Woodstoves - Not Just for Staying Warm!

Camping indoors when the power is out has the potential for creativity when it comes to eating healthy and staying hydrated. Woodstoves are a great resource not only for keeping warm and drying snow clothes but also for cooking.

Clean snow collected and set by woodstoves can be used for cooking, handwashing and toilet flushing.

Line the bottom outside of pans with tinfoil for tidiness and do not use pans that have plastic handles. Cast iron or all metal pots and pans are best but must be used with potholders.

The heat put out by woodstoves varies by the size of the stove and intensity of the fire. The surface is hotter closer to the stovepipe, so things such as water or soups that need to boil should be placed there.

In order to maintain the correct temperature for whatever is being cooked on the woodstove watch the food for signs of bubbling or sizzling, stir often and manipulate the amount of wood in the stove.

Coals are great for reheating and warming already cooked or canned foods as well as roasting marshmallows for s'mores.

Dairy products can scald if used in making gravy or oatmeal. Bread dough can rise next to the woodstove and then cook in a cast iron Dutch oven on the stove top.

Hot sandwiches such as grilled cheese and ham can be made. The grilled cheese will take longer than range cooking and the crust will be dry, but can be soaked in soup.

Meats like sausages or cube steaks can be lightly battered and placed in a warm oiled pan next to the chimney and shaken until golden and meat is cooked.

Pancakes and bacon are a hearty breakfast on the woodstove as well as steak and eggs. Add the eggs when the steak is flipped. Thinly sliced potatoes tossed with butter, salt and pepper can also be made alongside burger.

Soups that simmer well on a woodstove include beans, lentils and ham, tomato and rice, and chilis.

Hot tea, hot chocolate and coffee can still be enjoyed when the power is out by keeping a full percolator and tea pot on the woodstove.

Safety precautions should always be taken to prevent burns, sparks and fire hazard.