Cooking on Vacation...need Ideas

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing ideas for quick and easy meals to prepare while on vacation, specifically in a resort setting with a full kitchen. Various cooking methods and meal suggestions are discussed, with a focus on convenience and minimal preparation.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions planning to bring a large bar pan for making ham and cheese calzones and suggests other variations like pepperoni calzones and loaded baked potato chowder.
  • Another participant shares their experience of preparing fillings for rings ahead of time, noting that the flavors improve when they set.
  • One participant inquires about the type of kitchen appliances available, emphasizing that this affects meal preparation options.
  • Another participant mentions taking a crockpot on vacation, allowing for meals to cook while enjoying activities.
  • One participant discusses preparing meals at home and freezing half for RV trips, highlighting the convenience of using a crockpot for stews and chili.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the types of meals that can be prepared based on the available kitchen appliances, with no clear consensus on specific meal suggestions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion assumes participants have access to a full kitchen at their vacation location, which influences the meal ideas shared.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for meal preparation ideas while traveling or vacationing may find the shared experiences relevant.

crysboo
crysboo
Messages
30
Hey guys, the hubby and I are headed to Arkansas on Friday for a week long getaway @ Hot Springs... I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for quick delicious dinners to cook while we were there...I'm trying not too bring too many pots/pans etc from home.... let me know what you think :)
Oh, and they don't have to be pampered chef... anything will do
Thanks in advance.:chef:
 
Take your large bar pan with you. The ham and cheese calzone is quick and easy. You can also make a quick and easy pepperoni or pizza calzone. I made both of these the other night at my brother's house (12 people were there) and I only had one bar pan. After I took the h&c calzone out of the oven I immediately slid it out onto my large cutting board and prepared the pepperoni calzone and popped it in the oven. It did not take long to make it and there was not one bite of either left over. Another quick and easy dinner is the loaded baked potato chowder in the DCB. When I made mine I diced the potatoes instead of just slicing them in half lengthwise and it worked just as well. My family loves the mexican chicken lasagna and instead of using a can of enchilada sauce I use picante sauce or thick and chunky salsa and layer it just like you would lasagna. You could prepare the chicken a head of time or use canned white chicken (drained). Hope you have a great time on vacation!
 
You could also make some rings up - make the fillings up before you leave and then all you will have to make the ring (it can also be made on the bar pan) just scoop and you are done. The fillings of any choice taste even better when they set. I have taken them to my brothers house and he fixed them for the next couple of days. One thing I did do - I didn't mix the mayo in until I was ready to make the ring

:chef:
 
Are you camping, or staying with someone where there is a residential size oven and microwave? That would make a difference in what you might want to take. Is it just two of you, or are you cooking for a crowd?

When we visit family, I frequently take along homemade soups, stew that can be turned into soup or stretched with additional veggies or potatoes. How about some of our new mini carrot cakes (unfilled). Take the ingredients for the frosting in your small batter bowl in your cooler or buy them there, along with the Easy accent decorator to fill them. Bake at home, and you can store them in one of those GLAD containers with waxpaper or parchment paper between the layers.
 
Yes - I think we need to know what kind of appliances/kitchen you will have to work with in order to give ideas for cooking. Very different if all you have is a hot plate or an apt. sized microwave vs. a full kitchen w/ full sized appliances.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Ooops I gues I forgot to mention that. We are staying at a resort with a Full Kitchen and It will just be my hubby and I (2nd year wedding anniversary on the 15th). I like the idea of the rings :)
 
When we vacation we take a crockpot. Put recipe in in the morning and then GO PLAY!
 
Quite often I prepare a meal at home, put half in the freezer to take when we are RVing.
I will put it in the crockpot before taking off for touring, and come back to a wonderful meal. Stew and Chili really work well in that situation. Also, Italian sausage and sauce.
All you have to add is the pasta you want. You can cook that at home, too, and freeze
just the amount you will want for one meal. Let it thaw in your refrig, and add to the hot sauce in the Crockpot, when you return from having your day away.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy meal ideas for cooking on vacation?

When cooking on vacation, consider simple meals that require minimal preparation. Some easy ideas include grilled chicken or fish with a side of vegetables, pasta with a quick sauce, or tacos with pre-cooked ingredients. You can also prepare salads with fresh ingredients or use a slow cooker for soups and stews that can cook while you enjoy your day.

How can I cook without a full kitchen while on vacation?

If you're limited to a small kitchen or outdoor grill, focus on one-pot meals, grilling, or using a microwave. Look for accommodations with basic kitchen tools, and consider bringing portable cooking gadgets like a hot plate or a slow cooker. Pre-prepped ingredients can also save time and effort.

What kitchen tools should I bring for cooking on vacation?

Essential tools for cooking on vacation include a good knife, cutting board, multi-purpose utensils, a can opener, and a few pots or pans. If you have space, consider bringing a small blender for smoothies or dips, and a collapsible colander for easy washing of fruits and vegetables.

How can I plan meals for a vacation to save time?

To save time, plan your meals ahead of your trip. Create a menu that uses overlapping ingredients to minimize waste and simplify shopping. Make a shopping list based on your menu, and consider prepping some ingredients at home to take with you, such as marinated meats or pre-chopped vegetables.

Are there any quick breakfast ideas for vacation cooking?

Yes! Quick breakfast ideas include overnight oats, yogurt with granola and fruit, or smoothies. You can also make breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs and toppings, or simply toast bagels or bread with cream cheese or avocado. These options are nutritious and can be prepared in minutes.

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