RV Cooking Ideas

I have always loved to cook.  It doesn't have to be complicated...just GOOD!  One of the things you see pretty quickly when you move into an RV full time, is that you MUST cut down on some of the myriad of utensils you have previously kept in your kitchen.  It becomes a time for Neccessity not excess.  Below is a list of my "must haves" followed by explanations of why.

I have decided that a simple INDUCTION COOKTOP is ideal for RV Living.  It takes up little space, and doesn't give off excess heat.  Most RV's are equipped with gas ranges, and there is nothing wrong with that.  However, they do give off fumes and heat and when you turn off the induction cooktop it is cool and OFF!  The only caveat is the necessity for induction friendly pans/pots.  They don't have to be expensive, just practical.

The next item I have found indispensable is the NINJA FOODIE! It is not only a pressure cooker, a rice cooker, a great boiled egg maker and super for soups and stews, you can BAKE in it!  I will include at the bottom of this blog an easy recipe for Baked Chicken.  Fast, juicy and delicious!
You can make the best ribs ever in this pot, or bake a cake.  Really!  and It is ONE tool with many uses...important in limited space.

I have recently become completely enamored with a Sous Vide.  This kitchen tool allows you to cook foods to your EXACT temperature with no effort.  It is perfect for everything from Steaks to vegetables.  Again, I will include some great recipes for this tool in a later blog.  Simple tool does many chores.

You will find that you don't need umpteen casserole dishes, so pick your favorite and give away or sell all the rest.  If you are going to a pot luck or event, buy a tin throw away.  Less to carry around, less to worry about storing.

I have gotten rid of glass glasses.  I have replaced them with PLASTIC glasses for easy and worry free storage.  I really don't want to hear them rattling around as we go down the road, or have to worry about how to pack them safely. 

Simplification is the ticket to an enjoyable life in an RV!  More later.

Here is the recipe for Roast Chicken I promised.

ROAST CHICKEN NINJA FOODIE

1/2 to 1 Cup Chicken Broth
1 Small Onion
1 4-5 Pound Chicken
4 TBSP Melted Butter
1 small stem of Fresh Thyme
1/4 Tsp Rosemary
(Sometimes I put half a Lemon in the cavity)
Salt and Pepper generously after rubbing the chicken down with the butter
If you enjoy Jerk or other seasoning, feel free to use instead of the salt and pepper

• Spray 6-8 quart Instant Pot® with cooking spray. Add broth to insert; place rack in bottom of insert.
• Place onion inside chicken cavity; tie legs with cooking twine. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. In small bowl, mix melted butter, thyme, salt, paprika and pepper; brush on chicken. Place chicken breast side up on rack. Secure lid; set pressure valve to SEALING. Select MANUAL; cook on high pressure 27 minutes.
• After 27 minutes Quick Release the pressure, and open lid.  Replace steam/pressure lid with Browning lid ...cook for 10 additional minutes browning.  Open lid and check to see if well browned.  If additional time is needed, add two minutes at a time until desired browning is achieved.  Internal Temperature should be 165!  Chicken will be JUICY AND TENDER!
• You can also make gravy from the juices which have drained to the bottom of the pot. After removing the chicken to a platter, To 1/2 to 3/4 cup cold water add 2 TBSP Cornstarch and create slurry to add to juices in pot.   Turn pot setting to Saute and stir until thickened.  Add seasonings as necessary.

ENJOY

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