Mother's Day is just around the corner, and we want to take a moment to celebrate all the wonderful moms out there who make our lives brighter every day. From cooking delicious meals to creating a warm and welcoming home, moms are truly the heart and soul of every family.
At Hot Ash Stove, we believe that spending time outdoors with your loved ones is one of the best ways to show your appreciation for all that your mom does. Whether it's cooking up a delicious meal on our versatile Rambler 3-in-1, or enjoying the warmth of a cozy fire pit, we know that our products can help make your Mother's Day celebration extra special.
We also want to recognize all the amazing moms who are part of our Hot Ash Stove community. We are grateful for your support and inspired by your dedication to your families and to the outdoors. You are truly the backbone of our community, and we are honored to serve you.
So, to all the moms out there, Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for all that you do, and for making the world a better place with your love and care.
Sincerely,
The Hot Ash Stove Team
When it comes to wood-fired pizza, the heat source is a key factor that sets it apart from other types of pizza. The intense, radiant heat produced by a wood-fired oven has a unique effect on the pizza dough that gives it a distinctive flavor and texture.
At its core, the science behind wood-fired pizza is simple. When the dough is exposed to the high heat of a wood-fired oven, the water inside the dough rapidly evaporates, causing the dough to expand and creating a crispy, light crust. This effect is amplified by the radiant heat produced by the burning wood, which heats the pizza from all sides and creates a delicious charred flavor.
The specific type of wood used in the oven also plays a role in the science of wood-fired pizza. Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and hickory are the preferred types of wood for many pizza chefs, as they burn hot and evenly and impart a rich, smoky flavor to the pizza.
But there's more to the science of wood-fired pizza than just the heat source. Other factors, such as the amount of moisture in the dough, the fermentation process, and the type of flour used, can all affect the final product.
So the next time you bite into a delicious, crispy slice of wood-fired pizza, remember that it's not just the toppings that make it special - it's the science behind the heat that gives it that unique flavor and texture.
Check out the Hot Ash Rambler.
Over the years, survivalists and experts have come up with many different kinds of shelters using tarps, tents, and even natural materials. Today we're going to talk about how to build two different kinds of temporary shelters using natural materials in case you ever find yourself stuck without much equipment.
This one is a pretty simplistic, one sided shelter that will provide you with one roof and one wall. It doesn't offer tons of protection, but should give you more heat while you're sleeping and adequate rain coverage.
1. Get a long, strong branch and support it horizontally between two trees. this will serve as your roof line.
2. Lean sturdy branches along one side and then cover with brush. Next, pile on leaves, grass, and whatever smaller brush you can find to fill in the gaps. It should be well insulated on this side.
There are two main downsides of this shelter: 1. It has one wall which means it will not keep heat in on all sides. 2. It will only protect you from the wind on one side.
The benefits of this shelter are that it is easy to build and can be used to reflect the heat of a nearby fire to keep your warm.
The leaf hut is a little more time consuming than the lean-to, but you'll get two walls that converge at the back, a roof, and a doorway.
1. To build this hut, you'll need to find a long, strong, and straight branch about 10 feet long. Prop this branch up in the fork of a tree or a large rock at a height that allows to you crawl underneath it easily.
2. Lean branches on either side as far up as you'll need to comfortably sleep. Make sure to place them close together so leaves and brush won't fall through.
3. Place smaller, leafy sticks and brush on top of these branches. Once that is done, pile on any leaves and grasses you can find in the area. The thicker the covering you have, the more insulated you will be. If you're in an especially windy climate, you can lean more branches over the leaves to keep them from blowing away.
Typically, about 2 to 3 feet of your vegetation on either side will be enough to keep the rain out. You might also want to set some of this vegetation aside to line the inside of the hut for a makeshift bed.
The biggest drawback of this shelter is how time consuming it is to build. a lot more work goes into this shelter compared to the Lean-To.
The benefits of the Leaf Hut shelter are that it is much sturdier and holds will provide a lot more insulation and rain protection. You'll get two enclosed walls and just one opening to have to worry about.
So that's it for our rundown on emergency shelter building! If you're looking for gear to add into your bug-out bag, be sure to take a look at our rocket stoves. If you've got any other survival tips you'd like to share, leave a comment below!
]]>The walking taco is a super simple, yet super tasty recipe that is a cross between a taco and a burrito bowl. Except instead of a bowl you actually use a bag of corn chips! You can use meat, beans, or whatever your preferred taco topping is. Then you just add in some cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and anything else you would normally put on your taco. You can make this as simple as you like.
If you’re travelling with a larger group, you might consider doing a more traditional taco-bar style meal. There are more dishes involved, but it’s perfect for a nice sit-down meal with a large group. For a vegetarian option, you can always get some black beans and heat them up with taco seasoning. This is also a good option if you don’t want to have to keep the meat refrigerated!
If you need any taco holders for your next trip, be sure to check ours out here! They're stainless steel and very sturdy. Otherwise, get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!
]]>We've all seen those people at the campgrounds hauling in countless bags and boxes to their site. It looks like they're moving in! The less things you have to bring to your camp, the less things you have to pack back up. For most people, this makes for a more enjoyable camping experience.
]]>We've all seen those people at the campgrounds hauling in countless bags and boxes to their site. It looks like they're moving in! The less things you have to bring to your camp, the less things you have to pack back up. For most people, this makes for a more enjoyable camping experience.
