Tag: rv camping

There’s something magical about RV trips in autumn—the changing leaves, the crisp air, and the feeling of adventure that comes with the season. As temperatures begin to dip, it becomes essential to find ways to keep warm and cozy on your journey. One of the best ways to do this is through food. Warm meals not only satiate hunger but also add an extra layer of comfort to your autumnal expedition.

The Basics of Cooking in an RV

Before diving into the recipes, let’s go over some RV cooking basics. Cooking in an RV presents its own set of challenges, mainly due to space limitations and varying equipment. Your kitchen might be a bit smaller, but that shouldn’t stop you from making delicious meals. Keep staples like canned vegetables, pasta, spices, and long-lasting dairy products on hand. These can be used in various recipes, making your culinary life on the road a lot easier.

Hearty Beef Stew

There’s nothing like a bowl of hearty beef stew to warm you up on a chilly autumn evening.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef chunks
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Brown the beef chunks in a large pot.
  2. Add the chopped vegetables and beef broth.
  3. Let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors are well-combined.

Autumn Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin and autumn go hand in hand, and this pumpkin soup is full of flavors that scream “fall.”

Ingredients:

  • 1 large pumpkin, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the onions in a large pot until translucent.
  2. Add the pumpkin cubes and broth.
  3. Cook until the pumpkin is soft, then blend until smooth.
  4. Add spices for flavor and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.

Orange & Cinnamon Apple Cider

An autumn RV trip would be incomplete without hot apple cider.

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 3-4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 orange, sliced

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pot.
  2. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Serve hot, and enjoy your cup of autumn!

Spicy Chili

For those who prefer a bit of spice, this chili recipe will not only warm you but also provide a kick of heat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 can of kidney beans
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • Chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Brown the meat in a pot.
  2. Add the onions, tomatoes, and beans.
  3. Add spices according to your preference.
  4. Let it simmer for an hour to let the flavors develop.

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your RV oven to 400°F.
  2. Coat the sweet potatoes with olive oil and cinnamon.
  3. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until they’re soft and cooked through.

Tips for Cooking on the Road

RV cooking is a definitely a skill – for newer RV owners, here are some tips to make the most of your RV cooking experience:

  • Prior Preparation: One of the best ways to make cooking easier while you’re on the road is to prepare in advance. This can include chopping vegetables or even pre-cooking certain dishes. Having these items ready to go can significantly cut down on your cooking time and make the process more enjoyable.
  • Know Your Cooking Options: Depending on the amenities at your campsite or RV park, you’ll have different options for cooking. You could use a campfire, a portable grill, or the stove in your RV. Familiarize yourself with what’s available so you can plan your recipes accordingly.
  • Proper Cookware: Make sure you have the right cookware for your cooking method. If you’re using a campfire, you’ll need pots and pans that are safe for open flame cooking. For your RV stove, regular cookware should suffice. Having the right tools can make a big difference in how your meals turn out.
  • Ingredient Substitution: Sometimes you might find yourself without a crucial ingredient. Knowing how to substitute one ingredient for another can be extremely helpful. For example, yogurt can often be substituted for sour cream, and baking soda mixed with cream of tartar can be a stand-in for baking powder.
  • Portion Planning: When you’re cooking on the road, you may not have as much storage space for leftovers. Try to plan your portions accurately to minimize waste, or have a plan for how you’ll use leftovers in future meals.
  • Safe Food Storage: Always store your leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh for longer. This is especially important when you’re dealing with perishable items like meat or dairy products. Make sure your RV’s refrigerator is running efficiently to keep these items cold.
  • Clean as You Go: Space is often limited in an RV kitchen, and clutter can accumulate quickly. To make the process more manageable, clean utensils and cookware as you go. This keeps your workspace tidy and makes the final cleanup much easier.

There’s a lot to love about autumn RV trips, but the chill in the air can make it necessary to find ways to stay warm. These recipes are not just filling but bring the warmth and comfort needed for your adventures. So go ahead, try these out on your next autumn RV trip, and explore other seasonal recipes that bring both comfort and joy.

Find the Perfect RV for You – Contact RV Wholesale Superstore

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Traveling by RV presents an incredible opportunity to explore the country, experience its unique beauty, and enjoy the charm of each state. The year 2023 promises to be a year full of adventure, exploration, and unforgettable memories. Here are five must-visit locations in the United States that are perfect for RVers.

