Easy Recipes for Camping, Glamping and RV

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Camping and RV Recipe of the Week
Coconut Rum Custard
    
This isn’t a dish to prepare just before you drive because it’s liquid until it sets. Pour it into individual dishes, a pie shell or one large dish. It’s good chilled or at “room” temperature but do refrigerate it for food safety.
 

 
5 eggs
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups milk (fresh, canned or reconstituted dry milk)
1/4 cup coconut rum OR
1 teaspoon rum extract
Shredded coconut or other garnish  

    In a cold saucepan, whisk eggs until foamy, gradually whisking in sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in milk, then place over medium-low heat, stirring constantly  until it’s thick. Stir in rum or extract. Pour into 5 or 6 serving dishes and cool . Garnish just before serving.
    Cook’s note: A skin forms over the custard as it cools so this looks better with a garnish.


Tips for the Camp Cook

Campfire Cookware 101
    
Cast iron cookware has been a camping essential for centuries. Aluminum wasn’t introduced to the public until the early 1900's. Cast aluminum cookware became popular with home cooks in the 1920's and ‘30's. Today both cast iron and cast aluminum pans, skillets and dutch ovens are available. Which is for you?

    Cast iron in slow to heat up but it also holds heatlonger. Because it spreads heat slowly it develops hot spots over a small burner. It’s best for oven use or in a bed of coals It’s inexpensive, extremely durable and it imparts an incomparable, down-home taste to food. When properly “seasoned” it’s fairly nonstick.       
    Unlike aluminum,  it can be used over an induction  burner Cast iron pots are very heavy to carry, cook with and stow and they leave rust stains if not properly cared for and stored. Cast iron shouldn’t be washed in a dishwasher or with harsh de-greasers or it loses its “seasoning”. 

    The best feature of cast aluminum (not stamped aluminum)
cookware is that it creates an even envelope of heat, even when used over a small burner. It's light to carry, cook with and stow. It doesn't rust.
   Used as a stove-top oven, it pre-heats evenly on the bottom and up the sides. It can be washed with soap or detergents or in a dishwasher. It can be used on induction stoves with an interface. It may cost more than cast iron.
    Is there a link between brain damage and aluminum cookware?  There is disagreement on that. In any case, the food doesn’t have to touch aluminum. If you prefer, bake your bread, cake, pie or casserole in a stainless steel pan placed on a shall rack inside a preheated cast aluminum dutch oven.

Campground Potluck Recipe of the Week
Cole Slaw Chicken Salad

     Here’s a way to turn a pound of shredded chicken BBQ into a tangy, healthful, affordable salad for a crowd.. Barbecue gives it a special look and tang and the ginger dressing adds just the tiniest kick. 

1 package red cabbage slaw mix
1 package angel hair cole slaw mix
Large red onion, cut in paper-thin crescents
1 red sweet pepper, cut in slivers
1- pound tub shredded chicken barbecue (e.g. Lloyd’s)
Bottled Asian sesame-ginger salad dressing

    In a large bowl toss two cole slaw mixes with pepper and onion to mix well. Leave the barbecue out of the fridge for 30 minutes to loosen up. Twist a fork in the barbecue to break up the shreds. Add barbecue to vegetables a little at a time, tossing lightly to mix well with cabbage mixture.  Add dressing to taste. Chill or serve at “room” temperature.  Serves 10.
   
Freeze-Ahead Recipe of the Week
Beef ‘n Butter Bean Stew
    This soupy, spicy stew recipe is easily multiplied. It can also work with other meats such as pork or turkey. Use canned butter beans or save money by cooking your own.  The more variety the better when adding root vegetables.