In today's blog, we're going to be discussing tips to help you cut down on your checklist for camping out.
1. Make a list of your "must-haves"
The best thing you can do is plan beforehand. Make a list of all your must-have items, and don't pack anything that isn't a necessity. Things like toiletries, food, cookware (but only the most basic supplies) should all be on this list.
But making a list of your must-haves is only half of this first step! You also need to put time into figuring out what you can live without. Some things feel like necessities, but are really just luxuries. If you're looking for glamping, then by all means, pack a portable heater and a king-sized air mattress. But if you're looking to go light, you might just find that you can get by with a quality sleeping bag and a roll-up mat.
2. Use the one-bag rule
In general, each person should only need one, small bag for their items. Of course you can share one large one, but this is just a general rule. For younger kids, they should be able to share smaller bags.
Of course, this rule doesn't apply to things like your tent and your food. Choose food that can be easily packed into containers and stored together with your cooking utensils, stove, and serving ware.
3. Pack multi-purpose items
Whenever possible, try to pack compact tools that have more than one use. A prime example is to have a good pocket knife with lots of tools and attachments. That way you have a knife for getting tinder ready for the fire, a can opener for getting dinner ready, and maybe even some tweezers if anybody gets a splinter.
4. Use a microfiber towel instead of a bath towel
This one may sound weird, but a standard bath towel actually takes up quite a bit of space when packing. Quick-drying microfiber towels are usually smaller and lighter. This means more room for your essentials.
5. Don't overpack on clothes
If you're thinking about bringing multiple outfits per day, think again! You should only need one shirt per day for your trip, and you can even think about re-wearing pants or shorts for a couple of days if they aren't dirty. We recommend bringing one set of pajamas for the whole trip (or two if you're staying longer). That way you can change each night into something a little cleaner.
If you follow this sage advice, you should find yourself with a lot fewer items in the trunk, and much lighter bags to carry. And we think you'll have a much better trip because of it
]]>So you may be thinking, what are some good ways to spend time outdoors? Thankfully, when it comes to spending time in nature, the possibilities are endless. Here's a few ideas to get you started:
If you want to improve your life, spending a little time with nature each day is a great place to start. So get out there! Go explore, hike, relax, and just enjoy yourself.
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So what makes smokeless fire pits so different? And why does it even matter? Read on to find out!
]]>Campfires and bonfires provide us with a sense of community. They’re a great way to gather friends and family together.
But what is the number one complaint when it comes to fire pits?
The smoke!
When you sit around a fire long enough, you always seem to end up with smoke billowing right into your face.
And the smell gets into your clothes, hair, and sometimes even your skin.
Smoke is caused by incomplete combustion. In a traditional campfire, or fire pit, wood is burned up, but it isn’t burned down all the way.
Everything that isn’t fully burned gets released, including harmful creosote (that’s the black stuff that floats in the smoke). Smoke is basically an aerosolized mixture of particles, and liquids that were not burned up in the fire.
Essentially, the cause of smoke boils down to a lack of oxygen in the fire.
The lack of oxygen chokes out the fire just a little, allowing for the fuel (firewood) to release some particulates and liquids out into the atmosphere in the form of smoke and creosote.
The CDC defines creosote as:
“a mixture of hundreds of chemicals. Creosote is a thick and oily liquid. Creosote can be released into soil and water and can then move through the soil to groundwater. After creosote gets into groundwater, it may take many years to break down.”
They go on to say that creosote deposits can even build up in plants and animals like snails, shellfish, and oysters.
So not only do creosotes look and smell bad, but they’re even bad for the environment!
A smokeless fire pit can burn off most of this harmful creosote by giving the fire a much more complete combustion.
The Hot Ash Fire Pit uses something called “gasification” to provide extra oxygen that helps the fire burn its fuel more completely.
Gasification works by superheating the air around the fire and releasing it to reignite any smoke particulates before they leave the pit itself.
Most gasifying fire pits use a double-walled design to achieve this. Check out the diagram below to get a better idea of what I’m talking about:
Like we talked about earlier, incomplete combustion is the result of a lack of oxygen in and around the fire.
Gasification provides that extra oxygen, which results in a much more complete combustion. This means less accumulation of creosote and harmful particulates in the atmosphere.
Smokeless fires are better for the environment, and better for people than a typical campfire.
Now, if you’ve done any research on smokeless fire pits, you’ve probably seen the options on the market. And you’re probably wondering why you should even consider a Hot Ash Fire Pit.
Number one, we make every fire pit in the USA using high-quality, 304 grade stainless steel (that’s food-grade if you were wondering). We even offer a lifetime guarantee against any manufacturing defects to back it up.
We’ve also designed our fire pits to be modular. That means you can use them as the base for our portable wood-fired pizza oven and our grill top!
To sum it up, our fire pits are made with the highest quality. Plus, you can use them for all of our accessories to make your backyard into the coolest outdoor kitchen around.
]]>At Hot Ash Stove, we're believe in giving the gift of togetherness. That's why all of our products are geared towards community. We help bring people together through food and the great outdoors. Sharing a meal with loved ones is the best way to stay connected. So if you have someone in your life who loves to cook, camp, hike, or share a drink around the fire pit, then read on!
This year, we introduced everyone to the Hot Ash Rambler: a 3-in-1 Pizza Oven, Smokeless Fire Pit, and Grill that's that runs on firewood, charcoal, and whatever other biofuels you want to try.
