HowtoLightaLe PanyolWoodFiredOven

1. Using smaller diameter kindling-sized wood, build a lattice stack in the middle of the hearth. The first layer of wood should consist of three pieces laid lengthwise towards the back of the oven (these pieces will act as runners when we slide the fire deeper into the oven). Place the fire starter (either an organic fire starter productused hereor sections of cardboard egg carton) in between the three bottom pieces of wood. Continue building your lattice stack until it is about five layers high, with each layer perpendicular to the last. Each layer can consist of three pieces of wood, with the exception of the third layer in which only two pieces are placed strategically above the strips of fire starter.

2. Once your lattice stack is completed, light your fire starter!

3. Notice how the lattice structure evenly distributes the flameensuring a quick start up.

4. Now the fire spreads throughout the stack achieving a steady burn. At this point you can push your lattice a few inches deeper into the oven. Keep your fire there for several minutes until every piece of wood is burning well.

5. Push the fire to the back of the oven. Allow the fire to burn at the back of the oven until the wood begins to break down into coals.

6. Keep the coals together in a pile at the back of the oven. While you still have flames (you can always add a small piece of wood to maintain the flame, as shown here), get ready to add more fuel to bring the oven all the way up to temperature.

7. Add 2-3 small-medium sized pieces of wood. Notice how the Terre Blanche is black with carbon at this stage. As the oven heats up and the combustion becomes more efficient, it will return to its original white.

8. Its best to distribute your fuel/coals in a crescent against the contour of the back wall of the oven. This ensures even convection airflow and aids in the even distribution of heat throughout the dome (as shown by the spreading of the flames here).

9. A healthy pile of embers and a nearly 100% white dome are the signs of an oven at
temperature!

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