2010-08-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

The Latest in Solar Oven Design!

The newest model of solar ovens anyone has ever seen, became available publicly for the first time on April 17th, 2010, at the 4 Corners Green Living Expo in Durango, CO, and they simply set that little ski town on fire (so to speak)! Simply gorgeous to look at, while a completely original design that works more efficiently then any other on the market, they're all hand-painted (even the camouflage), they require no back-up energy source at all (just the sun), and are of a patented design. And would you believe? Each oven has a pair of comfortable handles that have been ergonomically designed and angled, for perfect balance and comfort! It's the little details like that, you'll appreciate!

And we are now very excited to announce that these beautiful ovens are now available for delivery via mail order worldwide!

(See details below under our 'Questions' section).

(*NEW* Pink Camo)

And if you live in the Four Corners area in the Southwest, you may be able to scoop one up locally, in the color of your choice, at various Farmer's Markets, from Durango, CO to the Aztec and Farmington, NM areas, and even in places like Santa Fe and various venues throughout Arizona. Any comments, questions, color preferences, or suggestions that you may have, we certainly welcome your email.

These units retail for $249 each (And mail order customers will receive FREE SHIPPING within the 48 contiguous United States! See below). They are durable, insulated, gasket and acrylic-lined, and handcrafted one at a time, right here in New Mexico. But best of all, they work! Just the PERFECT item for the outdoorsman, for families (as they are safe around kids or even in an apartment setting), or for those just looking to conserve on the cost of electricity, or as an emergency backup. The grid goes down, you can still cook. These require no power whatsoever! Angle them toward the sun, and in 2-3 hours, you have a nice, hot (safely-cooked) meal for you and the family. You can even put one by the water's edge, catch a fish, prep it, start cooking it while you cast for another! Just imagine the possibilities! You'll find more great info on solar cooking below, along with some killer recipes to get you started! (I love the tuna casserole, myself!)

(Blue Camo and Army Green)

(Army Green 'Jungle' Camo)

(Fly Yellow)

(Hot Pink)

(Navy Blue)

(Tropical Camo)

(Winter Camo and Blue Camo)

(*NEW* Desert Camo)

(Gun Metal Grey)

(Black)

(Sky Blue)

(Earth Red)

Start Cooking with the Sun's Rays!

With our planet changing as quickly as it is, and a growing interest toward emergency preparedness and energy savings, this is an essential item to keep in any household, trailer, or apartment. Did you know that you can cook virtually ANYTHING with just the sunlight? Most people DON'T know that. We're talking anything from desserts, to side dishes, to a 3lb. roast, to that beautiful, medium-rare filet mignon (at the right). And it can all be done using nothing but the energy of the sun's rays. That's ZERO FUEL USED or ANY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT WHATSOEVER! And a complete lack of reliance on 'The Grid' which supplies the power to our homes. What a perfect way to involve your friends and family in a very worthwhile and planet-friendly gathering!

You will literally, have people ask you what you have there, you'll tell them, and they'll insist it can't be done. Oh, it can, and it will. Talk about being 'the first on your block'! This wonderfully green 'appliance' will harness the best our universe has to offer, at no cost to the user, thanks to this gift of infinitely FREE energy that surrounds us all. Just a shame more people don't know that. But you do, and they soon will, as necessity begins to override all else. But most importantly, these will all work perfectly, as long you can get that hour or two of direct sunlight. I can assure you.

Use it for emergency situations, taking on camping trips, at the park, tailgating (Chili works VERY well in this), at the beach, or even from the 5th story balcony of your apartment! Use it anywhere you can get that sunlight I mentioned. It's safe for all ages, is in no way a fire hazard (No part of the unit, inside or out, gets hot except for the pot you're cooking in), and in case you missed it, it requires NO outside source of energy or fuel to operate. That being the case, you can also safely assume that this WILL save you a tremendous amount on your power bill, as well. That alone is worth the price of admission.

How to Use the Oven You've Just Purchased:

1. Place the unit on the ground or on a table outside, pointing directly to the sun, with as much reflection within the unit as you can get.

2. Take your 2qt. pot of uncooked food, and place it inside the unit on top of a sheet of tin foil (shiny side up, for easy cleanup purposes), and close the lid.

3. After one hour or so, check on the food, stir if needed, and make a judgment on how much longer you may need. Check on the food sparingly, though. Every time you open the pot's lid, you'll be adding another 15 minutes or so to your total cooking time, due to lost energy.

4. Close the lid, and adjust the unit slightly for direct sunlight once again, and that's it!

Most meals will be completed within 2 hours, give or take. If you come back later than that, it should be simmering like a Crockpot, and be ready when you are! Scroll down further for some AMAZING recipes to get started with!

NOTE: These units are sealed with a waterproof silicone in the joints in the event of a small spill, or food that has bubbled over in the pot. Always leave about an inch or so of space from the food to the top of the pot to minimize this.

* To protect the acrylic base of your solar oven from the direct heat of the pot, as well as for easier cleanup, it is recommended that you place a sheet of tin foil down first (shiny side up), before placing the pot inside. It really makes cleanup a breeze and will prolong the life of the solar oven itself.

Isn't it time to become a bit more independent of outside forces?

By the way, the food not only COOKS safely and effectively, it also TASTES better than your own oven. Because there are no burners or flames, there are no 'hot spots' to unevenly cook your food. It just cooks nice and steadily, at a very safe internal temp, juicy as can be! Seriously, better than the oven! Yes, even chicken! This is not just 'survival' food, it is really that good, and that safe! Internal temp of the pot will reach approximately 185 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a perfectly safe pasteurization temp for ANY of the foods you might be concerned about (i.e. chicken, pork, etc.)

This cooker's not just fun, and a great conversation piece, but it can be a matter of survival if the power goes out completely where you live. The events of Katrina or Haiti taught us all, we are on our own! And you can't plan your next step in an emergency, when you're belly's growling, and you're still wondering where the next meal will come from. So to have one of these, and a bit of food put aside, you're that much further ahead than the next guy. That's the kind of preparedness that saves lives. Yours, and those around you.

But once you have a few meals under your 'solar oven belt', please let us know: your successes, just what you've cooked, and how this may have changed the way you think about the way we use earth's resources to sustain ourselves, and we may just put your story on our site. Recipes too! Got a good one? Send it on, and we'll give you all the credit, of course!

Have fun, & enjoy your meal!

__________________________________

A testimonial from Crystal R. (No. California):

""...I was a bit skeptical, but extremely excited on owning and trying the solar oven. I want to do whatever it takes to help save the Earth, so using a solar oven will definitely do its part. I don't always have the time to cook, especially when there's so much to do in a day, and what's great about the solar oven is that you can put all the ingredients in the pot, put it in the solar oven, and run a few errands without worrying about burning the house down and using up so much electricity!

I decided to cook an Omaha Steaks' Salmon filet, and I dressed it with their yummy pineapple coconut mango tequila sauce. I put the two together in the pot, put the pot in the solar oven, and let it cook for about an hour. I did some cleaning around the house, and by the time I was done, I checked on the salmon, and it was done as well! I got an oven glove and took the pot out and tried a piece of my creation, and MAN!! It was definitely a surprise! The salmon was DELICIOUS! It was cooked perfectly, and the flavor was great!

I just love this solar oven! I didn't have to worry about setting a temperature. Just put it in direct sun light and let nature work its magic!"

A testimonial from E. Hoebrink (Holland):

"Today we eat our first meal out of it! Amazing how well this thing works! Fortunately we have a very hot period right now, so we are going to try more slow- cooking meals!
We like to thank you for bringing your solar oven to Cal-Earth, otherwise we should never have known of the thing!

For intensive use we have too little warm, sunny days in Holland, but when the good days are here: delicious cooking! Indeed, there is no better way to cook."

So then the questions become:

ARE THESE AVAILABLE FOR MAIL ORDER?

Yes! As of 8/29/2010, the units you see above were made available to the public for worldwide delivery! Clicking this link or by clicking the eBay logo at the upper right of this blog, will take you straight to an eBay listings page of an authorized seller of our units. There, you may read more, or place your order. Solar ovens are priced at $249 each, with FREE SHIPPING within the lower 48 United States!

* Yes, as a special offer, all orders shipped within the 48 contiguous United States will in fact, receive FREE SHIPPING & HANDLING (a $60 value) on their orders! You will also receive simple step-by-step instructions on using your oven, and a few amazing recipes to get started with!

* Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, please add $150 (reg $210) to your total. All other countries will be quoted on a case-by-case basis, giving you the option to decide if it is feasible. Personally, we think it is at just about ANY cost! Be we'll leave that for you to decide!

* All units are very carefully prepared and shipped in a larger, well-cushioned package. Each are wrapped in plenty of bubble wrap, with a separate layer protecting the lid, and later filled with lots of those foam peanuts we love so much! The unit itself will not be very heavy, but the box's larger dimensions do account for the expense of shipping it. This was required to assure the absolute protection of the unit in transit.

WHERE ELSE CAN I SEE OR BUY ONE?

The website will be updated regularly with locations to see and purchase them. See the section below for current venues! If there is a very special circumstance, and you simply cannot make one of these events, contact us, and we'll try to get one in your hands somehow. No one should be without something like this, given its pure sustainability, and soon-to-be, a likely necessity. We're here to help make sure this can be accomplished for you and your family.

HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?

They retail for $249 each (plus custom colors and delivery, if applicable).

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE ONE OF THE DUTCH OVENS SHOWN ABOVE, THAT YOU USE FOR YOUR COOKING?

Although the 2qt size that fits so perfectly in your solar oven is rarely found in stores (They always seem to offer the larger ones), you can use other types of pots. Just be sure it's darker in color to absorb the sun's rays most effectively. If you would like to purchase the one we prefer so much, please look again to the right-hand column of this blog, and you will find a link to an eBay supplier that we personally enjoy doing business with. Or, just search www.Amazon.com , or the net for: 2qt. Cast Iron Dutch Oven

ARE CUSTOM COLORS AVAILABLE?

Yes! For mail order customers, please attach a swatch of the color you'd like us to match, along with your email order. We will add $20 to the price of each oven for this service. Local deliveries may also choose this service, adding the same surcharge to their oven's price.

HOW LONG CAN THE WAITING LIST BE?

The list and time of delivery is based on the numbers ahead of you. Like Mother's Day at your favorite restaurant, there can be some waiting time. Typically, we turn out just 8-10 units per week (but will soon increase that productivity, as needed), so try to be early to these events, and get your name down. Otherwise, we try to supply the most popular colors at any given time, for you to take home and start using the same day! In short, they are not only unique, but quite limited! Mail orders will receive theirs in 3-4 weeks, if the particular color they're seeking is currently out of stock.

CAN I CALL AHEAD TO RESERVE ONE AT A SHOW?

Unfortunately not. As limited as they are, it will always be on a first-come-first-serve basis.

WHAT ABOUT LOCAL DELIVERY?

Once your unit is completed, you will be notified via email or phone (your choice), requesting the best time and place to deliver.All local deliveries are free, from Aztec, New Mexico to Durango, Colorado. Anything further out will be shipped, also at no additional charge.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

Pre-payment by PayPal and cash are accepted for take-home purchases and local deliveries. Mail order customers will receive a 'Request for Payment' via PayPal before any order is processed.

IS THERE A GUARANTEE?

Please visit the eBay page, linked at the upper right of this page for refund and return info. As far as the likelihood of these ovens not performing, they have been tested for several years under varying conditions. They will cook, no question, with just 1-2hrs. of direct sunlight! You will learn all about this at the shows, and will be cooking like a pro from day one! Now that's a guarantee!

ARE THESE REALLY ANY BETTER THAN WHAT'S ON THE WEB?

Absolutely. Before designing these models, a thorough round of research went into what's 'out there' on the market. Though you will find the price to be on the mid-to-upper end of the price-point scale, the quality and durability (not to mention the BEAUTY), is incomparable to what few models there are on the internet. Most are flimsier versions to simply 'get the job done', without the structural integrity to throw into your truck, and really take this outdoors for some serious cooking! All units are glue and screwed, and lined with some very special, reflective Mylar, not available in your average store. All interior corners and joints are also silicone sealed, protecting the unit from light spills. The units weigh about 10lbs. each, and will withstand some serious handling. Again, nothing like it anywhere! Besides, who else has a HAND-PAINTED, camouflage solar oven?

WILL YOU BE COOKING WITH THESE AT THE EVENTS?