It's made in the USA using high-quality, 304 grade stainless steel (that's food-grade steel). It comes fully equipped with a stainless steel grill grate, and a 16inch cordierite pizza stone. You'll even get a free pair of our Hot Ash BBQ gloves too! They're heatproof up to 900°F.
If you're into pizza, then you know how good wood-fired pizza is. The Hot Ash Rambler can get up to a prime cooking temperature of 750°F in just 20 minutes. The interior of the pizza oven channels the flames up over the to of your pizza to ensure even heat on the top and the bottom.
The smokeless fire pit is another great way to bring everyone together. The fire pit is double walled, which allows the air inside it to become superheated and burn off smoke before it can leave the pit! You'll get all of the fire you want without all that pesky smoke. Plus, watching your fire pit shoot jets of superhot air inside of it is pretty cool.
Finally, there's the grill. What makes the Hot Ash grill special? It's all about the distance. In a normal grill, your food sits pretty close to the coals. This leaves it vulnerable to flare ups with can give your food a little too much char. The Rambler is able to channel heat upwards so efficiently that your food can sit a lot further away from the coals and still get perfectly seared.
If you're looking for something just a little smaller, check out the Hot Ash Rover! It has all the same features as the Rambler, but it comes with the Travel-Sized Smokeless Fire Pit instead!
If you just want the smokeless fire pit, then you're in luck! We sell the full-sized and the travel sized version separately for you to enjoy in your backyard, or your next campsite.
If you're just looking some fun cooking accessories, then check out our lineup of grilling gear!
First up, we have the 5-in-1 grill rack. This stainless steel rack allows you to make just about anything your heart desires on the grill. It features six skewers so you can make delicious kebabs. It also has holes for stuffed peppers or jalapeno poppers, as well as larger holes for stuffed mushrooms and beer can chicken.
There's also a smaller version: the 2-in-1 grill rack. It features four skewers, and holes for stuffed peppers or jalapeno poppers.
We even have stainless steel grill baskets that perfect for smaller cuts of meat and veggies.
Our heatproof BBQ gloves also make great stocking stuffers! They're rated to be heatproof up to 900°F and come equipped with a non-slip surface. These gloves are one size fits all, and very comfortable for anyone to wear.
For the camping enthusiast in your life, we've got some more great gifts. These ones may be small, but they pack a big punch.
First up is the Hot Ash Rocket Stove! Made with more of our high-quality stainless steel, this portable stove is perfect for car camping and cooking on the go. It weighs 2lbs and can even handle being run over by a truck! This thing is a tank. All you'll need is a handful of sticks and twigs and a fire-starter to get a tasty meal going. This stove collapses and packs up into itself to save space while you're packing. And the best part? It comes with a lifetime guarantee!
We also carry the Hot Ash Mini. Just like the full-sized version, the Mini runs on sticks and twigs, so you can whip up a quick meal just about anywhere. This stove is made using lightweight titanium with aluminum feet. It weighs under 1lb and is easily collapsed and packed up to save space and weight in your pack. It's a great stove for backpackers and campers alike. And don't worry, this stove comes with a lifetime guarantee as well!
So, now that you've seen our lineup, it's time to get planning! Start checking off those wish lists and get ready for the big day.
Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays from all of us here at Hot Ash Stove.
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What's a BTU? BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. One BTU measures the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a pound of water by 1°F.
If you have to go with softwood for your fire, make sure that it is at least seasoned and dried well. This will help to get rid of sap and moisture. Removing the bark of the wood can help with this as well.
Also keep in mind to never choose green wood. Green wood is freshly cut and has not been seasoned or dried. It tends to smoke a lot when used in an oven and won't produce as much heat.
Pellets make for good kindling when you're getting your pizza oven started. Just be aware that you won't be able to use pellets as your only fuel source. You're going to need some firewood to get the oven up to cooking temperatures.
When choosing your wood, you can pick from many different varieties depending on your flavor preferences. One popular option is to use fruitwood. You may have seen this in BBQ smokers or grills. These are woods like hickory, apple, cherry, pear, and pecan. Fruitwoods have a little more flavor and aroma in their smoke. It can be fun to try out different woods and see how the flavor of your pizza changes.
Interestingly, some studies have shown that different climates can actually have more effect on wood flavor than species. This means that two cherry trees grown across the country from each other might have more flavor differences than a cherry and apple tree grown right next to each other. Region, climate, and soil can all play a role in how a type of firewood might flavor your pizza.
When choosing a flavor pairing, remember that some wood flavors pair better with different foods.
Making great pizza means paying attention to the details. Right down to the firewood that you use. Different woods mean different flavors, so play around and enjoy! Experimenting with food is one of the great joys of life (It's also a great excuse to eat a ton pizza).
So try out something new, whether it's a new type of firewood, a new sauce, or a topping you've never had before. Experiment, and find your perfect pizza.
]]>Keeping your cooler cool
If at all possible, freeze your food before you put it into your cooler. This will help your food keep longer, and help keep the temperature nice and frosty inside.
Setting up your tent
Most standard tents come with a rain fly, which is great in most conditions. However, in the summer, a rain fly can prevent air from circulating in your tent. Our advice is to ditch the rain fly and pack a tarp to string up over your tent. The space between the tarp and the tent allows air to flow better and keep you cooler at night.
