A site by a couple who import gadgets from Hungary got us thinking about more cost effective cooking methods. The idea of a cooking pot hanging beneath a tripod over an open fire may not be for everybody but apparently outdoor kitchens are commonplace in warmer climes.

See the tripods and pots here -  you have to scroll down the page. Fiona is taken by the tripod, smaller pot and the grill. Also do read their About Us page. If offers an interesting insight into outdoor cooking.

We reckon we could set a tripod up in the inglenook over the fireplace. It would at least be fun and a throwback to olden times.

F is hell bent on buying a Kelly kettle this year. Apparently it can boil water in 30 seconds just using burning twigs. She has a point because we boil the electric kettle maybe 20 times every day for tea, coffee and cooking. And that baby eats up electricity. An inglenook fireplace would be an ideal place to fire it up.