Re: I'm not as much of acampre as I used to be . . .
A real cheap way to warm up and/or cook is with the poor mans stove, and it only has 2 components to it.
First is the heat source. Take an empty tuna can that is washed out. Then, cut a strip of cardboard about a foot long and slightly wider than the height of the tuna can. Roll it up length wise and insert it into the can- it will then be like a cardboard spiral inside. Pour melted wax into the can to just below the rim. Good sources for wax are leftover candle ends, kids crayon stubs, birthday candles and what not. Scented ones might not be desirable though, as they may add a funky flavor possibly(I used to make these in the pre-scented candle wax era). This kind of homemade heating and light source can actually burn for quite some time, with the cardboard acting as a wick/heating coil.
The other component is the cooking surface or hot plate, so to speak. A larger diameter can that is not too high will be required. Something like a coffee can would do nicely. Usually they now have an open end so not much is required to modify them. Cut up from the open edge a rectangular opening a little bit higher than the tuna can in height and about 3 inches wide. This will allow air to supply the flame and any smoke and pressure to get out.
You light the tuna can and place the bigger can over it. The bottom of the bigger can is now useable as a direct cooking surface if you wish to clean it after or to place a small metal cup or plate on top of. With this method I have cooked hot dog sections, bacon pieces, fried small eggs and even boiled them using a small metal cup. The candle can can be blown out and used over several times and can really heat that surface fast. Care must be taken to let both components cool down for a while.
The best thing about this method is that it is a good backup kit for camping trips. It is an expedient way for some light, heat, and quick food to get by on. You can make 2 tuna cans and put them inside the coffee can and stick the plastic cover on it for safe keeping with your gear. Believe me, it sure came in handy during the rainy and snowy times up here in New England on more than one occasion!