1 to 2 pounds stew for beef, cut in small bite size
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Large onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon crumbled dried oregano
½ teaspoon each cinnamon, ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
32-ounce carton beef broth
12-ounce bottle dark beer
4 cups peeled and diced root vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, rutabaga, parsnip,  turnip, white potato)
15-ounce can large lima beans (aka butter beans)

    In a large kettle brown meat, gradually stirring in oion and garlic. Add remaining ingredients except cooked butter beans. Cover and cook until meat is tender. Cool and package, allowing 1½ to 2 cups per main dish portion.     .

See Janet Groene’s Pantry Recipe of the Week, using only shelf-stable ingredients at Boat Cook. These recipes are great for emergencies or times when you’re just too tuckered out to cook from raw.

Camping and RV Recipes Go Easy

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Camping and RV Recipe of the Week
First Come, First Served
Quickie Breakfast Squares
    When you need  an early start to get into a campground that operates on a first-come basis, you don’t have time for bacon and eggs. Pack everything the night before, hit the road and eat a stick-to-the-ribs breakfast somewhere along the way.
    Note that no electric mixer is needed, so this is also an easy recipe to stir up in camp.

4 cups one-minute oats
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup chopped, unsalted nuts
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup chocolate or butterscotch chips (optional)
½ cup canola oil
2 eggs
1 ½ cups milk

    Butter or spray a 9 X 13-inch baking pan. Set the oven for 350 degrees. Put dry ingredients in a large, clean bag and shake gently to mix. In a large bowl whisk oil, eggs and milk. Dump in dry ingredients and use a spatula to mix until everything is evenly moistened. Batter will be very thick. Bake 30 minutes, cool 15 minutes, and use a serrated knife to cut in 18 portions.
    Wrap individually for a quick getaway tomorrow morning. Bars can also be frozen. Makes 18 bars.
No-Oven Method: Grease a  heavy skillet or Dutch oven (preferably cast aluminum) and spread batter in it. Cover tightly. Nestle in well-started campfire  coals or place over a low-medium burner. Bake until it’s firm and springy to the touch. Bottom and sides will be nicely browned. The top will not get brown.

Campground Potluck Recipe of the Week
    This recipe is from author Rivky Kleiman and her newest book, Simply Gourmet. An expert in Kosher cooking, Ms. Kleiman puts a simple spin on gourmet recipes for this new cookbook.

Recipe and photo reprinted with permission from Simply Gourmet by Rivky Kleiman
Photo by Moshe Wulliger, ArtScroll Shaar Press/May 15, 2019

Waldorf Slaw
Pareve     Yields 10 servings
This crispy slaw delivers satisfaction with every crunchy bite.

1 (14-oz) bag shredded cabbage
1½ cups shredded red cabbage
2 Granny Smith apples, with peel, cored and cut into matchsticks
2 ribs celery, diced
½ cup fresh blueberries
½ cup red onion, diced
½ cup whole cashews





Dressing
½ cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp garlic powder

1. In a large serving bowl, toss together cabbages, apples, celery, blueberries, red onion, and cashews.
2. Prepare the dressing: In a small saucepan, over medium heat, bring vinegar, sugar, and oil to a boil. Stir in salt and spices. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat well.
Author Tip
This salad gets better as it absorbs the dressing, so it’s perfect to prepare in advance.
Janet adds: because blueberries sometimes stain other ingredients I fold them in just before serving.

Tips for the Camp Cook

    * Have a flavor explosion on hand when you have a supply of spiced ghee. Gently heat a cup of ghee and stir in  zest of two limes, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon tahini, and 1 teaspoon each salt, paprika and dried tarragon. Keep cold up to one month. Use by the teaspoon in hot vegetables, omelets, on hot breads. 

    * Toss 2 sliced bananas in a skillet with 2 tablespoons each butter and sugar. When they’re caramel colored, stir in 3 cups cooked rice and heat through. Good with meat from the grill. 

    * How to keep leftover rice? I often make extra rice to serve later. While it’s hot, spread it on a sheet pan lined with foil or waxed paper and let it cool.  That way it won’t congeal into one, large lump.
   
