Inspiration - Moving to a Dedicated Solar Cooking Domain

This is my posting for this week's Nicole Abdou's Destination: Unknown Blog Hop word theme of INSPIRATION. If you would like to participate, head on over to check out the rules, write your own post, and go to it!






The New Year Inspires Change
This first week of 2011 filled me with inspiration to do something about my laziness. Getting a dedicated blog site has been on the back burner far too long. I've owned the domain solarcookingathome[dot]com for years but, for some unknown reason, have been hesitant to use it. With the new year and added focus on making the change, it occurred to me that 'solar cooking at home' didn't reflect my mission when read cold -- like in a Google search. The subtitle said it better, yet, not quite on spot.

So, what was my inspiration to even try to bring solar cooking to mainstream cooks, those wonderful people living in housing developments, apartments, and small-tract housing? It was the immediate significant savings in my home energy bill and the companion reduction in fossil fuel usage that made solar cooking cutting edge common sense. Combined with other energy-saving appliances, you can see the savings reflected within the first two or three months of use on your energy bill. I don't live in a commune, don't go camping, and am not a survivalist. My cooking is very mainstream, whether using original, gourmet, boxed or frozen meals, from whatever I can find at the local market or fresh from a summer garden. The only difference is that I use the sun for long-term cooking of my recipes, and that means I'm cooking for FREE! In other words, I'm mainstream solar cooking!

I'm mainstream solar cooking! Eureka! Duh! Mainstream... Solar... Cooking! That's it; that's the domain name I needed and it was available. The only downside was that I lost all my comments with the switchover and I'm so sad. I think I've lost all my followers, too! at least their little avatars, on my home page.  Come back! Come back! little avatars, if you can... 8-( 

But, to all of you, new and old, welcome to my new domain: http://mainstreamsolarcooking.com/ I hope you'll take a look at my video of solar meals through 2010 and see just how easy, economical, and delicious solar meals can be. Come to think of it -- YOU'RE my inspiration!

Solar Cooking Thru 2010 - Video - Enjoy!

This has been quite a year for solar cooking, that's for sure. It's been a year of progress for me in so many different ways -- especially, in learning how to blog and vlog! So, I just wanted to share some of the luscious meals we've had in 2010 with those of you who are new to my blog. Remember, this was done while saving energy and lowering fuel bills. And, if one takes your fancy, you'll find the recipe in the archives. Thank you for a great year...



Bet you're hungry, now!

Your Doors of 2011 and My Toast to You!

The new year is a time for choices. Will it change your life or will you remain the same? We're not always in control of what's on the other side -- choices you can't avoid or will welcome with open arms, are already heading your way. It's the love/hate relationship we have had with doors since the beginning of time. So, for your doors of 2011, here is my toast to you:

If you fear the unknown, may you find the inner strength to take a chance.
If you rush to the unknown, may you know the difference between exploration and running away.
If you desire the unknown, may you be well-prepared for the journey.
If you are asked to share the unknown, may it be your decision and the very best choice for you.

And, at the close of 2011, may your choices reflect a year of seized opportunity, new-found courage, and a deeper understanding of your family and friends. But, most of all, may you discover peace and an acceptance of yourself. 

Now, go to your mirror, look yourself square in the eye and say, "Okay, 2011, let me hear you knockin'!

It's a White Christmas -- Time to Read and Enjoy Each Other!

Look what happened, last night! Thought we were going to be by-passed, but Mother Nature had a different idea! Thank goodness, we're all comfy and warm inside, with new books to read, lots of holiday goodies, and a cozy fire.

Christmas Eve was at my daughter's. I brought the leftover quenelles transformed into this lovely pate, surrounded by fresh kale, and cold baked potatoes with my own aiello sauce and smoked paprika garni. Beef heart wasn't mentioned until AFTER the yum-yums!

If you recall, during the peach and plum harvests, I managed to make a little brandy to be included in my holiday baking. Well, it turned out very well, indeed, and so I went even a step further and made some Bristol Cream out of a combination of the peach and plum brandies. Then, of course, into some Brandy Balls, and fruitcake. So, I'll be able to keep the insides warm, too!

Merry Christmas!

Beef Heart Quenelles, Mushroom Sauce & European Soldier Beans - Solar Baked

Beef Heart Quenelles with Mushroom Sauce & European Soldier Beans

A few weeks ago, I applied to participate in the Iron Foodie Contest offered by Foodie Blogroll and Marx Foods where they had 25 contestants + 25 recipes + 3 ingredients chosen by Marx Foods. Well, I didn't win. 8-(   BUT, Marx Foods offered me a consolation prize of five (5) random ingredients and an offer to create an original recipe and submit it for possible sharing on their blog and winning a consolation prize of more exotic ingredients! I couldn't resist. But, it had to be submitted by December 22nd. Here's my surprise ingredients -- and I've managed to use them all!

Aji Panca Chilies, Black Trumpet Mushrooms,
Saffron Threads, Granulated Honey, and
European Soldier Beans!

This was definitely going to be interesting and a multiple process meal. Because Marx Foods is a great place for exotic foods and spices, I decided on beef heart for my meat protein -- just because they don't offer it!

