tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post5768193927629254986..comments2024-03-28T13:00:45.457+00:00Comments on An English Homestead: Prepping On A Budget - Easy Cooking Off GridKev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-57212440200100214622018-08-12T04:55:02.760+01:002018-08-12T04:55:02.760+01:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.vaiyborahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05095754542895387700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-51279923927881902422018-07-30T08:57:36.042+01:002018-07-30T08:57:36.042+01:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-90376951256177864352018-07-27T22:36:06.007+01:002018-07-27T22:36:06.007+01:00Hi just wondering if the stove/oven was any good?
...Hi just wondering if the stove/oven was any good?<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05915581743924990938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-23591222055835405152018-07-23T17:59:30.086+01:002018-07-23T17:59:30.086+01:00If I have to start justifying all my purchases I&#...If I have to start justifying all my purchases I'm in trouble! To be honest probably not as I'm normally at home so have other means of doing it. I've been working away less and less and when I do it's only a few miles from home. We had a BBQ on the beach last year but all the sausages kept rolling off! Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-25524034036065294212018-07-23T16:11:57.549+01:002018-07-23T16:11:57.549+01:00:-)) making up for lost time is good!
We went on ...:-)) making up for lost time is good! <br />We went on holiday with friends a couple of years ago and the husband confessed he didn’t know much about fire lighting (we were making a driftwood fire on a beach) so we had a lovely afternoon with flints and steel and toasting brioche. He’s a firefighter ;-)<br />Would you drInk enough of your dehydrated soup to justify a storm kettle?!!Hazelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05388175819512214533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-37014800975847002492018-07-23T12:41:53.037+01:002018-07-23T12:41:53.037+01:00I think we're all pyromaniacs at heart!
I'...I think we're all pyromaniacs at heart! <br />I'd love a storm kettle, but then again I don't drink many hot drinks. Brought my brother one years ago as a present. <br />Keeping skills alive is hard and making sure you practice is key - I remember getting our log burner here and I suddenly realised I wasn't that good at lighting a fire! It was like I'd wasted my youth! Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-55539490345791284402018-07-23T12:39:12.837+01:002018-07-23T12:39:12.837+01:00I might have to get a proper one then! Always good...I might have to get a proper one then! Always good to have lots of options! Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-10051870424384438842018-07-23T07:26:48.052+01:002018-07-23T07:26:48.052+01:00Husband and I have a background in Scouting and Gu...Husband and I have a background in Scouting and Guiding, I'm all for prepping and he likes 'kit' so we're sorted on this one!<br />We have a wood fired Rayburn in the kitchen which I love. I was left some money by my Godmother and we bought a refurbished one. There's a woodburner in the living room but we haven't done much more than reheat casseroles and toast crumpets on it.<br />We have a fire area in the garden with an iron tripod and grill. It's not much fun in really bad weather but it does make a nice spot for entertaining- butterflied leg of hogget is my favourite but we often cook on it in the summer. As you said, not very efficient but fun for a family of pyromaniacs ;-)<br />I have a storm kettle (mine's the Eydon but it's the same as the Kelly and Ghillie kettles) with the pan set- I've cooked breakfast for 4 on it!- and a bigger rocket stove. <br />We have one of those butane stoves we used to keep in our allotment shed and is good if you want to take it on a picnic where using the storm kettle will be difficult. I'm pretty sure we have a little gas stove from husband's mountaineering days and we have a trangia and meths and even a couple of those tiny solid fuel stoves in bags in the car for dire emergencies although I've never actually used them. I probably ought to try.<br />A bit like using and rotating your food and water stocks I think cooking on alternative food sources is something people should practice regularly. Most of them have a knack and you don't want to be learning it when it's cold, dark and you have hungry children (or adults) wanting some food. My daughters are at Guide camp this week where they cook and heat water entirely on fallen wood. I think it's such a useful skill to learn.Hazelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05388175819512214533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-77124741367949007812018-07-23T07:08:43.585+01:002018-07-23T07:08:43.585+01:00Yes, they use meths. They're good- with a bit ...Yes, they use meths. They're good- with a bit of practice you can stack pots on it so you're cooking and heating at the same time. They're used a lot on D of E expeditions.Hazelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05388175819512214533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-45834095520614527632018-07-22T22:41:16.206+01:002018-07-22T22:41:16.206+01:00I think I have something similar for a Fondo set w...I think I have something similar for a Fondo set we have, it burns Methelated spirits which I think is what you guys call denatured alcohol! Yeah it's slow to cook things but would work in a pinch. Mine is only tiny though - just enough to heat some cheese! Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-64914815790445591202018-07-22T22:38:13.431+01:002018-07-22T22:38:13.431+01:00Thanks Leigh! It ink that's what puts so many ...Thanks Leigh! It ink that's what puts so many people off. I'm trying to come at it from a point of view that the world isn't going to end but it's still worth being prepared for bumps in the road and it's not that hard or expensive to do. <br />We used to cook at work over oak off cuts - just as good as charcoal when it burnt down (we'd light it early). <br />You guys have soem great stoves over there. The one I'm looking at buying comes from Australia. I'm going to go see it Tuesday hopefully and see what I think. Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-91759711613104218812018-07-22T10:48:40.067+01:002018-07-22T10:48:40.067+01:00What a great series Kev. And such a sensible appro...What a great series Kev. And such a sensible approach to prepping. So many books and blogs talk about years worth or more of prepping, but that can seem really overwhelming. <br /><br />In summer we love to cook on the grill. That's Dan's domain actually, and we have so many trees that we gave up on charcoal a long time ago. He's experimented and knows what kinds of wood give the best flavors. I like my solar oven in summer as it keeps the heat out of the house!<br /><br />In winter I love my wood cookstove, but have to admit I've wished they sold Agas over here. Seems like an excellent addition to a kitchen. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-11051669884807184022018-07-22T00:31:44.150+01:002018-07-22T00:31:44.150+01:00Those little Trangias use denatured alcohol, not t...Those little Trangias use denatured alcohol, not the sort of alcohol you drink, but the sort you buy in the hardware store. You can also use products like Heet or other automotive fuel additives intended to remove water from your fuel tank. They work quite well though they have to be well protected from the wind and are a bit slow to bring a cup to boil.Mike Silviushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10406468736304441962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-25233526272774875342018-07-21T23:17:28.573+01:002018-07-21T23:17:28.573+01:00I'm going to look at the oven on Tuesday I thi...I'm going to look at the oven on Tuesday I think so I'll let you know the oven when ove been to see it (just in case it's rubbish!). Having two wood burners means we should be able to heat off wood mainly should we want to. High effiecency is essential to save on fuel as well! Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-37921491629917793652018-07-21T23:15:42.094+01:002018-07-21T23:15:42.094+01:00I'm going to try and make one next year I'...I'm going to try and make one next year I've decided, they sound great and I love the idea of cooking outside in the summer like that! Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-59052974114821467542018-07-21T23:15:06.808+01:002018-07-21T23:15:06.808+01:00A new generator is very high on my list. I have lo...A new generator is very high on my list. I have lots of meat stored normally and it would be a shame to waste it! An extra chain for the s2 is a great idea. I always sharpen mine but a spare would be sensible - on fact I can't believe I haven't got one! Thanks!Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-47218334749513321612018-07-21T23:13:07.610+01:002018-07-21T23:13:07.610+01:00I've seen them but never used one. Be great to...I've seen them but never used one. Be great to try one out and add it to my kit. Not sure what proof alcol you need, I don't really keep spirits as I'm not a big drinker! <br />We use do love power cuts with candles and board games ! A future post might be on making a blackout box. Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-24396343203363452732018-07-21T23:11:22.176+01:002018-07-21T23:11:22.176+01:00A liquid fuel one would be a great addition and so...A liquid fuel one would be a great addition and something I'll look to add next as another backup. I bet a jerry can would last a long time! <br />I do like those little gas ones, ideal for camping or a picnic and cheap enough to keep plenty in store.Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-11859252326539826252018-07-21T19:23:37.909+01:002018-07-21T19:23:37.909+01:00Great post, being in the girl guides when I was yo...Great post, being in the girl guides when I was younger, a lot of these are second nature to me but it's amazing how unprepared some people are and how reliant they are on modern technology. Interested in the oven you're putting in the kitchen. We have a woodburner at the moment but it will be moving to the living room once we renovate it. Agas/rayburns are not practical for us as we are both out all day but would love something to be able to cook on when I am here. What is the brand name? ThanksAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05915581743924990938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-72257761810926845082018-07-21T17:34:28.480+01:002018-07-21T17:34:28.480+01:00In the summer, we like to use our solar oven. It h...In the summer, we like to use our solar oven. It heats to about 250-325. I liked my first one so much I bought a second. It’s been a great way to make bread when I don’t want to heat up the house. Robin Ehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07119878278228516608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-39719891801975224982018-07-21T16:10:29.976+01:002018-07-21T16:10:29.976+01:00Great post! Spent two weeks with no power after Hu...Great post! Spent two weeks with no power after Hurricane Irma. Rolled Bar B Q to west side of house in AM, east side in PM for shade. Used generators to keep freezer and frig cold and pump water. Needed lots of gasoline (also for chain saws to clear road out). Remember groceries, restaurants, gas stations, roads closed. Everything sold out or ruined in freezers. No ice, and sewage backing up due to pump stations down. Traffic lights, phone lines and communications down. Our Governor was super--put armed guards on tanker trucks to get emergency gas thru but never enough. Water lines broken by uprooted trees. Have extra chains and spark plugs for chainsaws as well as batteries for flash lights and radios, plumbing fittings and glue. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, mosquitoes, fire ants, and cold showers. Everyone pulled together and we made it through.Peg in Floridahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07950441324845480837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-21620669191641133942018-07-21T15:44:09.174+01:002018-07-21T15:44:09.174+01:00Have you ever seen Trangia camping stove? https://...Have you ever seen Trangia camping stove? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trangia<br />It is still very popular here in Scandinavia, because it's easy to use, very light to carry and uses "safe" fuel (alcohol). It's not the most efficient type of stove, but with a little imagination you can feed your family with it...<br />We had a power failure last night, thunder storm was wreaking havoc and a bigger distribution transformer station was flooded (more than 10 miles away). Kids were disappointed 'cos they had just time to light candles and then lights came back.Ulvmorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14475774550471643902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-51934909870409116782018-07-21T14:26:04.935+01:002018-07-21T14:26:04.935+01:00I love my little Korean type propane cartridge sto...I love my little Korean type propane cartridge stove, quick simple and very stable as you mention. And for 18$ at Walmart they are cheap enough. I have found the cartridges are far cheaper when bought at the local Asian supermarket. About a dollar and a half per can as opposed to four dollars at the department store. But a proper liquid fuel stove gives you an additional option when you run out of propane canisters. Most will run on regular car gas. Here is part of my arsenal.<br />https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q16OSyZlIY/V7s3kGpoKYI/AAAAAAAAHtk/hzuLQcV6rVoeWVgBSfo9yT-Tg3J6iv9FACLcB/s1600/P1110562.JPGMike Silviushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10406468736304441962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-75699014595496150712018-07-21T08:18:09.527+01:002018-07-21T08:18:09.527+01:00Yeah, open fires can be cooked on but takes a bit ...Yeah, open fires can be cooked on but takes a bit of practice! Like cro says, cooking in the embers is the way fo4ward I think, or wrap a jacket potato in tin foil and cook it that way. We used to do that on bonfire night! <br />I've not cooked with a pressure cooker, dawn also rates hers highly so maybe it's something I need to look at getting. I'd like to make up a hay box to keep things cooking for longer without power as well! Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-7054592514644397112018-07-21T08:15:19.992+01:002018-07-21T08:15:19.992+01:00Oh, just googled it and that is a lovely oven. I h...Oh, just googled it and that is a lovely oven. I haven't got the space for one of those in my new fireplace unfortunatly. The one I'm thinking of getting is called the bakers oven and it's an Australian made one with the oven on the bottom. Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com