Freeze-Ahead Recipe of the Week
Rice and  Ratatouille
This is a vegetarian/vegan dish when made with vegetable broth.  For a meatier mix  add bits of cooked chicken, turkey, pork or beef and it’s also delicious with chunks of seafood. 

 
2 pounds eggplant
1/4 cup olive oil
Large green and red peppers, seeded and diced
Large zucchini, diced
2 large onions, diced
1/4 cup minced garlic.
2 one-quart cartons broth (chicken, vegetable or beef)
4 cups white or brown  rice
28-ounce can diced tomatoes
Salt, pepper to taste

    Peel and dice eggplant and dice other vegetables. In a large pot, heat oil. Keep stir-frying vegetables and garlic until they are limp. Add broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Cover and cook over reduced heat until rice is tender. Season to taste. Stir in diced, cooked meat or fish if using. Cool to lukewarm and measure into individual bags, allowing  2 cups per main dish serving. Makes about 20 portions.
    Thaw, heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. This is an idea dish to freeze in boilable bags.
Variation: Ratatouille is also a good dish to freeze alone, then heat and serve over any starch such as rice or pasta, or as a sauce on omelets,  hotdogs and hamburgers.
Cook’s note: if you’re not fond of peppers, reduce or omit them. In a frozen dish they tend to increase in flavor.

Easy Cuisine for Campers and RV Travelers

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See Janet Groene’s weekly Pantry Recipe, requiring no fresh foods, at Boat Cook.

Campground Potluck Recipe of the Week 
 Tortilla Spirals
    Put out these finger-lickin’ good snacks before or during the potluck party and you’ll win rave notices.
2 packages, 8 ounces each, cream cheese
8-ounce carton of sour cream
1 tablespoon onion juice or grated onion
4-ounce jar of chopped pimentos, well drained
4-ounce can of chopped green chilies, well drained
1 to 2 tablespoons capers, well drained
6 to 8 burrito-size flour tortillas

    Let cream cheese warm to “room” temperature or nuke it for a few seconds for easy mixing. Add the sour cream, onion juice, pimentos and chilies. Mix well. Spread on tortillas. Roll up, wrap and chill. Just before serving cut in slices. 


Freeze-Ahead Recipe of the Week
Bacon Spaghetti Sauce 

You'll use this savory sauce on everything from pasta to chicken cutlets and omelets. Simmer a large batch and freeze in right-size portions for camping.

1 pound thick-slice bacon, cut up
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 teaspoon each salt, pepper,  dried garlic granules 
1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
2 large onions, diced
2 cans, 28 ounces each, crushed tomatoes
1 cup dry red wine
3 cups beef or chicken broth

Fry out bacon until it's crisp and remove to paper towels. Fry out ground pork and beef in the same pan, breaking it into crumbles. Spoon off excess fat. Over high heat, continue stir frying to add carrots and onions, scraping up brown bits. Add tomatoes, wine and broth. Cover and simmer 3-4 hours to thicken. Add bacon bits and freeze in portions suitable for your own needs.
 

 
Camp and RV Recipe of the Week

HamMiracle
     
 This crazy combination of ingredients is an insanely delicious way to have ham in a large slow cooker or Dutch oven.  

Bone-in half ham, 5 to 6 pounds
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup strong tea
1 teaspoon  cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger
1/4 cup Galliano liqueur
20-ounce can crushed pineapple

    Lightly grease the slow cooker or Dutch oven. Press brown sugar evenly in the bottom and lay the ham on top, cut side down.
    Drain pineapple and whisk the juice with the tea, spices and liqueur. Stir in pineapple and spoon over ham. Cover and cook 6 hours on Low. If using a Dutch oven, cook over well-started coals 3 to 5 hours or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees. Remove ham to a cutting board. Let rest 15 to 20 minutes, then slice. Stir sauce and serve on the side.