In most cases, an air mattress works great for getting a good night’s sleep in a tent. However, as we talked about earlier, airflow is an important factor in staying cool all night. To that end, we recommend packing a mesh cot for sleeping. A breathable cot will allow air to flow all around you at night.
Dress for the occasion
While cotton is useful in a lot of weather situations, it isn’t great for summer. Cotton tends to soak up liquid very easily, including sweat. This leads to cotton shirts starting to smell very quickly. You’ll want to get some breathable, moisture-wicking shirts to help avoid this.
Part of the heat in the summer comes from being out in the sun for long periods of time. If you know you’re going to be in direct sunlight, wearing long sleeves will actually help a lot. Of course, you’ll want those sleeves to be made of something very breathable. Wearing a lightweight hat is also a good idea to help keep the sun off your face.
If you’re still too hot, you can soak a bandana in cool water and wrap it around your neck. The back of the neck has a lot of major blood vessels run through it, so this will help to cool of your whole body for a little bit. Just resoak the bandana as needed to help keep yourself cool.
If you’ve got any more tips for summer camping, let us know in the comments below!
]]>Grilling
We love cooking, especially cooking over a fire or grill. Something about the flames brings out the best flavors in almost any food. If your dad loves to grill, here are some awesome gadgets he's going to love:
This grill rack has a ton of features that make it an awesome, multi-purpose cooking tool.
The 5-in-1 Grill Rack is made completely out of stainless steel and features six skewers, 36 holes for jalapeno poppers, two holes for stuffed bell peppers or mushrooms, and a can holder for grilling up a beer can chicken.
It also features a removable tray for smoking chips!
It's just like the 5-in-1 grill rack, but more compact. While you can't cook a beer can chicken on this, you'll still get 4 skewers and 24 holes for jalapeno poppers.
This stainless steel grill basket is the perfect tool for cooking up veggies and small cuts of meat. It has small holes to keep food from falling into the grill, while still allowing the heat and flames to perfectly sear any food inside.
Camping
If your dad likes to get out of the backyard and into the backwoods, we've got some awesome camping gear for him too!
If your dad is into car camping, then this stove is perfect for him. It doesn't require any fuel to cook, only a handful of sticks! This stove is built entirely out of 304 grade stainless steel, and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
The smaller, lighter version of our stainless steel rocket stove, this titanium stove is the perfect gift for any backpacker or lightweight camper. Once again, there is no need to pack fuel! This stove can boil water with just a handful of sticks and twigs, and comes with our same lifetime guarantee.
Backyard Chilling
You don't have to cook or camp to enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes, all you need is a good spot to relax on the back porch or the back yard. Here are some products that will take your dad's back yard to the next level.
The Hot Ash Smokeless Fire Pit is a beast. Made entirely of stainless steel, it features a double-walled design that helps to burn off smoke for a clean, extremely efficient fire. It's so easy to get started, and it actually uses less firewood and produces a bigger fire at the same time.
The Hot Ash Travel Fire Pit is just like our full-sized version. The only difference is the height and weight! It burns smokeless, just like it's larger counterpart, but it will take up less room in the car for travelling
Let us know if your dad loves his Hot Ash gear this year by tagging us @hotashstove on Facebook or Instagram. We love seeing all our happy campers out there!
]]>Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°. Unroll one tube crescent dough and separate into two rectangles; press perforations to seal. Repeat with second tube. In a bowl, combine salsa, sour cream and taco seasoning. Spoon chicken onto the left side of each rectangle; top with salsa mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Fold dough over filling; pinch edges to seal.
Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, 13-15 minutes. Cut in half. Serve with salsa and desired toppings.
And that's it! Four delicious recipes for you to enjoy today, and whatever day you feel like having tacos. Do you have a go-to taco recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
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Growing your own vegetables can sound pretty daunting. That's why we've got a list of the top 10 easiest vegetables to grow. It's a great way to start off small and see how it's all done. Once you've gotten a successful little garden going, you may even want to expand and try some new ones! There are all kinds of varieties of summer and winter vegetables, so you can keep growing all year round.
1. Lettuce
Lettuce loves the cool weather of early spring and late autumn. You can begin planting most varieties of lettuce as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Depending on the variety, lettuce grows well in temperatures between 40 to 85 degrees F. For an extra harvest in the year, begin planting fall lettuce in late summer so it reaches maturity when the fall air is cool.
you should plant approximately 10 seeds per foot. Space your rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Once they sprout, select the strongest seedlings, and thin the rest to about 6 inches apart. Removed seedlings can be transplanted or even used as micro-greens.
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers like warm soil, so make sure to plant after any danger of frost is past. They thrive well in spots that get at least 8 hours of full sun a day. All they need is some well-drained soil, and a space to spread out or a trellis to climb.
Because they like to spread out, these vegetables might be tricky to grow in a pot, but it could be done with a very large planter and trellis.
3. Carrots
Carrots grow best in cool temperatures like those that occur in early spring and late fall.
Plant your carrots in rows that are 12 inches apart. Seeds should be planted about a ½ inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart. When growing carrots in the garden, you’ll wait for your carrot plants to appear. When the plants are 4 inches high, thin the weaker plants until the remaining sprouts are about 2 inches apart.
Carrots require deep ground to grow, so you'll need a pot that is at least 12 inches deep.
