Kiko Denzer has written a beautiful book about building outdoor cob ovens (made from a combo of clay soil, sand, straw and water well mixed, often by bare feet) similar to the southwestern "horno" oven, woodfired, suitable for baking breads, pizzas, meat, vegetables, etc. If this idea is something you're interested in, his book is a fantastic resource. I haven't built one yet, but I have already made a miniature mock-up of a giant singing frog, whose open mouth will be the oven itself. I'm also hoping to use the cob material to make a low enclosure/sitting upon wall to encircle the fire pit area, but really have no idea if it will hold up. Wish me luck and good luck to you as well. lisa_devon

Thanks so much Lisa. Coincidentally, I'm interested in cob as an alternative building material used in conjunction with strawbale construction. I will be sure to look for Kiko's book at the library.