Yet another beautiful side project that we got to take part in at the highly secretive research compound in Southern Cal, was the sculpting of a Cob Oven.  The process is so extremely accessible, and the cooking potential is outstanding.  There were a few pizza parties had with these cob ovens, and, by-God, they were the best pizzas ever.  So whatchya waitin’ for?  Here’s a visual break down:

Leveling the pedestel/base with a bed of sand

Setting and leveling the first brick

mas brix

Using a compass (string) to set guide for interior space

Form for entry.

Lining the cooking area with brick

Shaping the wet-sand form.

The sand will be taken out and will become the cavit

Using newspaper to determine when to stop clearing sand

First layer of straw-less cob.

Next cob layer going on

Cob

Insulation (straw-heavy) layer

Base plastering

Clearing the sand ‘form’

Inaugeral baking of cookies!

Other examples

I you have any questions or thoughts on cob ovens, I’d love it if you asked away!