4. Tomatoes
You can start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date, or you can wait and buy pre-grown tomato plants from your local nursery. Tomatoes need at least 6 hours of full sunlight, especially in colder region. For warmer regions, light afternoon shade will keep tomatoes protected from the harsh midday sun and help them thrive.
They need well drained soil that won't pool water to grow. You'll want a wider pot to help support a tomato cage for these veggies.
5. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers have a longer growing season (60-90 days), so it's best to start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost date.
These vegetables like 6-8 hours of full sun per day. If these plants start to get to big, you can use tomato cages to help them gain support.
6. Radishes
These are perfect to plant at the beginning of spring or fall, and they mature very quickly.
Choose a site that gets at least six hours of sun a day. Prepare a light, well-drained soil and till the soil to a depth of at least eight inches. Then, to sow the seeds, simply make furrows about three inches apart and plant the seeds at a depth of about 1/2 inch and cover loosely with soil.
Radishes can be grown in a pot that is at least 6 inches deep. The amount of radishes per pot varies depending on the diameter, but a 24 inch pot can hold up to 18 radishes!
7. Spinach
Spinach prefers cooler weather, so in order to give spinach the required six weeks of cool weather from seeding to harvest, it’s important to seed as soon as you can.
Select a planting site with full sun (or partial sun, at least) and well-drained soil.
Common spinach cannot grow in midsummer. The heat will cause it to bolt much to quickly. If you live in a place with mild winters, you can also plant in the fall. Wait to plant until soil temps are cool enough.
Spinach can easily be grown in planter pots!
8. Green Beans
There are two varieties to consider here: bush beans and pole beans.
Bush beans grow compactly (about 2 feet tall) and do not require a trellis or cage for support.
Pole beans grow like climbing vines that can reach 10 to 15 feet tall. These require a climbing structure for support.
Bush beans typically need less maintenance and are easier to grow, but pole beans typically yield more beans and are mostly disease-resistant.
Seeds are best sown outdoors any time after the last spring frost date in your area. If you plant too early, cold and moist soil can cause root rot in your plants.
Do not start green bean seeds indoors. Due to their fragile roots, they may not survive transplanting. You'll need at least a 2 gallon container for these veggies.
9. Beets
Sow beets in the garden 2 to 3 weeks before the last average frost date in spring. Continue succession plantings every 3 weeks until temperatures reach 80°F. Beets can again be planted in late summer or early autumn 6 to 8 weeks before the first average frost in autumn. Beets require 45 to 65 days to reach harvest. Beets can tolerate frost but will go to seed if temperatures are too cold. Grow beets as a winter crop in mild-winter regions.
Plant beets in well-worked loose soil rich in organic matter. Be sure to remove all stones and clods from planting beds so as not to impede or split growing roots. Plant them 3 inches apart and space rows 12-18 inches apart.
10. Peas
There are three common types of peas that people use:
English peas, or shelling peas, produce inedible pods from which large, edible peas are harvested.
Snow peas produce edible flat pods with small peas inside.
Snap peas produce tender, edible pods with full-size peas.
Peas are a great plant for refreshing your soil. Theywill fix nitrogen in the soil, making it more available for other plants.
It's good to start planting these in February, March, or April in most parts of the United States and Canada. They can even be grown as a fall or winter crop in warm areas of the U.S.
For tall and vining varieties, make sure to provide stakes or a trellis for the plants to climb.You'll need a pot that is 8-12 inches deep.
Conclusion
And that's it! We wish you good luck in all your planting endeavors. Do you have a favorite vegetable that isn't on this list? Maybe you have some awesome gardening tips? Share them in the comments below, we'd love to hear from you!
]]>Starting a fire
The first thing you need to do is whip out your trusty pocket-knife. Typically, water will only penetrate the outer layers of dead wood, so you can use a knife or hatchet to cut away the damp outer layer. You also split larger pieces of wood into kindling. This should expose the dried inner layers. Use this kindling to start your fire.
*Tip - Pine is a great fire starter, the sap is flammable after it is heated.
Refueling
Once you have a small fire going, use it to dry out your larger pieces of wood. Make sure not to smother your fire in an effort to dry more fuel. Start with wet pieces only a little larger than your original kindling, and only add more once they have dried completely. Keep a separate pile of stripped kindling handy to keep fueling your fire with dry wood.
After a little time, you should have a solid coal bed going and ready to cook up a hot meal.
Got any other tips for starting a fire with wet fuel? Let us know in the comments below?
]]>Don't worry, I'm not talking about planting trees in your living room or anything like that. I'm talking about camping in your living room! For a family stuck a home, a little indoor campout is just the thing to help everyone feel a little better about all this quarantine business.
Supplies
The first thing you'll need is a tent. (That's a no-brainer, right?). Secondly, you'll want some sleeping bags, pillows, and maybe even an air mattress for comfort.
Then there's the matter of food. Now an indoor campout wouldn't feel right without the appropriate food now would it? Obviously you can't light a fire in the middle of your floor, but if you have a grill that'll work just as well. You can even use your camping stove out in the yard for a truly authentic experience.
If you aren't equipped with any outdoor cooking tools, you can always whip something up on the stove-top like hot dogs or hamburgers (my personal camping favorites). You can even make the perfect s'mores right inside your oven!
Activities
There's more to camping than just cooking and sleeping right? Of course there is! Board games can be a fun choice for groups of any age. If you're at home with young kids, bring out some activities you would normally bring on a camping trip. Coloring books, crafts, and even card games can be great options.
