Looking for a great way to “cook” while you’re driving to your next adventure? Try the tried-and-true method of thermal cooking that many Depression-era housewives perfected as a means of saving costly fuel and time. Thrifty cooks let their cast iron pots and an old wool blanket do the work for them.
The method is simple. Start your stew or other one-pot meal on the stove as you normally would by braising the meat first, then adding your vegetables, seasonings and liquid. Once it comes to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Finally, remove it from the stove, place the lid on top and wrap the pot inside an old wool blanket (or two) and nestle it inside a cardboard box or wicker basket. It can sit for several hours in your backseat or on your camper countertop while you unpack or explore. When you are ready to eat, it will be ready for you!
Girl Camper Magazine.