Hay Box Oven
Thanks very much to Kathryn Henderson, who posted this great idea to the Guiding Mailing List!
A hay box works on the same principle as a slow cooker, except it uses hay instead on electricity to keep the pot hot (or cold). A round cheese box is the best (Kathryn's is wooden, round, about 30" in diameter and 24" in height has a wooden lid). A wooden box with lid will also work. Be sure there are no holes or cracks that would allow heat to escape.
To prepare the hay box, line the bottom with about three inches of dry hay. Place pot to be used in centre. Pile hay around pot and pack very firmly. Remove pot and follow recipe. When dinner is ready to be put into hay box, cover top of pot with foil before the cover is put on. Place pot in hay box, cover with a layer of hay then put the box lid on.
At camp, you'll need to prepare dinner just after breakfast. Once your evening meal is in the box, you can go on with your day and your hot meal will be ready when you are! Alternatively, you can prepare something the night before to be ready for the noon meal next day. Cooking time is about three times the normal time.
Words of caution: