Being fed up with my cold dark kitchen in the summer (and winter) I decided to explore the possibilities of cooking outside.  I would; have a challenge, save money not using the gas cooker, have sunshine and light and generally create another living space to enjoy.  This I have discovered, only works up till the end of October in the UK, after then the winter rains and gales make a mockery of all inspired theories!

Years ago on seeing an advert and being inspired I had bought a storm kettle. (kelly kettle) The idea of boiling water with a few twigs was exciting to my fertile imagination.  This grew into the idea of cooking on a chiminea as I had mature trees around me and already had a stock of logs so all made good sense. 

Cooking on the chiminea was all very well but I began to realise how much



Yay, a cosy fire to sit by.

wood it took to keep the fire going.  Those thoughts led me to thinking about undeveloped countries and their need for cooking fuel.

My research led me to the G3 Rocket stove.

It promised portability, high combustable capabilties and only used sticks.  It was designed for use in countries where people (normally women) travel far distances for firewood to cook with and helping to combat

deforestation.

 



  

Can burn easily!

 


Cooking rice and making toast.

Boiling water in new kettle.



 

The top of the stove is cast iron.  The sides are steel with built in handles.  Small sticks lie on the tray in front to be fed into the fire.  The base is firebrick.

Cooking chapatti in the chiminea.

The other end of the garden with buddha hiding behind the water lily leaves.