Haybox Cooker

Monday, 9:17 pm

By Kate

Aug

27

2007

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned something about purchasing an Igloo cooler and that I had plans for it. Today, I tested my plans.

As part of the 90% Project mailing list, I’ve learned a lot of useful ideas over the last couple of months. One idea that really grabbed me was a Haybox Cooker. I’m not sure where the idea originated, but the concept is simple. By packing insulating material around a very hot and already cooking vessel of food, the food will continue cooking without additional energy input.

This afternoon, around 4:00, I tossed a cup of rice and a cup and a half of water into a round covered casserole dish. I also added some chopped summer squash and a bit of red bell pepper and onion, 3 small chicken drumsticks, and the usual herbs and seasonings. I put the casserole into the microwave and nuked it on high for 6 minutes, until the water was boiling. Then I removed it and placed it in my small igloo cooler. (I’d already lined the bottom of the cooler with about 3/4 of an inch thickness of newspaper.) Once the casserole was inside, I tucked clean rags around it and tossed a bunch on top of the casserole until they came to the top of the cooler. Then I shut her up and tucked it away in a kitchen corner.

I forgot about it until about 8:30 PM. When I opened the cooler, a waft of very warm and moist air escaped. I removed the rags and grabbed hold of the casserole to lift it out. Bad idea. It was so hot, I burned my fingers. So, with potholders, I brought it out and placed the casserole on the counter. When I removed the casserole lid, steam poured out. The rice was cooked to a perfect turn and the chicken was moist and tender and falling off the bones. I had to wait several minutes before I could eat my dinner because it was still so hot. Just as if I’d taken it directly from the oven and onto my plate. And it was delicious.

I’d say that this haybox cooker idea works pretty darned well.

Of course, it saves quite of a lot of energy and is as good as a crockpot with the advantage of not having to worry about anything shorting out while away from home—or burning/overcooking. I suppose it could be quite useful if one wanted to go traveling for a day or even camping and desired an easy and tasty meal. Or, like me, the idea of cooking a meal so simply, and with very little energy input, just thrills to pieces.

I think this will be an excellent method of slow cooking chili, too. Can’t wait to try that when the weather turns cooler.