This roast lifter doesn’t take up much room in the grub box and it's really a plus for getting a secure grip on a big bird, ham or roast. https://amzn.to/2Vhi5PF

Variations: Try the ham recipe with different flavored teas such as peach or cranberry tea and with different liqueur such as Cherry Heering or Triple Sec.

Cooking note: Whatever your cooking method, keep heat low and don’t peek to often or moisture escapes. If ham is boiling dry add another cup of water or tea.  


If Dad is an RV-er or prepper, get him a book for Father’s Day. Both these books come in Kindle or paperback Survival Food Handbook  is a guide to provisioning the camper or your emergency pantry at home with shelf-stable foods from the supermarket. Survive refrigerator failure, stove failure, travel delays. Recover foods after a floor or fire. Bake bread without an oven. 
Cooking Aboard Your RV is all about shortcuts that save space, time, water, fuel, hassle, mess. Dad will use these 200-plus delicious recipes.   Bonus Recipe
Chili for Two
    If you’re an empty nester you probably never made chili for less than a crowd.  Here is a little  recipe that feeds two hearty eaters for one meal or one person for two meals.1 tablespoon olive oil
Small onion, diced
Half a green pepper, seeded and diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons chili powder
10- to 12-ounce can roast beef in gravy
8-ounce can of tomato sauce
1 large or 2 small Roma tomatoes, diced
8-ounce can kidney beans
Grated cheese (optional)
Crushed corn chips (optional)
Sour cream (optional)

    Sizzle onion, pepper and garlic in hot oil, gradually stirring in chili powder and roast beef. Break up beef with the spoon. Cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes over low heat until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes and beans and heat through. Serve with one, two or all of the suggested toppings.  Campground Potluck Recipe of the Week
   

Tips for the Camp Chef

    * Don’t burn bones in the fire pit. Wild animals may still want them, char and all. They can be harmful.

    * A can of pureed pumpkin and a box of spice cake mix, nothing more,  combine to make muffins. Mix well. Bake as for muffins.  Canned pumpkin is also a good addition to a large batch of chili or sloppy joe. It disappears into the mixture, adding vitamins and fiber.   The best thing to happen to camping since the pup tent is a bright LED lantern that exudes insect repellant.  Get one or two THERMAcell lanterns for Father’s Day.  Backwoods anglers and campers in Florida tell me this really works, and they ought to know. https://amzn.to/2LrMExx* Save the containers from Parmesan cheese. The shake top comes in handy for other things. Clean thoroughly with baking soda to remove the cheese smell, dry and fill with a mixture of coarse sugar and cinnamon to shake on toast and desserts. 
    * Does Dad dream of taking off in a camper when he retires? Before he retires? We full-timed for ten years, earning a living along the way. He’ll love Living Aboard Your RV, 4th Edition,  for Father’s Day. Paperback or Kindle.    
Where to go next? See Janet Groene’s daily trip tease at https://janetgroene.blogspot.com


 

Camping Cuisine, Motorhome Meals Made Easy

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Taste the freedom of the open road 

  

 Serve this easy one-pot treat as a vegetarian meal or make it meaty by throwing in cooked or canned meat or fish. The tasty artichokes make it special.  

Camping and RV Recipe of the Week
Popeye One-Pot



   
10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach
14-ounce can artichokes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Medium onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/3 cup milk or water
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 can chunk chicken, turkey, ham or tuna (optional) *

Grated dry cheese such as Parmesan (optional)

*To make this a meatless main dish use 3 or 4 chopped, hard-cooked eggs or finely diced firm tofu

     Drain spinach in a sieve and press out all wetness. Drain and chop artichokes. Set aside. In a large skillet, heat oil and stir-fry onion and garlic until soft. Whisk soup, milk or water and nutmeg. Add to skillet, stirring to heat through. Reduce heat and stir in drained spinach, artichokes, spinach and protein of choice .  If mixture is too thick, add water, broth or more milk.
    Heat through and serve over biscuits, toast, pasta, rice, noodles. Pass the Parmesan. Serves 4. 

