Need any ideas for quick easy meals to make on our trip as we can not eat out much due to our budget.
Thanks
FYI- We will have a full size kitchen in our room at the Caribbean, Thanks
Who is going to cook or make easy meals in your room on vac?
I pre-make things a few nights before we leave like chili, meatballs in homemade sauce, etc. and freeze them in big freezer bags. They fit nicely in the cooler we bring down and then I have homemade meals that I don%26#39;t have to spend hours cooking when I get there. Just stick them in pot and heat them up. We also go to the grocery store and get some hot dogs, macaroni/cheese, etc for some easy meals, but some nights we feel like a good dinner so pre-making and freezing works great for us. I will NOT be standing by the stove for hours when I%26#39;m on vacation : )
Hope this helps, have a great time!
Who is going to cook or make easy meals in your room on vac?
I hear what you are saying. We did the same last year. We went grocery shopping as soon as we arrived and bought hot dogs, hamburgers, lunch meat, pre-made mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cereal, frozen waffles, etc. We stayed at the condo for breakfast and lunch and for most of our dinners. The kids didn%26#39;t mind not going out to eat because they hate to leave the beach/pool. This way they could stay at the pool/beach longer and we didn%26#39;t have to worry about rushing to get ready to go out and then wait in line somewhere.
We will definately be eating breakfast and lunch in the room. We usually go out for dinner though. I like the idea of freezing meals beforehand though. I may do that this year. We are also going to Vegas about a month after Myrtle Beach (without the kids obviously) so I have to watch the budget so we can do both trips!
We added a crock pot to our beach house. Throw your dinner in before you leave for the beach and it%26#39;s ready when you come back!
Love it!
what type of foods do you cook in your crockpot? Thanks to everyone for the different types of suggestions. Please keep them coming. Thanks
YOu can research crockpot recipies on line. You can also buy ones for around $35 that automatically switch to ';warm'; when the meal is done so no more rushing back at a specific time:-)
The frozen lasagna from Sam%26#39;s is excellent and can be cooked in the microwave in about 15 minutes. Some bagged salad, steamed broccoli and heat and serve rolls make for an easy meal.
To cook a boneless chuck roast in your crock pot just put the roast in (trim it first to remove all the fat you can easily get to), add enough canned beef broth (I use reduced sodium) to cover well and add a pack of Lipton beefy onion soup mix. Set the crock pot on high and cook for at least 8hrs though 10-12hrs will produce a much more tender roast. You can add carrots and potatoes too if you want.
Beef stew in the crock pot is easy too. Put in 1-2lbs of lean stew meat, add 1 small bag of frozen mixed vegetables, peel and cut up a few potatoes and add them, add a pack of Lipton beefy onion soup mix, add one small can of tomato sauce then add enough canned beef broth to cover well. Cook on high for at least 8hrs. No need to brown the meat in either of the above recipes.
One important reminder about bagged lettuce.
Triple washed only means that it was rinsed 3 times-IN THE FIELD! Please, always wash your bagged lettuce. I%26#39;ve been in the food business for many years and it%26#39;s unfortunate how many consumers aren%26#39;t aware of this issue.
You can even buy crock pot ready made meals in the grocery store. Talk about easy!
Actually the FDA requires a 15-20ppm rinse of chlorine at the packing facility for leafy greens. However, the packer has to be diligent in monitoring the chlorine level and maintaining it properly plus maintain their equipment in a sanitary fashion. Unfortunately the amount of chlorine used is insufficient to kill all organisms as the amount needed would damage the produce. There%26#39;s also very little the consumer can do as well since simple rinsing does little to remove organisms and using bleach yourself without the proper monitoring equipment is not safe. Rinsing with water yourself could potentially add more bacteria than is already present unless you take great care that all surfaces and your hands have been sanitized. Ever heard that just rinsing your hands after going to the bathroom is sufficient? Rinse if it makes you feel better but it could cause more harm than good.
I attended a cooking demonstration last spring at the Woodloch Spa. Their chef showed our group the proper technique to wash lettuce. Yes, it%26#39;s time consuming but certainly worth it.
Does everyone do it each time? I doubt it!
In a perfect world....
As for the washing. In my restaurant we never stop insisting that our staff wash with VERY warm water and soap while singing the Happy Birthday song. If they touch their face, scratch their head, adjust their clothing-off to the sink they go. And in New York State all food handlers are required to wear gloves. Touching any food item without a glove is $100 fine. And in my store, grounds for immediate firing.
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