Soup

Pumpkin, or any kind of squash, can be solar roasted ahead of time for use in soups, risottos, or even baked goods. Butternut, kabocha, or sugar pumpkin will all work in this recipe. To roast the squash simply cut it into pieces, remove and discard the seeds, put it...

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Lentils for the Week

We have a busy week ahead and I'm using my Sun Oven to help me prepare for it. This big pot of lentils will come in handy. As is, they're a side dish. Add a few more ingredients and some pasta and you've got soup. Mix them in with rice cooked risotto style and you...

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