Cob Re: cob oven for bread

[John Hall]

HandyM2 at aol.com wrote:
> 
>  Hello Uwe, once more I step into the Breech!  <G>  I will forward for those
> who may have more comments to add.
> 
>   yesterday I asked the people from the cob list about a cob oven, so I can
> make my own bread (I mean bread; not that mushy stuff), but so far haven't
> received a reply; apparently nobody knows how to make it. Anybody on this list
> has an idea? I know it's not really SB, but pretty close to earth plaster <g>.
> 
>  Well, Uwe, I am going to Assume (and we both know where that leads us... <G>)
> that you know the basics of Bread Making as in materials and kneading and so
> forth.  If not, HOLLER and I'll send you some starting instructions.
> 
>  The Basic Earthern Oven is a SIMPLE thing.  You build a big mound of
> stablized earth, dig out a firebox and a chimminey for the smoke to leave by.
> Fire this oven up with a good hot fire untill the outside can burn your hand
> if you foolishly lean upon the oven.  Clean out the Ashes and plop in your
> well kneaded uncooked bread.  Close up the holes with mud and wait untill
> WONDERFUL Smells escape to tickle your nose.  Dig out half baked mud and enjoy
> the crusty hot bread!
> 
>  Now from there you can get Fancy.  Maybe a iron plate door with a rotating
> draft control.  A nice flat bit of stone for the bread to rest upon while
> baking.  Maybe a Seperate Firebox BELOW the actual Baking area.  Oh yes, the
> baking area really does NOT need it's own chimmeny in this set up.  <G>
> 
>  Questions?  Suggestions??  I LOVE good Bread!!  :-)!!
> 
>  Michael
> 
>  BTW Recipes are encouraged!!!!  GO FOR IT!!!  <G>  Anybody Bake Bread in a
> Solar Oven on this list??  I CANNOT be the only Solar cooker on this list!!
> <G>
> 
> 
> 
> For what its worth......

I do not know of a cob bread oven in cobland (Devon).  Even in cob 
houses, the bread oven (lining at least) is made of brick, even if this 
is the only brick in the whole building.  This may be because they were 
added "later", but I strongly suspect that cob is not a practical oven 
construction material.  It will crack to hell. I think the idea (for an 
oven that is to last) is silly. 

Incidentally, I don't think a chimney is necessary on a conventional 
"beehive" type bread oven.  Just leave the door open whilst you're 
heating the thing up, then pull the fire out before you shove in the 
dough, and then close the door.

Only trying to be helpful,

John.