Caravan cooking made easy!

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Sometimes cooking can be a chore, especially when you’re on holiday and what you should really be doing is relaxing! The odd meal out or takeaway is great, but if you’re away for more than a few days you’ll undoubtedly need to cook some meals.

It doesn’t have to be hard work though - read on to discover some helpful hints and tips for keeping kitchen work to a minimum and to ensure the whole family can enjoy mealtimes and play their part. We’ll even throw in a few meal ideas too!

Share the load

The first thing to remember is that even if you’re usually the cook at home, you don’t have to automatically take on that role in the caravan (or motorhome!) too. One of the great things about leisure vehicle holidays is that it’s the ideal chance to enjoy quality family time together and that could include everyone chipping in with the kitchen work. Everything is more fun in a caravan than at home so you shouldn’t have too much trouble convincing the kids to help! Give everyone jobs - getting out ingredients, laying the table, chopping, washing up - you’ll have it done in no time!

Plan your meals

In the weeks leading up to your trip, why not call a family meeting and brainstorm some ideas for some favourite meals? If everyone thinks of two each, there will be plenty of options. Encourage everyone to think of simple meals (no roast dinners with all the trimmings!) and remember that there are always ways to take shortcuts too! If you go away armed with a list of meals to make, you won’t have the pressure of thinking of things to cook every evening.

Shop ahead

If you usually shop online, research the area you’re visiting and see if there is a branch of your usual supermarket nearby. If so, you could do an online shop and schedule it for the afternoon of your arrival. Then, once you've arrived on-site and unhitched, one of you can stay to set up camp, whilst the other heads off to ‘click and collect’. It will save you having to lug your shopping on the journey with you and you can rest assured that your food will be ready and waiting for the start of your holiday.

BBQ happy

BBQs are a great way to cook whilst caravanning and the best part is, there’s no mess inside! You can go for the standard burger and sausages to keep the kids happy or you could push the boat out and go for something more adventurous - kebabs, fish wrapped in foil, king prawns, pork loins, chicken thighs or even steak! And don’t forget the halloumi and corn on the cobs! Throw together a salad and add a pot of potato salad and it’s a meal fit for a king.

One pot recipes

Throwing everything in one pot and letting it cook is a great idea. Casseroles, curries, chillies and pasta bakes are all great meals that you can just put in the oven and enjoy the cooking smells! You can accompany them with rice (which can be the microwave variety for ease) or bread - crusty loaf, garlic, pitta, naan, ciabatta - the choices are endless!

Treat yourselves!

You’re on holiday so you deserve a few treats now and then! Research the local takeaways and select  a couple that the whole family will enjoy. You can also venture out to local pubs and restaurants now that restrictions have lifted. Google the local eateries to see what is close by and where has good reviews.

Quick and easy meal ideas

• Pasta 
  Pasta is quick, easy and versatile - bake it in the oven or cook it on the hob, dried or fresh, cheesy or tomato-based, the choice is yours!
  
  

• Casserole
  Meat, veg, potatoes, gravy, throw it all in and slow cook in the oven - delicious!
  
  

• Lasagne
  A bit of initial prep, but once it’s bubbling away in the oven, it will be worth it - a real family pleaser! Crusty bread and a side salad will finish it off nicely.
  
  

• Chilli / curry
  Throw it all in one pot or pan, hob or oven and serve with rice or bread - easy peasy!
  
  

• Jacket potatoes
  Can be done in the microwave or oven and served with simple toppings such as cheese, beans, coleslaw or tuna.
  
  

• Fajitas
  You’ll need some wraps, sauces, salad and chicken - you can buy ready-cooked chicken for an even quicker meal!
  
  

• Omelettes
  Omelettes are great, nutritious, quick meals and you can put whatever you like in them! Eggs are good in general - poached, fried, scrambled, soft boiled, all with toast - all yum!
  
  

• Roast chicken
  You can buy chickens in a pre-prepared bag all ready to go - simply pierce the bag and roast! Team with new potatoes and veg or salad.
  
  

• Stir fry
  So tasty and so easy! Throw meat, veg and soy sauce in a pan and cook, adding fresh noodles at the end.
  
  

• Pizza
  Deli-fresh or frozen, simply pop them in the oven and enjoy! What’s your favourite topping?

Kit out your kitchen

Our accessory shop has thousands of homeware, cooking and kitchen items that will be ideal for your trips away! From collapsible bowls to cutlery, dinner sets to BBQs, we have a great range to choose from, so why pop in for a browse? We have social distancing and other measures in place to keep you safe including sanitising stations, a face mask policy, one-way system, screens around the tills and contactless payments. 

You can also check out our accessories online and choose from our click and collect or home delivery services. Get in touch if you need to know more!

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