Order now for Mother’s Day. Cooking Aboard Your RV has more than 200 scrumptious, shortcut recipes for the small kitchen, motorhome, RV, travel trailer. Save space, time, hassle, water, fuel.  http://amzn.to/1NdWI4o





 
Tips for the Camp Cook

    * Make nachos with Tater Tots instead of tortilla chips.

    * Don’t throw away pickle juice. Think of it a infused vinegar. Use a little pickled pepper juice in deviled eggs. Boil juice from bread and butter pickles,  pour over carrot sticks and chill overnight. Moisten ground beef with sweet pickle juice when making burgers or meatloaf. 

* Save money and space by making your own chili seasoning instead of buying it in packets. In a bowl combine ½ cup chili powder, 1/4 cup sweet or smoked paprika and 2 tablespoons each garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Stir. Keep tightly lidded in a cool place. Starting small, stir into chili to taste and simmer to let flavors blend, then add more if needed. 
  
    * Homemade mixes and blends save space and weight for camping. They also give you control over amounts and ingredients. Reduce salt, omit sugar or MSG, go all organic or non-GMO. Buy ingredients in bulk to save $. Package the mixes in amounts sized according to your needs from dinner-for-two to the Brady Bunch. Don't forget to label with instructions for completing the dish when you get to camp.

    * See this week’s Solo Woman RV for clever tips on using a Swiss Army Knife as a cooking tool. Go to https://solowomanrv.blogspot.com

   
Campground Potluck Recipe of the Week
Green ‘n Gold Salad
    Packers fans will love the colors. Everyone loves a colorful, crunchy, refreshing salad side dih.

 

2 cans whole kernel corn
2 European-style unwaxed cucumbers
Small jar diced pimento, drained
1/3 cup each sugar, vegetable oil and fresh lemon juice

Drain corn and put in a large bowl. Cut unpeeled cucumbers lengthwise in long strings, then slice strings into bits just a little larger than corn kernels. Stir in pimento. In a small jar, shake sugar, oil and lemon juice to dissolve sugar. Stir into vegetables and chill. Stir. Serve with a slotted spoon. Serves 10-12.
Cook’s note: If you’re using regular cucumbers,  peel if they are waxed and strip out any excess seeds.

Freeze-Ahead Recipe of the Week
Breakfast Taco Filling

2 pounds bulk chicken or pork sausage with sage
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 to 2 cups trimmed,  finely chopped kale (optional)
12 eggs
1 teaspoon each salt, pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika

    In a large skillet fry out sausage, breaking it up in hot oil. Gradually stir in kale until it's limp. When sausage is thoroughly cooked whisk eggs and seasoning and pour over sausage. Stir until eggs are just set. Do not over-cook. Cool and package for the freezer, allowing about 2/3 cupful per serving.
    To serve, thaw and heat in a nonstick skillet. Spoon into corn or flour tortillas with your choice of "taco-ndiments" such as sour cream, shredded lettuce, grated cheese, salsa, chopped tomato, etc.   Filling can also be frozen in boilage bags. Reheat in hot water.

Wicked Good Recipes for Camping and RV

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Camping and RV 
Recipe of the Week
Icebox Pistachio Pie
1 store-bought graham cracker crust
1/3 cup chopped pistachio nuts
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened to “room” temperature
1 1/4 cups milk

1 packet instant pistachio pudding mix
8-ounce tub of whipped topping

    Scatter nuts (or save some for a garnish later)  in the crust and put crust in the refrigerator or ice chest to chill. Thoroughly mix milk and cream cheese using a whisk,  egg beater or hand mixer. Add pudding mix. When it begins to set, fold in half of the whipped topping. Put in the crust and chill an hour or more. Top with remaining whipped topping and reserved pistachios. This is best served the same day. 
 
No refrigerator? It’s OK to carry whipped topping in a well-chilled ice chest for two or three days. 

