Build a small ‘rocket stove’ in your backyard.
Little amount of wood gets you a ot of heat for cooking
kartographer has an article here about his ammo can rocket stove.
That's what I did. I had my behind in the wind during Irene (6 days without juice, no generator).
Got a diesel generator and a full 55 gal. drum of fuel but we didn't lose power during Sandy.
Made a rocket stove out of a 20mm ammo can (Thanks, Kartographer!)
Tonight I demonstrated the rocket stove to the little woman and she was duly impressed when it boiled 2 gallons of water in about 5 minutes with a handful of wood.
Awesome, gonna make one. Great tip/