I was looking for alternative methods of cooking while traveling. Lynda has a wonder bag that works like a thermal cooker similar to the magic cooker or Cobb.

Thanks to Google and You Tube I found a pattern and instructions to make the wonder bag. It’s remarkably lightweight and can keep food warm or cold for hours. It works like a slow cooker so ideal for travelling.

In my searching I came across a variation on the theme, the wonder box. I made up the pattern a constructed the square version. It was ideal for a large stockpot. I preferred a smaller version for my travels so scaled down the pattern and made a smaller version.

The smaller version.

The meal is prepared and cooked for 10 to 25 minutes on the stove to bring to a boil as first stage. Then placed in the wonder bag or box for 4 to 6 hours plus to a complete cooking. The pot needs to be two thirds full to be effective. Meals can be put into roasting bags immersed in water e.g chicken and veges. Soups, curries and casseroles are ideal.

This is my practice attempt from my stockpile of material.

The filler I used was polystyrene beads used for bean bags. Not easy to work with as they end up everywhere.

You Tube tossed up other ideas as well and I did have some material left over so I made these…

Still things to make….. I wasn’t happy to just use the eggshell foam mattress uncovered so after I had cut it to size, I modified a doona cover to fit. Happy with the result.