If the sunshine is with us, and the layout of the event permits us to do so, we expect to have several pots of solar cooked dishes running throughout the day. Feel free to try your first solar bite! Meat and vegetarian dishes are planned, depending on your preference! But this cannot be guaranteed to be the case. If we can do it, you can bet we WILL be cooking!

WILL THERE BE LARGER SIZES AVAILABLE SOON?

Yes. We are currently designing a larger 22" unit (as compared to the 15" above), which should accommodate either 2 pots at once, or a single, much larger 5qt. pot! This has been one of the requests we've received at various events, and should suit larger families and gatherings with ease! Estimated retail will be in the $349-399 price range.

DO YOU HAVE DEALER PRICES FOR RETAILERS?

Yes. Please call or email us for special pricing and custom color selections for your store!

ARE THESE PATENTED?

Yes. So don't even think about it. :)

HOW CAN I REACH YOU?

Call: (505) 360-5567

or EMAIL us at:

SWSolarOvens@gmail.com

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Four Corners Green Living Expo

Saturday April 17th from 10am-5pm
Sunday April 18th 10am-3pm
Durango, CO
Thanks, to all of those who came out!
What an event!

Earth Day 2010 at the Aztec Ruins

Sponsored by the National Parks Service
Saturday April 24th from 10am-3pm
Aztec, NM

Southwest Light and Learning Center

May 1, 2010
451 Hot Springs Blvd.
Pagosa Springs, CO

Tloh Kin Navajo Sustainable

May 8, 2010

Navajo Nation Museum

Window Rock, AZ

Santa Fe Sustainable

May 22, 2010

Santa Fe, NM

Sustainable San Juan

July 12, 2010
Aztec, NM

Verde Fest

Four Corners Sustainability Fair

August 21, 2010
City Park
Cortez, CO

Local events are now over for 2010, but you can still place your mail order at the upper right of this page! Thank you to all of those that turned out, and we'll see you again in 2011!

MADE IN THE USA!

Right here in the Four Corners Area!

SOME GREAT RECIPES!

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Solar-Cooked Tuna Casserole

Ingredients:

2 – 10.5oz. cans of Cream of Mushroom soup

1 – 6.5oz. can of sliced mushrooms (optional)

1 – 10.5oz. can of milk (whole or skim)

2 – 5oz. cans of Fancy Albacore white tuna (in water or oil is fine)
¼ stick of butter
1 – 1lb. box of Elbow or Salad macaroni
1 - teaspoon salt (optional)
1 – Bag of Shredded cheddar cheese (some to mix, some to top)
1 - teaspoon pepper (optional)
2 – slices of onion (chopped)
1 – 15oz. can of peas
1 – sheet of tin foil (to line the bottom of the oven)

Serves: 6-8 (or 3-4 people for two meals)
Cooking Time: About 2 hours

Instructions:

In a large bowl, pour the contents of all ingredients except for the pasta, and mix thoroughly. Be sure to drain all canned foods first of water or oil. In the case of the shredded cheese, roughly two handfuls will be used to mix with the batch. With the milk, just fill one of the emptied Cream of Mushroom cans for the correct amount.

Boil the entire box of macaroni only halfway. You want to get it started for your oven, but you don’t want to overcook it. So it should still be somewhat firm before you start.

Pour pasta into a strainer, then mix with your ingredients.

Give it all a good stir, then begin scooping it into your cooking pot. A cast iron, 2qt. Dutch Oven always works best! When you are about an inch from the top, spread it evenly with the back of a spoon.

Sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Place the lid on. And now, it’s ready for your solar oven! Wrap the rest of what’s left from your mix, and place into the fridge.
After approximately two hours of direct sunlight, it should be ready to serve. If the shredded cheese is nicely melted, you should be good!

Serve and enjoy! This is an outstanding meal if you love your tuna casserole!

Mesquite/Lime Tex-Mex Chicken

Ingredients:

2 – 4oz. cans of chopped Chilies (Mild or Medium)

1 – 12oz. bottle of Lawry’s Mesquite/Lime Marinade

1 – Fresh Tomato and

1- Fresh Bell Pepper (Diced)

3lbs. – skinless/boneless chicken tenderloins

1 – 15oz. can of Black Beans

1 – package of flour or corn tortillas

1 – 15 ¼ oz. can of corn

1 – Ziploc freezer bag (or large Tupperware)

2 – slices of lime, then cut in halves

1- Sheet of tin foil (to line the bottom of the oven)

Serves: 4-6 (or 2-3 people for two meals)

Cooking Time: About 1 ½ - 2 hours

Instructions:

This is truly an extraordinary dish, and has been the biggest hit at various solar cooking events! If you like your chicken juicy, and a very colorfully impressive, and mildly spiced meal, this is going to be the way to go! It will impressive everyone around! And it’s perfect for those that just want the veggies, and none of the meat. So it covers everyone!

