Enjoying something tasty can be a great topper to any day. Those who take their RVs out in colder climates may especially appreciate some warm and cozy fare, such as the recipes mentioned below in response to this month’s question:
As an Italian from New York City, I never leave home without first preparing my favorite Italian food to bring along on the trip. Nothing is better than being at a campground and enjoying macaroni with meatballs and antipasto! Regardless where I travel, having my Italian “comfort” food is a must. Buon appetite (Enjoy your meal)!
FMCA Member: Tony Trimarco, F408182
Greenwood Lake, New York
Any time of year we like taco soup, which is made in the crock pot. Soup ingredients: 1 can each corn, black beans, and kidney beans, drained; one 4-ounce can chopped green chiles; one 15-ounce can tomato sauce; 1 package taco seasoning; 1 chopped onion; ground meat or soy (optional). Put everything in a crock pot. It can cook all day on low or just a few hours on high. Toppings: grated cheese, tortilla chips, and/or sour cream. Use as a dip or soup depending upon the amount of tomato sauce.
FMCA Member: Lang Secrest, F187589
Sierra Vista, Arizona
We’ve made a particular style of chili for years. If Williams Original Chili Seasoning is not available at a local grocer, we buy it online, and sometimes we use Chugwater Gourmet Chili Blend. (Chugwater is a town in Wyoming that has an annual chili cookoff each June; the chili mix is from a local vendor and is very popular regionally.) The seasoning packet calls for 2 pounds of ground beef, pork, or turkey, plus other ingredients as suggested, and it makes eight one-cup servings. We divide it into four containers for freezing. When we need a quick lunch, we just pop a container of chili into the microwave and serve it with tortilla chips.
FMCA Member: Bill & Deanie Hendrix, F761s
Erie, Colorado
Here in Massachusetts, winter doesn’t stop us from using our RV. A rest area on State Route 3 is a great place to sled, and has parking for motorhomes. The pond near our house where we ice skate also has a large parking lot. The RV gives us a place to get warm, change out of wet clothes, and get something to eat and drink: hot chocolate, warm apple cider, or tea, and s’mores made in the coach microwave. After a few years of chocolate-covered microwaves and exploding marshmallows, we now have it down to a fine science. My suggestion: Bring lots of marshmallows and chocolate bars, and let the children find the best way to make microwaved s’mores. Also, be prepared to have a few skaters and sledders join the warmth of your RV.
FMCA Member: Richard Cicchetti, F387705
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Although we usually are out during the summer months (we do, after all, live in Florida), we occasionally have been out west up in the cool Rockies, which are subject to dramatic weather changes. My favorite is a really good slow-cooker chili that wafts a mouthwatering smell throughout our coach as it cooks. Yum!
FMCA Member: Elaine Overby, F447845
St. Augustine, Florida
Use microwave rice that can be cooked in the bag. Let beans and fixin’s slow cook, then spread over rice for a meal almost as good as any restaurant’s red beans and rice. Add some Tony Chachere’s or other Creole seasoning, and you’ve got it made. Or, make cans of Blue Runner gumbo and jambalaya fixin’s. Cook down celery, onions, and garlic; cook some chicken and kielbasa or Creole sausage pieces with them also. Add the Blue Runner and slow cook for a while longer. During the last few minutes, add shrimp. Pour over microwaved rice.
Both meals are extremely heartwarming and easy. If you can find some decent po’boy bread, garlic that up and dunk in the juices. Enjoy!
FMCA Member: Steve Ecton, F287228
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Future questions:
1. What type of campground do you prefer (RV resort, commercial campground, national or state park, U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, etc.)? Please share why.
2. What are some ways to stay fit while traveling in your RV?