One of the best things about camping is the food! There’s nothing like a golden brown marshmallow that’s been roasted over the campfire for s’mores. The best thing about creating your RV meal plan is tailoring it to your own preferences! Love to cook but always short on time at home? Camping may be your excuse to plan special meals since you’re away from the 9-5 world and you’ll have more down time to cook. Maybe your camping vacation is packed with adventure so cooking needs to be as simplistic as possible. Or you could be somewhere in between. Whatever your cooking style, RV meal planning starts with the menu.

Start Simple

Not all RV kitchens are alike. Some RV kitchens are tiny, others much larger, and some even have an island providing a great deal of counter space. But even with a larger RV kitchen, you still don’t want to go overboard on the food.

You may have all the space and tools you need to prepare extravagant meals, but it’s possible you’d rather spend your day relaxing or exploring rather than cooking. Your RV meal plan can reflect your activity level and food-prep time available. You can plan simple meals that are filling and let everyone get back to having fun!

Use Ingredients for Multiple Meals

No matter the type or size of your RV’s kitchen, one thing is certain: storage space is always at a premium! One way to maximize storage in the kitchen is to use ingredients across several meals. This can be anything from a base food like a meat or vegetable to your favorite spices.

A loaf of bread can be used for toast in the morning, sandwiches for lunch, and garlic toast for a spaghetti supper. Ground beef or ground turkey can be a versatile base food. Use some in the spaghetti sauce to go with that garlic toast and the rest for burgers the next night. There are plenty of websites that are great resources for camping recipes. Or, you can do a search for simple meal plans and find some ideas that fit your cooking style and your taste buds.

The Right Tools for the Right RV Meal Plan

When you’re building a birdhouse, it’s easier if you have a hammer and some nails. Likewise, when you have the right cooking equipment, it’s easier to build your RV meal plan. Two of the most popular must-haves for any RV kitchen are cast iron pans and a slow cooker. These two staple items can give you the convenience and flexibility to cook almost anything when you’re on the road – or even when you’re way, way off the road camping remotely.

Another favorite and extremely versatile kitchen cooking tool is the Dutch oven. Everything from soups and stews to popcorn and desserts can be prepared in this gem. If you want to cook something fun with the kids (or simply feel like a kid again) try cooking with pie irons. From sandwiches to pizza to fruit pies, this campfire kitchen tool takes the fun of roasting hot dogs or marshmallows and combines it with the versatility of a Dutch oven.

Convenient Food vs Feeling at Home

Your RV meal plan works best when you create it with your activity level and overall expectations of your time on the road. If you are the type who wants their RV to feel just like an extension of home, planning large, sit-down meals that everyone can enjoy together will be at the top of your list.

Others may be on the opposite end of the spectrum and plan simple meals and some grab-and-go foods for busy days full of activities. Whether you’re the type who’s on the go looking for the next adventure or the type who’s relaxing with your feet up reading the latest novel, you can make your RV meal plan work for you. You can even mix it up and plan one or two big meals with easy, quick meals sprinkled in for “flavor” and variety.

Don’t Forget Snacks

Exploring, hiking, fishing or even just getting some time to relax makes snacks a must-have. Fruit is a great fast-food snack, but don’t forget to add plenty of non-perishable foods when working up your RV meal plan. Things like protein bars store easily and travel well; they may even serve as a meal-replacement if you’re on a long hike or away from your RV for an extended period. No matter what your plans are, it’s always a good idea to have a healthy supply of snacks on hand.

Restocking on the Road

Sometimes you may be just a weekend camper. Other times you may take longer trips. It’s fairly easy to figure out your RV meal plan for just a weekend, but there’s no need to feel overwhelmed when you do take extended trips. Planning your meals in advance is still a good idea, but unless you’ll be far away from conveniences, you don’t need to pack it all at once.

It is very common to take a mid-week shopping trip when you’re vacationing for a week or longer. When you plan a shopping trip right into your week, you’ll have less to pack initially. This will save you refrigerator and cupboard space as well as avoiding the frustration of food spoiling before you have a chance to prepare it.

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore 

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126

Connect with us on Social Media! 

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest