Absolutely, Totally, Lovingly Baked

Please forgive my absence, Gentle Reader, but adventures both near and far kept me from you -- yet know that you were always in my thoughts. (No need for concern, my P.O. was informed.)

Now, enough of that, let's get on with it, shall we?

The topic at hand is getting baked. You know how an idea is so right that it gives one goosebumps? A frisson of excitement and pleasure? This is one of those concepts.

Solar baking!

One example of this fantastic phenomena is Solovin', a solar food truck and bakery based out of Albuquerque. Solovin' generated a sensation of warmth that slowly spread throughout my entire...being. (Again, enough about that). Let me put it to you (please?) this way: if you, too, are a aficionado of the television sensation Breaking Bad, know this: there are all kinds of things cookin' in Duke City!).

Let's sink our teeth into Solovin' as an example of right livelihood. Solivin' is moved 'bout town by a converted '67 milk truck with a solar power panel on top that provides power to the truck. The baked products and confections use local ingredients, thus fostering a sustainable community, uniting farmers, grinders (of the beans that make up matte latte, coffee, and sun tea), ranchers, and the fine folks who love 'em. 

Solovin' is  owned and operated by Julie and Aren Irwin, is a fusion of South American and organic cookery. Aren credits Julie with being the guiding genius behind the venture. Julie was fascinated by solar ovens and how they provided a means for individuals in third world/developing countries who were being negatively impacted from trad cookery practices that forced them to daily walk great distances scavenging scarce firewood, only to then be exposed to the fumes from what wood they could scare up. A solution was needed. And that solution is... (wait for it) solar ovens -- which proved to be a very hot concept.

Solar ovens are are sustainable (a key keyword here at ifindmyselfwanting.blogspot.com), ecological, economical, logical, elegant, easy to build, and provide a beautiful product that in many ways has distinct advantages over conventional sources of baking, from providing a more moist, flavorful, baked good, to allowing the baker to enjoy the outdoors, to being customizable, portable, and safe.

There are drawbacks, however (sigh), and these include some things that you may have guessed, and some things that you wouldn't. Solar ovens can do anything an oven can do -- bake and roast -- but they are not the same as a stove top range -- you're gonna have to find another way to fry your eggs. You need to be aware and involved in the process; as the rays of the sun change angle throughout the course of the day (and the cooking process), so, too, does the oven need to be shifted to take best advantage of the sunlight. Environment -- sunshine, buildings, foliage, all come into play. But if one takes these things into consideration, it can become a plus. Being conscientious and aware is all to the good (or so I've been told -- time and time and time again...damnit!).

To find out more about Solovin's South American-flavored epicurean munchie experience, you can check out (and/or like) Solovin' on Facebook.

Hot Stuff!

If you're in Duke City (tell 'em Heisenberg sent ya!) you can get your sun-kissed needs met here: They'll also cater private events -- and how yummy is that!

Solovin' Solar Food Truck and Bakery
503.333.8809
Wednesday = UNM
Thursday    =  2nd and Central
Friday        =  Nob Hill