Four Ways to Cook Without Electricity

I don't think I will ever forget the scenes I saw on the news just about a year ago when a storm knocked out part of the Texas power grid.  This caught a lot of folks unprepared.  I got me to thinking, it was Texas this time, but it could happen anywhere for many different reasons.  So today, let's talk a little about how to cook when the lights go out. 

1. Stovetop - If your stovetop is fueled by natural gas or propane, you can light the burners and cook a meal.  Just keep in mind to have some water stored away for cooking.  If the power outage is affecting your municipal water supply or if you are on a private well, your water is going to stop.  
2. Outdoor grill - Fire up the grill!  You can do a lot on the grill.  Everything from foil-pack dinners to flipping flapjacks on a cast iron skillet.  It may be a good idea to have extra charcoal or an extra propane tank on hand in case the outage lasts awhile. 
3. Outdoor Camping Stove - We have one that we haven't used in many years but I refuse to get rid of it.  I have a few of the green one-pound cylinders on hand just in case.  These camp stoves are compact and the cylinders are widely  available at your local big box store. 
4. Butane burner - You've probably seen these used on your favorite cooking show.  The thing I like the most about this option is that it is safe to use indoors.  Who wants to cook outside if the weather is bad!

Other ways to cook could include open fire in a firepit, solar oven, rocket stove, and wood stove.  Regardless of which one you use, it is best to get a little practice ahead of time.  You don't want to wait until the power goes out to start learning!  

There is nothing quite like being able to provide a hot meal or a cup of coffee (do you have a stovetop percolator?) when the power goes out.  It will feed the body as well as smooth some frazzled nerves. 

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