Once the sun goes down outside, turn the lights out in your house and break out the flashlights. Now is the perfect time to cook up those s'mores we mentioned earlier and start telling some campfire tales. Telling stories is a staple for any good camping trip!
Got any other tips and ideas for staying entertained at home? Let us know in the comments below!
]]>It's a great little feature showing the benefits of wood stoves for camping, and we're very proud that our Hot Ash Stove made the list.
]]>1. Make sure you have enough fuel. Nothing is worse than getting halfway through your cooking only to find that you're out of charcoal. Make sure to stock up before a party!
2. Get all your prep-work done early. Cut your veggies the day before. Use overnight marinades on your meats. You can even mix together your spice blends the night before your get-together.
3. Make sure you've got something for everybody. Whether it's veggie burgers, or gluten-free buns, you want all your friends and family to have a full stomach by the time the grilling is done. So make sure to pick up something that everybody can eat!
4. Make it a potluck! Save yourself the hassle of planning side-dishes. Ask all your friends to bring some food to share with everybody else. It can be as simple as chips and dip (because who doesn't love that).
5. Have some party games. Having a few activities for people can help spark up conversation and keep everyone entertained. Get a set of cornhole boards or a giant Jenga set.
6. Check the weather first. You don't want your guests all showing up only for it to start pouring rain. Keep an eye on the forecast!
7. Make quick or no prep appetizers. Things like chips and dip, sliced veggies with ranch dressing, or cheese and crackers can be great, easy-to-make appetizers for everyone to snack on while you're cooking.
8. Preheat your grill early. It's a good idea to start heating your grill at least 30 minutes before your guests arrive. That way, you'll be ready to throw some burgers on the minute they arrive.
9. Don't skimp on the napkins. We all love messy food, as long as we've got something to clean up with when we're done. You're going to want a handful of napkins per person, at least.
10. Don't forget dessert! The final piece of this grilling puzzle is perfect dessert. Once everyone has had their fill of delicious grilled foods, it's the perfect time to bring out a nice cool dessert. Ice cream sandwiches are a great, no fuss option here.
Do you have any great tips for throwing a cookout? Let us know in the comments below!
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1. Our first tip is making sure you plan as many non-perishable meals as possible. Your cooler will only keep foods good for so long, so it's important to pack foods that won't spoil easily. Freeze-dried and dehydrated foods don't require any refrigeration, so stock up!
2. If you do have some more perishable items, plan to eat those meals first. If you've packed foods that you know won't last, eat them on your first couple of nights. That way, you won't have to worry about wasting any food.
3. Check the weather! If it's going to be hot, you probably won't want a lot of hot foods for lunches. Try going with colder lunches like chips and sandwiches or salads for warmer weather. If it gets colder later, you can always have the nice warm meals for dinner.
4. How do you plan to cook? A camping stove, a grill, over the fire? Make sure to plan meals that will be easy to cook using your method of choice. For instance, you might have a hard time cooking your mac and cheese over a fire without the proper equipment. However, foil packet dinners are perfect for campfire cooking.
5. Plan foods that cook quickly. Proteins like shrimp, thin sliced meats, or even pre-cooked meats are great options. Quick boiling pasta (we're looking at you ramen noodles) are also good. When everyone is hungry, the last thing you want is to be stuck waiting on foods to cook for 20 minutes.
6. Make sure to pack some on-the-go options that don't require a lot of prep. I know I've already mentioned sandwiches once, but they're a great fast lunch option. It's always nice when you've got a full day ahead to be able to skip all the meal prep.
7. Do as much food prep at home as you can. Wash and slice veggies, mix sauces and seasonings, and do whatever else you can to make less work for later. You can even pre-cook some foods that will take longer to spoil like rice and pasta. If you'd like anything marinaded, it's much easier to start this process at home!
8. Don't skimp on breakfast. There's nothing like a good camping breakfast. You'll get a full, hot meal to start your busy day. As long as you've got a cooler, you can bring bacon, eggs, and cheese for a delicious breakfast sandwich. If you're looking for a less perishable option, I love a goo oatmeal for breakfast. You can pick up all kinds of flavored or unflavored oatmeals packets at your favorite grocery store. They'll keep outside the cooler and take up almost no space once they're out of the box.
9. Bring snacks! As a habitual snacker, I can't stress this one enough. When you're out hiking, kayaking, sightseeing, or swimming all day long, three meals doesn't always seem like enough. Bring along some granola bars or protein bars for on the go snacks. For campsite snacks, having sliced veggies with dip always hits the spot.
10. Bring the right cooking equipment. Always double check that you have all the utensils and tools you'll need to make your cooking experience easy. Ever gone to grill up some burgers only to find you forgot your spatula? It's no fun. So be sure to make sure that all your cooking tools are in order.
And those are our ten tips for camping meal planning. Do you have any tips you adhere to when camping? Let us know in the comments below!
]]>To get prepared this Spring, you'll want to go over our quick grilling checklist. We've put together a list of things you'll need to make your grilling life easier.
Things you'll need:
1. A good pair of tongs
Yes, you read that right! It may sound silly, but a good set of tongs can make all the difference when you're trying to flip those stubborn chicken wings over on the grill.