For this, you will work in two parts. Marinating the chicken separately, while combining the rest of the veggies together. Once marinating is complete, combine them all before spooning into the pot.

So first, take one chicken tenderloin at a time, and trim any remaining fat or veins. Get it looking nice and lean. Then, slice (or dice) each piece into bite sizes, and sweep into a Ziploc bag as you go. You can also use Tupperware, but the bags really allow for the marinade (which is next) to get between the pieces.

Once all of your chicken is trimmed and cut, and placed into the Ziploc, pour an entire bottle of Lawry’s (or your own preference) Mesquite/Lime marinade into the bag. Zip it shut, and turn the bag over several times, and squeeze the bag multiple times to get the marinade in between each piece. Place it in the fridge overnight if you have the time, or for at least an hour if you’re prepping this the same day.

Now, begin with the veggies, slicing and chopping one whole tomato and bell pepper. Also, cut two slices from a fresh lime, cut those slices in halves.

In a large bowl, pour all of your ingredients, lime, and your chopped vegetables. Place in the fridge.

In the morning, take your Ziploc bag of marinated chicken, and with a straining spoon, or strainer, scoop up the pieces of chicken, and add them to your vegetables. Using something to strain the excess marinade will allow all of the flavors to come together without the overpowering taste of too much marinade. You can try it either way, but straining has also been a much tastier meal to me.

Mix everything in one bowl, and begin spooning all of the mix into your 2qt. Dutch Oven. Leave about 1 inch from the top, so that it doesn’t overflow during cooking. The rest can go back in the fridge.

Place the lid on, and then place into your oven! Point to the sun, and you’re done!

Total cooking time should be an hour and a half to two, with direct sunlight. Check once after that hour and a half, give it a stir, and make your judgment then.

Remove the lime slices, serve it all on warmed tortillas, and enjoy!

New Mexican Honey Cornbread

w/ Green Chilies

Ingredients:

6 cups - Marie Callender’s Orig. Cornbread Mix
3 cups - Water
1tsp - Cinnamon Sugar
2oz. of Honey
¼ stick of butter
2 - 4oz. cans of chopped Chilies (Mild or Medium)
1- Sheet of tin foil (for bottom of Solar Oven)

Total Batter Mix Serves 10-12

One Pot Serves 4-5

Cooking Time: 2 - 2.5hrs.

Instructions:

This is an especially good recipe to have on hand, not only for just how tasty it is, but also because it can be made almost entirely with dry storage ingredients. In an emergency situation, this is true sustenance!

If you’d like to make enough for at least two batches (cook one, refrigerate one), then please follow the directions below. If you’d like to make enough for just the one batch, please adjust accordingly, as noted on the Marie Callender’s corn meal mix packaging.

Start by mixing (3) cups of water with (6) cups of corn meal mix in a large bowl, with a whisk. Stir until it’s as smooth as you can make it.

Add your mild to medium cans of chopped chilies (strained).

Squeeze some honey over the top (Trader Joe's Desert Mesquite Honey is my personal favorite), going back and forth from one side of the bowl to the next, 4-5 times.

(Optional) Melt one quarter stick of butter in a saucepan or microwave. After its melted, pour into mix.

Stir it all up thoroughly with your whisk.

Pour into the cooking pot you’ll be using for your solar oven, and fill only about halfway. Place the remainder back in the fridge.

Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.

Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon (or cinnamon sugar) across the top.

Place in your solar oven for about 2-2 ½ hours, checking on it once about halfway through.

Serve with butter, and enjoy!

• To protect the acrylic base of your solar oven from the direct heat of the pot, as well as for easier cleanup, it is recommended that you place a sheet of tin foil down first (shiny side up), before placing the pot inside. It really makes cleanup a breeze and will prolong the life of the solar oven itself.

Solar Cooking: Tasty & Energy-Free!