Summer is in full swing, and for those anticipating indulging in good food while basking in the outdoors, some pre-planning can make all the difference on your next cottage or camping escapade.
Given my background in the culinary world, my goal is to minimize cooking during vacations. There’s nothing worse than envisioning an elaborate menu, only to be faced with a poorly equipped rental cottage or battling mosquitoes while preparing a meal at a campsite.
The secret to a delightful, stress-free journey lies in preparing make-ahead recipes. Whether you’re relishing overnight oats as your coffee brews over the campfire or savoring a meatball sub while admiring a breathtaking thunderstorm from the porch, the effort put into preparing food in advance will pay off.
Craft a menu and whip up your meals the day before your trip. Many dishes can be frozen beforehand and reheated on-site, allowing you to split the work over several days or weeks if needed.
Containers of pre-prepared frozen foods, such as red lentil soup, serve a dual purpose as both meals and makeshift ice packs to help maintain the freshness of other foods during transport. Remember to store prepared dishes in a cooler to keep them chilled until consumption.
Marinating meats like chimichurri chicken in advance is an excellent choice. Preparing the marinade at home enables you to simply fire up the grill or campfire upon arrival at your destination. Pair it with a salad for which you’ve already prepped the dressing, like grilled radicchio with tahini and chive dressing, for an effortless and delectable dinner experience.
And let’s not forget about the classic s’mores. While homemade rainbow marshmallows are optional, they would certainly add a fun touch to your outdoor dining experience.