2. A meat thermometer
Serving your guests undercooked meat? That's a party foul. Save yourself the worry and get a decent meat thermometer! You can find tons of options on Amazon.com.
3. BBQ gloves
BBQ gloves will keep your hands safe from the flames and heat! They'll give you much better control than oven mitts too. Check ours out here!
4. Grill accessories
Bored of typical grilling? We can help with that too. We've got some great accessories for doing jalapeno poppers, beer can chicken, skewers, and even stuffed mushrooms on the grill! Check them out here.
5. Smoking chips
Smoking chips can add an extra depth of flavor that you just can't get in an oven. It's a great idea to have a couple different flavors around for you various foods. I like to use hickory for red meats, and apple-wood for chicken and seafood. If you're going for a barbecue flavor, try some mesquite smoking chips!
Do you have any favorite grilling tools? Let us know in the comments below!
]]>At Hot Ash, we always try our best to leave no trace when we get outside, and we’d encourage you to do the same. Now get out there, be safe, and enjoy nature!
]]>It’s a question we hear a lot, and one that many campers and backpackers have asked on forums all over the internet.
The main reason is that a lot of parks prohibit fires during the summer and during dry spells. Campfires can lead to dangerous situations that can lead to forest fires. Camping stoves (yes, even wood-burning stoves) are generally much safer than campfires. Unless the stove gets knocked over, you really don’t have much to worry about. Stoves will keep the fire contained, and keep sparks from shooting out in random directions.
A stove also gives you some security in terms of having a fire. When it’s been raining a lot, finding enough dry firewood for a campfire can be daunting. Wood-burning camp stoves use a fraction of the firewood that campfires do to cook a meal. They’re able to channel lots of direct heat with very little fuel. As long as you can find a handful of dry twigs, you’ll be all set.
Camping stoves also save you from having to rig up a contraption to keep your cookware securely over an open flame. You can set your pots and pans directly onto your camping stove
Lastly, camping stoves have a much smaller environmental impact. Our Hot Ash Stoves burn wood much more efficiently than a campfire, leaving less smoke and creosotes getting up into the atmosphere. They’re the perfect tool a backpacker or camper that wants to leave no trace.
Do you have any thoughts on the Camping Stoves vs. Campfires debate? Let us know in the comments below!
]]>Grilled Orange Chicken Thighs
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Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
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Roasted Tomato Grilled Chicken
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Seared Steak with Tomatoes
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Lemon-Ricotta Ravioli with Creamy Herbed Mushrooms
This one is a little complicated, but the results will taste amazing!
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Do you have any special meals you like to make? Let us know in the comments below!
]]>1. Chocolate Chip Dip
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2. Chili con Queso
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3. Beer Cheese Dip
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4. No-Bake Peanut Butter Bites
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5. Homemade Guacamole
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Have your own favorite super bowl recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
]]>White Sauce
This one is fairly well known, but it isn't super common. That delicious, herby, garlic white sauce pairs fantastically with toppings like chicken, mushrooms, spinach, and even artichokes. It's typically made with heavy cream, herbs, garlic, and the chef's choice of spice.
Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce
This sauce is pretty similar to the white sauce, but instead of having heavy cream as the base, it uses a hefty amount of extra-virgin olive oil with a bit of Parmesan cheese. The oil accentuates the herbs in the sauce, giving it a little more bite than white or traditional pizza sauce. It's complemented very well by a lot of the same toppings as a white sauce, but it also accommodates richer toppings well. A personal favorite of mine is chicken and bacon with fresh mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Pesto
Ever had pesto on a pizza? The first time I tried it, I was amazed. I knew it would be good, but not this good. Your typical pesto has walnuts or pine nuts, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, Parmesan, and heaps of basil. Pesto pizza pairs well with the more acidic toppings like tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and red onions.
Buffalo Sauce
I'm sure many of you have heard of this one before. But I like to make mine a little unhealthier and mix some ranch dressing in with my buffalo sauce. This makes for a delicious twist on the classic buffalo chicken pizza.
Do you have a favorite pizza sauce or toppings combination? Let us know in the comments below!
]]>Calling all outdoor lovers, and anyone who loves cooking with fire! The Hot Ash 2019 Christmas Gift Guide is here. We’ve got everything you need to make your house in the ultimate outdoor party zone, and all the tools to deck out your pack for your next camping trip.
First up is the Hot Ash Mini Rocket Stove. It’s a versatile, lightweight camping stove that can boil water with just a handful of sticks and twigs.
The Hot Ash Stainless Steel Rocket Stove weighs a bit more, but that weight means serious durability. We’ve run this stove over with truck before, and there was no damage!
*Due to high demand, the Hot Ash Stainless Steel Rocket Stove is on back-order. Any orders placed will ship out by 12/4. We apologize for any inconvenience!
We’ve also got some great grilling accessories to choose from! There’s the 5-in-1 grill rack that’s perfect for stuffed veggies, shish-kabobs, jalapeno poppers, and even beer can chicken. There’s a smaller, 2-in-1 grill rack that will save you some space. Finally, there’s the Hot Ash Grill Basket. It’s the pefect tool for grilling up veggies and small cuts of meat. And the best part? They’re all made completely out of stainless steel.
Finally, the Hot Ash Pizza Oven, Fire Pit, and Grill is the ultimate outdoor cooking machine. Cooking with just firewood or charcoal, you can whip up some authentic, brick-oven style pizzas in just 2 minutes. Or swap the pizza oven out, and grill up some fantastic grub over the coals. Once the cooking is winding down, the smokeless fire pit is the perfect centerpiece for an outdoor party. Every piece of this machine is made with durable stainless steel, and comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects.
