Earth ovens are a simple and natural way to cook food using what may already be available in your backyard. This month we were so lucky to have Uncle Eric Enos share with us the basics of building with earth at the Cultural Learning Center at Kaʻala on November 5, 2011. People all over the world use earth to build houses, walls, and ovens.
During the workshop we constructed the base of an earth oven that can be used to cook breads, pizzas and all sorts of deliciousness!! First, we lifted heavy rocks and created the base of the oven. We insulated the inside of the base with layers; rock and soil, cinders, glass bottles, sawdust, a slurry of water and cinders and dirt, and more cinders. With our hands and feet in the mud, we learned to mix and create basic cob; three parts cinders to one part clay and a few handfuls of hay. Then we carefully leveled out the top and placed firebricks, which will be the oven floor when we finish building the oven.
Last, we had a delicious surprise lunch cooked in an imu, a perfect ending to a fantastic workshop. We can't wait to come back and finish the top part of the oven!!
Mahalo Uncle Eric and the Cultural Learning Center at Ka’ala for sharing so much useful knowledge and yummy food!!
During the workshop we constructed the base of an earth oven that can be used to cook breads, pizzas and all sorts of deliciousness!! First, we lifted heavy rocks and created the base of the oven. We insulated the inside of the base with layers; rock and soil, cinders, glass bottles, sawdust, a slurry of water and cinders and dirt, and more cinders. With our hands and feet in the mud, we learned to mix and create basic cob; three parts cinders to one part clay and a few handfuls of hay. Then we carefully leveled out the top and placed firebricks, which will be the oven floor when we finish building the oven.
Last, we had a delicious surprise lunch cooked in an imu, a perfect ending to a fantastic workshop. We can't wait to come back and finish the top part of the oven!!
Mahalo Uncle Eric and the Cultural Learning Center at Ka’ala for sharing so much useful knowledge and yummy food!!
