Jayde’s Culinary Adventure on Wheels
Written by Jayde Quinn, of Lapping The Island
Lapping the Island have lived the full-time van life for a number of years, so when it comes to getting creative in the caravan kitchen, there’s little they haven’t experimented with. Jayde shares her tried-and-tested tips for mastering your culinary skills on the road. All we can say is – pack your appetite!
Cooking in a caravan can be a delightful and unique experience blending the joys of travel with the comforts of home cooked meals. With my help, I invite you to explore the essentials of caravaning cooking including planning, packing the right equipment, and my safety tips for preparing delicious meals on your next trip.
Planning and Preparation
Meal Planning
Before hitting the road it’s critical to plan your meals. Consider the duration of your trip, the number of people coming along, and their dietary preferences. Create a meal plan that includes breakfasts, lunches and dinners, and don’t forget the snacks. Opt for recipes that are simple, nutritious and require minimal ingredients.
Shopping Lists
Based on your meal plan, make a detailed shopping list including non-perishable items like canned goods, long-life milk, pasta, rice and spices. Fresh produce like dairy and meat should be bought closer to the trip departure date to ensure freshness. Don’t forget essentials like cooking oils, salt pepper and your favourite condiments – in our house, we must have tomato sauce!
Storage Solutions
Space is limited in a caravan, so efficient storage is key.
Stackable containers, zip lock bags and vacuum-seal bags are great space-saving storage options and help keep your food fresher for longer. I find labelling everything to avoid confusion helps. I literally utilise every new nook and cranny in our caravan, including under the seat storage and overhead compartments. In our Lotus Caravan, we have this awesome little hiding spot in our kitchen which is normally a foot kicker but Lotus have created a little pull-down cupboard door and this is great for storing all my cans, helping with keeping heavy objects to a lower centre of gravity.
essential equipment
cookware
Invest in some lightweight, stackable cookware. A good set should include a fry pan, saucepan, and a pot – a non-stick option is ideal for easy cleaning on the road.
utensils and tools
Pack essential utensils like a spatula, tongs, knives and cutting boards. And don’t forget a can opener, bottle opener and vegetable peeler – there’s nothing worse than being caught out without these. Consider multiple-purpose tools to save space.
Non-Essential… But Essential in Jaydes Culinary Kitchen on Wheels
I’ve travelled for six years and could not travel without my Thermomix, an air fryer and an old-fashioned percolator coffee machine. To me, these tools are game-changing.
PORTABLE ITEMS
A toaster, kettle, electric mixer, and juicer; again, all these things are non-essential but do make travelling a lot more comfortable. I’m going to be honest I’ve travelled for six years and have never had a kettle! I boil my water in a pot and this does exactly the same job as a kettle.
safety tips
fire safety
Always have a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket on hand, and never leave your cooking unattended. I keep my fire blanket straight above my cooktop and our fire extinguisher is at the front door. I make sure everyone in my family is very familiar with these locations because you never know when you will need it.
ventilation
Proper ventilation is critical when cooking in a confined space; open your windows and use your exhaust fan to ensure good airflow. This helps prevent buildup of cooking fumes and reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning (if you’re cooking with gas) as well. Our current cooktop is induction but I still like to cook with my kitchen window wide open.
food safety
Keep raw and cooked food separate to avoid cross-contamination. Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to a safe temperature. Store perishables at the correct temperature to prevent spoilage. I can promise you there is nothing worse than having food poisoning while living in a caravan.
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