How to Make a Hot Box
If you're looking to cut down on energy costs, a hot box may be just the thing for you. The box is simple to make, can be made from things in your recycle bin, and can reduce the amount of energy used in cooking by up to 90 percent. Hot boxes are ideal for cooking meals normally prepared in a slow cooker, such as beans and stews. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Large cardboard box
- Old blankets or towels
- Old newspapers
- Old phone books
- Scrap paper
- Large pot
Instructions
-
-
1
Crumple the paper and pack it into the cardboard box to make a three- to five-inch thick layer on the bottom and sides of the box. Be sure to pack the materials very tightly.
-
2
Using the blankets and/or towels, create a nest for your pot in the center of the box. The cooking vessel should fit snugly into the box.
-
-
3
Combine the ingredients to your favorite slow-cooker recipe in the pot, cover, and cook on the stove at medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
4
Working quickly, remove the pot from the heat and place it in the hot box. Tightly pack more towels and blankets on top of the covered pot. The box should be filled to the top.
-
5
Close the box and secure the flaps with phone books or other flat, heavy objects.
-
6
Allow the hot box to sit for four to eight hours, or as directed by your recipe.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You may also use old clothes as insulation for your hot box.
Chop ingredients that take longer to cook, such as meat and root vegetables, into smaller pieces than you normally would to reduce the overall cook time.
Be sure that all meat is fully cooked before eating.