Guest Blog on Grow With Stacy

Is Entrepreneurship for You? This is my guest posting article about entrepreneurship on the Grow With Stacy blog today! Stacy knows her stuff and is a great source for personal development, blogging, and entrepreneurial needs! A quick peek will tell you that she offers so much more, so I hope you'll pop on over and give her site some attention and comment love! I know it's the holidays, but you gotta sit, sometime!

12-Bean Pork Chili

12-Bean Chili with Pork Loin on Seasoned Rice

Now, before you say think anything about this picture, bear in mind that I seem to have some kind of fascination with eggs (or, too much exposure to wide-eyed cartoons, as a child!). I was tryng to make a nice presentation of a rather mundane meal -- not in taste but in appearance -- without using a bowl. But, there being some liquidity to the chili, I didn't want it running all over the plate; so, I decided to place it in a rice ring. And, then, I wanted some corn but not IN my chili -- not this time. Soooooo, I ringed it around the outside and, well, there it was, a reversed adaptation of a fried egg! Can't help it. Holidays are keeping me busy and my mind is still focused on ingredients for other projects and photography is very low on the totem pole.

But, this is a super-easy meal for really cold evenings and I wanted to share it with you. The pork was in my doggie bag from a local bbq place and saved me oodles of time. I had placed the beans in water, the night before, and they were plumped and ready.

I pre-heated the solar oven (and, it's been cold here, in the low teens!) to 225F. Then, drained the beans and put them in a roasting pan that has a cover. In a large saucepan over med-high heat, combine the following ingredients: finely chopped pork; 1 medium onion, chopped coarsely; 1 medium-hot chili pepper, seeded and sliced finely; 1/2 tsp chopped hot chili pepper seeds, chopped very fine; 1/2 tsp carrot leaves, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic granules, 1/2 tsp ground horseradish, 1/8 tsp ground black pepper, 2 tsps sugar or stevia. Blend together over med-high burner on stove, until mixture starts to bubble. Transfer to roasting pan, cover, and put in oven for 2-3 hours. Prepare rice and corn in last half hour. Serve.

December 2010 Toast to You!

Goodness! Wasn't Christmas Just a Few Weeks Ago?
A little late in my toasting, dear followers, although, I'm not apologizing. We're all busy and you've been wonderful. eReader cover sales have been great, and there's still time for those of you who haven't gotten one for yourself or a loved one.

Like you, I've been busy baking, crafting, wrapping presents, and getting ready to put up the tree. But, I don't want to miss thanking you for being there for me or forget to welcome all the newcomers!

My Toast to You!

The season brings us joyful memories, 

Through cards from family and friends.

Each produces that special moment

Of gatherings that have been.

It's a time to count our blessings,

And remember those who wait above.

A time to wish the happiest of holidays, 

To you and those you love.

It's My SITS Day! Welcome, SITStahs! Happy Holidays!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! -- My "Decorating for Christmas on a $15 Budget," free e-book gift to you has been extended through the Holidays! Obviously, my SITS day has passed but for all of you who continue to visit, simply follow the directions at the end of this posting and you will receive your own FREE copy, either as an e-book or in the .pdf version for those of you who use gmail.com. 

Today is my SITs Day! If you haven't heard about SITS, please check out their site. It's one of those super-special support sites that dedicates itself to helping more than 6,000 female bloggers find each other. Do yourself a favor and visit them if you want to find a way to build up your site, link together, and forge new friendships that make blogging such an exciting journey!

SITStahs

Now, if you've never been here to my site, before, welcome to a whole new experience in ways to make delicious meals and reduce your energy bills. Francesca (a really cool SITStah!) asked for a how-to article for the holidays and I decided to offer you my FREE ebook on Decorating for Christmas on a $15 Budget that used to be available on an older web site.  Before we switch over to the book info, I just wanted to say that I could go on all day about the benefits of solar cooking -- to the earth and your pocketbook -- but it's probably easier to let you browse my site and let it speak for itself! I hope you'll find it intriguing enough to want to incorporate it into your own cooking arsenal to create delicious meals for your family and put money in your pocket! But, now on to your FREE holiday gift!



FREE e-Book

 Happy Holidays from Creative Handz -- the crafty side of Solar Cooking at Home for Mainstream Cooks!

Solar Winter Cooking is All in the Timing

Winter Solar Cooked Meals Need Timing
For new followers, I'm updating an older post to help with using a solar oven during the colder months. On a sunny day, the outside temperature doesn't matter; but, what time you begin to solar cook does matter. If you've prepared your meal the night before, as you would for a slow cooker, placing your meal in the solar oven before going to work, no problem; you'll have a wonderful meal waiting for you.

But, same-day preparation means you'll need to plan on using the best winter times for solar cooking -- between 10:00am and 2:00pm.  This meal was actually cooked between 1:00pm and 4:30pm, but that was with full access to the sun. A meal started after 2:00pm would probably require finishing up in the conventional oven.

This 1.5-pound package of pork loin was removed from the freezer and defrosted in the microwave. A loaf pan was lined with sliced onions, the pork loin placed over them, then spices, more onions, some raisins, and the whole thing was sealed in an oven bag. For my side dish, I used a packaged mix of scalloped potatoes and put all those ingredients in a second loaf pan. Both were placed in their own SolarWear(tm) Carriers and into the sun oven by 1:15pm.