Great gift idea for Mother's Day!  
Best cookbook for shortcuts when  cooking in a camper or RV. Cooking Aboard Your RV has more than 200 delicious recipes that save space, time, water, hassle and mess when you're on the go. Order in paperback or Kindle.  http://amzn.to/1NdWI4o




  Campground Potluck Recipe of the Week
Crunchy Cornbread Salad
    This recipe is a sweet, corny twist on the Italian bread salad, Panzanella.
If you can’t find cornbread croutons, make a batch of cornbread, crumble it, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees until it’s toasty.

 

1 bunch scallions, trimmed and  sliced
2 or 3 ribs celery, sliced
3 or 4 plum tomatoes, diced
1 green sweet pepper, seeded and diced
1 sweet red pepper, seeded and diced
Large head lettuce, cut in bite size
Bottle vinaigrette
1 package cornbread croutons
1 bag Fritos corn chips

    In a large bowl toss vegetables with vinaigrette to taste. Immediately before serving, toss with cornbread or croutons and corn chips.

Tips for the Camp Cook

    * Make twice as many sandwiches as you need . Cut leftovers to fit in a skillet or casserole. Whisk eggs and milk to cover and soak sandwiches. Cook until eggs set.

    * I often recommend putting dry ingredients in a bag as an easy way to combine them without using an extra bowl. When making large quantities of, say, gorp or parmesan popcorn, you need a BIG, big plastic bag. Just a reminder NOT to use a scented garbage bag. 

    * Dump Soup: fry out a pound of ground beef, turkey or sausage and dump in 1 can each mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, chicken gumbo soup, whole kernel corn, Rotel tomatoes and black beans. Simmer. If it’s too thick add broth, water or tomato juice. Serve as is or ladle over split biscuits. I recommend low-sodium canned foods, then salt and pepper to taste.

 
    * On the way to the campground pick up Subway chopped salads to go. Hold the dressing. In camp, add drained and rinsed garbanzos or black beans, dressing of your choice and dinner is served. 

 

Freeze-Ahead Recipe of the Week
Mustard Glazed Meatballs
 
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 pound lean ground pork
½ cup bread crumbs
2 beaten eggs
1 teaspoon each salt, pepper, mixed Italian seasoning

    Mix well and form into golf ball-size meatballs. Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees until browned. Internal temperature should reach 160 degrees. Set aside to cool.

Glaze:
Up to 1/3 cup pan juices
16-ounce jar apricot or pineapple preserves
8-ounce jar Grey Poupon mustard
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 cup brown sugar
20-ounce can crushed pineapple

    Drain pan juices from the meatballs into a saucepan and add preserves, mustard, curry powder, brown sugar and undrained pineapple. Bring to a boil to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and cool.
    Put meatballs in freezer bags, alowing 3 to 4 meatballs per adult serving. Divide sauce appropriately among bags. Freeze. Thaw, heat and serve over rice or noodles. Also good with crisp Chinese noodles from a package. 


See more of Janet Groene's shortcut recipes at https://boatcook.blogspot.com

   

Camping Recipes with Cooking Shortcuts

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Camp and RV Recipe of the Week

No-Crust  Pizza
Have all the great taste of pizza without the mega-carbs. With or without an oven, try this maxi-meaty main dish for your pizza-loving camping family. 

1 egg
Small can mushroom pieces, drained
1/3 cup minute oatmeal
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pound lean ground beef
Pizza sauce
Your favorite pizza toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, onions, black olives
Shredded mozzarella cheese

    Put the egg in a large freezer bag and squeeze the bag to break up the egg. Add water to juice from the mushrooms to make ½ cup liquid. Add it to the bag with the mushrooms, oats, and Italian seasoning.  Squeeze bag to mix. Let stand 10 minutes to soften oats. Add ground beef and keep squeezing the bag until everything is well mixed. Strip this out of the bag into a 12-inch greased skillet.
    Spread  mixture in an even layer on the bottom and up the sides enough to form a rim that will hold the pizza toppings. Spread with pizza sauce.  Arrange pepperoni slices around the edge.  Cover tightly and cook over low-medium heat 30-40 minutes. Beef should be done to a minimum of 160 degrees and browned on bottom and sides.
    Top with grated mozzarella and cover over low heat until cheese melts. Cut in wedges. 
Serves 6. 