One size fits all for these Hot Ash gloves! They can withstand temperatures of over 900°F, and fit far up the wrist to protect your arms from heat and flames. These BBQ Gloves are equipped with a no-slip surface for easy gripping, and they're even safe to put in the washing machine for an easy clean. They're the perfect accessory for making pizzas, grilling, barbecuing, and any other outdoor cooking activities.
There’s something for everyone here at Hot Ash! Whether you love to cook in your backyard, or deep in the backwoods, Hot Ash has you covered. Don’t miss out on our early holiday specials this year, there’s never been a better time to buy some Hot Ash gear!
Fall is here! It’s the perfect time to take the family camping. You’ll get to enjoy the crisp morning air and the beautiful views of nature. Now, we know that camping trips aren’t always perfect, so we’ve got 5 camping hacks to help your next family camping trip go a little smoother.
1. Make a DIY camping shower out of a 2 gallon-sprayer, and a sink sprayer attachment! It’s an easy way to help everyone stay clean at the end of a long day.
2. Freeze gallons of water to keep things chilled in your cooler. You don’t have to spend all that money on a bag of ice, or pricey freezer packs. Just use a couple of frozen water jugs. They’ll also give you an extra water source once they melt!
3. Another easy way to keep clean is actually baby wipes! I know it sounds a little weird, but they’re great at getting rid of dirt and grime.
4. Use pieces of a pool noodle to mark out your tent lines. We’ve all tripped over a tent line after answering the call of nature in the middle of the night. This is a good way to ensure they stay visible, even at 2 in the morning.
5. Bring a rake to clear out your tent area. This will make it much more comfortable in your tent, and it will save you some time trying to pick out every rock and pine-cone in the area.
Want more camping tips? Check out our winter camping hacks, and out article on homemade fire-starters. Thanks for reading, and let us know if you’ve got any other camping tips and tricks in the comments!
]]>I love winter camping, and thankfully it’s getting to be that time of year again here in the U.S.! There’s nothing like waking up to that crisp, cold, morning air and making a nice hot breakfast out in the wild. But nothing ruins a winter camping trip like staying up all night because you’re freezing cold! We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you get a good night’s sleep in your tent, even when it’s cold out.
Packing for Warmth
Insulation is key when you’re out in the cold. One of the best ways to insulate your sleeping bag is to put a closed-cell foam pad under your matress or sleeping pad.
It’s important to insulate yourself too! This can be achieved by packing warm base layers. Warm gloves, socks, and hats can all help to achieve this. You should also try to avoid cotton. When possible, use synthetic fabrics or wool. Cotton absorbs much more moisture, and this can actually drop your body temperature.
For a sleeping bag, also be sure to choose one made out of synthetic materials. Down sleeping bags don’t retain heat once they get wet. If you are going to use a down sleeping bag, just make sure it’s water-repellant.
Securing Your Campsite
Once you’ve found your campsite (ideally somewhere dry, flat, and protected from bad weather) it’s time to set up your tent! Experts recommend clearing and flattening your sleeping area with tools or boots, and dig a shallow indention to lay in. This will help insulate you and keep you from rolling around too much in the middle of the night.
One good way to insulate your tent is to line the tent’s interior with any gear you packed.
A classic camper’s hack to stay warm at night is to boil some water, and put it in your bottle at night. Then you close the hot bottle into your sleeping to help you stay warm while you fall asleep.
Tent Maintenance
Moisture can be a real killer for any of your camping gear! On cold winter nights, the moisture in your breath can actually cause condensation in your tent. It’s important to keep a vent open, even in colder conditions.
Going camping this winter? Have any cold weather camping hacks of your own? Let us know in the comments below!
The Hot Ash Mini Rocket Stove weighs in at just under 1 pound. It nests conveniently into a small 7" x 2.3" shape. The chimney and burn chamber of the Hot Ash Mini are made from .020" titanium. While the front and rear feet are made from aluminum to add additional strength when using heavier kits. Portable, and versatile, the Hot Ash Mini will take up minimal space in your pack. It also allows you to travel without the need for fuel canisters, as it runs on just a handful of twigs!
Weighing 2 pounds and made from stainless steel, this stove can take a beating... it can actually withstand being run over by a truck! Newly redesigned for even better primary and secondary burns, this stove burns hot and efficient. Boil a cup of water with just a handful of sticks, wood pellets, or most other biofuels. This stove is also extremely packable and disassembles easily.The Hot Ash Stove is proudly made in the USA and comes with a lifetime guarantee!
The spooky season is upon us! Every great Halloween party has themed foods and snacks. But sometimes, doing all that work just for some spooky snacks seems like a hassle! We’ve put together a list of some simple, fun, and delicious snacks for your Halloween party.
First up are these super simple spider crackers!
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Next are these spicy, spooky, mummy jalapeno poppers. They’ll be a hit
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For a sweeter treat, we’ve got white chocolate strawberry ghosts!
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That's our simple list for some Halloween treats! Let us know what you think, or share some of your own recipes in the comments below.
]]>Our top five packing tips:
We hope our travel tips will be of use to you in the future! Let us know what other tips you’d like to share in the comments below.
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