For most folks across the country, Thanksgiving Day represents a time for family, friends, football, and most definitely food. The mere thought of taking a trip that requires missing out on turkey, sweet potato casserole, green beans, and pumpkin pie is enough to make many people avoid traveling at all during the holiday season. But what if the open road is calling you, begging you to hop in the RV and explore? Can you still create and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast in your rig the same way you do at home?
The answer is no, not exactly. But, you can still make a fabulous Turkey Day meal in your RV with a few tweaks to your normal routine. Try some of these tips to make your Thanksgiving on the road one for the books:
- Plan ahead – Think about the main and side dishes you must have on Thanksgiving Day (stuffing, anyone?) and consider the storage, prep, and cooking space you have in your RV to accommodate those dishes. If turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie are must-haves, then make sure you have the room for them. Also think about how many burners your stove has and how big the oven is. Can you fit all the ingredients you need in the cupboards and fridge? Cut any non-essential dishes from the menu if space becomes an issue. Additionally, consider preparing some dishes ahead of time at home and reheating the day of, such as green beans and other casseroles.
- Choose your bird wisely – RV ovens are typically smaller than residential ovens, so buy a bird according to the oven size you have. For faster, more even cooking, consider cutting the turkey into quarters before roasting. And don’t open the oven door more than you have to – you’ll more effectively reserve the heat in the oven that way and cut down on cooking time.
- Consider alternate cooking methods – Bring along a few extra appliances, such as a crock pot, in which you can cook dishes like mac n’ cheese or sweet potato casserole. Doing so can relieve some of the burden typically placed on the stove and oven. To make even more room in the kitchen – and for a unique and delicious twist on the traditional roasted turkey – cook your bird in a fryer or on the grill outside. Just be sure to follow proper safety standards to avoid causing a fire.
If the idea of pulling off a Thanksgiving feast on your own in the confines of your RV kitchen brings the Grinch out in you, consider asking neighbors in your campground to join you for a potluck gathering. Another option is to seek out and stay at a campground that already offers full-service Thanksgiving meals and events planned. For example, Yosemite National Park hosts a gourmet, chef-prepared meal for guests every year and plenty of campgrounds across the country plan potluck gatherings for their campers.
Regardless of how or where you spend Thanksgiving this year, with a little forethought and planning, you’ll still be able to enjoy your Turkey Day favorites while you’re traveling in your RV.
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