 
Grab a whole book of camping and RV recipes that save space, time, water, fuel, hassle and mess when you're on the go. Janet Groene full-timed for ten years  in a 29-foot sailboat and 21-foot RV. She provides shameless shortcuts to great meals. In paperback or Kindle for yourself or a Mother's Day gift, order Cooking Aboard Your RV  here. 










Campground Potluck Recipe of the Week

Fruit and Nut Bread Pudding
    Square sandwich bread is the easiest loaf to dice evenly. Just stack several slices and slice one way, then the other. This dessert is dotted with little jewels of flavor in different colors and flavors. 

1 loaf stale sandwich bread
½ cup each raisins, snipped apricots, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, chopped and drained maraschino cherries
Small can crushed pineapple
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
12-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
13-ounce can evaporated milk
Water
4 eggs
½ stick butter, in small pieces

Oven method:
    Butter a large aluminum foil baking pan and set the oven for 350 degrees. Drain pineapple, saving juice.  Scatter bread, fruit, nuts, sugar and cinnamon in the pan.
     Add water and pineapple juice to condensed and evaporated milk to make 3 ½  cups total liquid. In a bowl whisk milk mixture and eggs. Pour mixture slowly over pan,  allowing it to soak in. Press floating bread gently down into the liquid until liquid is absorbed. Dot with butter. At this point, bake it or cover and chill. 
      Bake at 350 degrees about 50 minutes or until top is golden and center is “set” as for custard. Baking time will be longer if pudding was chilled. Serve warm, at “room” temperature or chilled. Serve with a spoon or ice cream scoop. Serves 12-16.
Stove-top method:
    Butter a large kettle, Dutch oven or large, deep skillet. Proceed as above. Cover and cook over low-medium heat until it’s set as for custard.

Tips for the Camp Cook

  
  * Lightweight and compact, this handsome 1.2 liter air fryer lets you have small batches of fried foods in less time, with less oil. It’s small enough to tuck into an RV cupboard or your camping grub box. 




    *Stir up  bread pudding with your favorite recipe. Then line a skillet with pineapple rings and top with pudding. Cover and cook over low-medium heat until it’s set. Turn out of the pan like upside down cake. 

    * Cover two burners at once on your camp stove or RV range to make lots of pancakes, burgers, eggs or toasted sandwiches with this nonstick griddle.

    * Still the best campfire meal for fussy eaters, dieters and people who have allergies. Give everyone their own non-stick pie iron to make a sandwich any way, your way or their way.



    * Another tip for serving bread pudding. Make it with eggs, bread and milk but without sugar. Instead, season with herbs and garlic and serve as a savory starch course with meat from the grill. 

   
Freeze-Ahead Recipe of the Week
Chicken ‘n Chipped Beef

 
4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 to 3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 tablespoon each powdered chicken bouillon and mixed Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 jar dried chipped beef, cut up
Family-size can cream of chicken soup OR
2 regular cans cream of chicken soup
½ cup cooking sherry

    Cut up chicken into bite size. Heat oil and stir-fry chicken bits and mushrooms to brown them. Sprinkle with powdered bouillon and Italian seasoning and keep stir-frying while adding dried beef.
    In a bowl, whisk condensed soup and sherry. Add to chicken mixture, cover and simmer until chicken is done (170 degrees). Cool, stir and package for the freezer, allowing 2/3 to 1 cup per serving. Thaw, heat and serve with a campfire-baked potato.