does anyone remember the haybox?

Back in the early 1970s when there were lots of power cuts I can remember making casseroles like that in boxes and packed around with as much insulating material as I could beg or borrow from my brother.I used an old insulating tank jacket that he had got from a job he was on and it worked very well.I also used thick wodges of tightly twisted newspapers and several layers of old jumpers.Anything to keep it warm.It worked o.k. and the food cooked through although it was a case of doing one day for eating the next as its not a quick way of cooking but when there is no electric and I lived in an all electric house it meant we could eat hot food . I also used several big thermos flasks for coffee and soup as it did keep things warm. I still fill a flask with boiling water if I have boiled the kettle rather than waste it.I can then make a cuppa when I feel like it and don't have to keep boiling up the kettle .
God I'm still frugal after all these years

I just used my old laundry basket, lined at the bottom with loads of old teatowels. Then i'll sink my pressure cooker (that i had brought to a hissing boil to ensure all the meat inside is cooked) into the basket, then lined and tuck into the sides around the pot, my son's old fleece gym pants, old fleece jumpers. On top of the basket/ pot, i just cover and tuck into the sides, another old fleece jumper and top it off with my kid's old cosy tote from his buggy lol!

Well so far, it has worked. All casseroles turnout yummy, meat soft and tender. I had made lovely chicken broth the same way.

I have tried the same technique for my slow cooker. I bring it to a hot boil, and just lift the earthenpot and tuck it into the the same laundry basket. The earthen pot is still hot 8 hours later.

Hope this helps.

Hi All

I recently got hold of a polystyrene box with a lid from our local farm shop. I'm looking for some poly stuffing that comes sprinkled around inside parcels. Once I get this, I'll have a go and let you know the result.

Chris

We used to use a hay box at Guide Camp. Very simply... the casserole dish with piping hot contents is put into a larger container... cardboard box will do. The space between the cardboard box and casserole is packed with anything that retains heat. Cushions, pillows, sleeping bag, polystyrene beads.Originally of course the original very cheap insulation was ...dry hay. Nowadays a cheap duvet is easier to come by than hay!!:rolleyes::rolleyes:
Remember to put insulation above and below the casserole dish.
The food then cooks in its own heat whilst cooling down, usually overnight.
To some extent it is similar to a slow cooker. However the casserole and contents have to be piping hot all the way through to begin with otherwise nothing will cook right through.
This is also ideal for making porridge overnight. Waking up to hot porridge at camp without having to relight the wood fire was good.
We also made hot chocolate after tea and put it into the hay box and had it last thing at night before going to bed. Very nice.