Instructions: If youre like me, you enjoy the taste of baked goods which have been exposed to a wood fire. Perhaps youve been pining for a wood burning oven. A chimenea might fill the bill. I often bake bread on my barbecue (see our Breads on the grill feature) and Ive been intrigued by the baking potential of the chimenea. A chimenea is an outdoor, free standing, wood burning fireplace made of clay. Most are made in Mexico and the design is based on that of a Mayan bread oven. Chimeneas may be purchased from home and garden centers. (Tom Whitcher of Sheridan Nurseries installed a (new larger) chimenea for us recently and he was along for the latest baking adventure)).

Please note that some dealers suggest that chimeneas not be used for cooking. However, a well made, well prepared chimenea is quite suitable for baking and many dealers sell grills and other cooking accessories. Most chimeneas must be tempered with several small fires before they are ready for normal use. Look for a hefty cast iron grill to use as a base inside. Avoid flimsy BBQ grills. Asa baking vessel, choose a seasoned cast iron skillet large enough for a good flatbread or several rolls. Follow directions carefully to properly season a new skillet. If you find old cast iron at a yard sale, all the better.

Prepare a wood fire in the chimenea. Dont use briquettes or lighting fuel of any kind. Start your fire with shavings or newspaper. If necessary, place an extra pan (a cheap aluminum pizza pan) underneath your cast iron pan to insulate the bottom. Fire or flare tiles are an other option for tempering the heat. Be aware that youre baking at a very high temperature. Protect yourself with elbow-length oven mitts and keep an eye on your baking. It will take some practice, but it will be worthwhile in the end. Nothing beats the flavor of a wood-seasoned pizza or flatbread.

Tools:
Professional oven mitts, long stainless steel tongs, large pizza wheel, baking stone or BBQ flare tiles, cast iron pan or griddle (Lodge makes a great line), cooking grill (if not available from chimenea supplier).

Chimeneas: Sheridan Nurseries

Marcy Goldman

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