Celebrating Thanksgiving on the road in your RV can be a unique and memorable experience. While space might be limited, the joy of gathering with cherished ones and savoring a delicious meal remains unchanged. Embracing the spirit of gratitude and resourcefulness, preparing a delightful Thanksgiving feast in your RV can be a rewarding adventure. Here's a guide to crafting a delectable holiday meal that's easy to prepare and brings the warmth of the season to your home on the road.
Main Course
Roasted Turkey Breast
Cooking a turkey breast in your RV can be a great way to celebrate without taking up too much space. Start by preheating your oven or using an Instant Pot. Season the turkey breast with a blend of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, along with salt and pepper. If using an oven, roast the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using an Instant Pot, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Let it rest before carving to keep the juices sealed in.
Slow Cooker Ham
Cooking a ham in a slow cooker is an excellent option for an RV Thanksgiving. Purchase a pre-cooked bone-in ham that fits your slow cooker size. Score the ham, then place it in the slow cooker. Create a glaze using brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a bit of apple cider or pineapple juice. Pour the glaze over the ham, cover, and cook on low for 4-6 hours until heated through. Baste occasionally with the juices to keep it moist and flavorful. This frees up your oven space for other dishes and simplifies the cooking process.
Side Dishes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in a pot until they're fork-tender. Drain them and mash with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and roasted garlic for extra flavor. If you're short on time or resources, consider using garlic powder as a substitute for roasted garlic. Mash to your desired consistency, and keep warm until ready to serve.
Sautéed Green Beans
Trim fresh green beans and quickly sauté them in a pan with a bit of butter, minced garlic, and either toasted almonds or crispy bacon bits. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until they're tender yet still slightly crisp.
Stuffing Muffins
Prepare your favorite stuffing mix according to the package instructions. Instead of stuffing it into a turkey, spoon the mixture into greased muffin tins. Bake until the tops are golden brown, ensuring the stuffing is cooked through. These individual servings will make it easier to serve and save space in your RV kitchen.
Cranberry Sauce
In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries with orange juice and a sweetener like sugar or honey. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Adjust sweetness to your preference and allow it to cool before serving.
Desserts
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Create a simplified version of pumpkin pie by making bars. In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree with sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and a blend of pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, etc.). Pour this mixture over a prepared graham cracker crust in a baking pan. Bake until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned. After cooling, cut into bars for easy serving.
Apple Crisp
Slice peeled and cored apples and toss them in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of flour. Spread the apple mixture in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter to create the crisp topping. Sprinkle this over the apples and bake until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
RV Cooking Tips
Preparing these dishes in an RV kitchen might pose some challenges, but with the right preparation and equipment, it can be enjoyable. Planning and prepping ingredients in advance, utilizing multi-functional appliances, and optimizing space with collapsible kitchen tools will streamline the cooking process. Additionally, if your RV allows for outdoor cooking, using an outdoor grill or portable burners can be a great way to cook some of these dishes, freeing up space inside.
These dishes offer a delightful and manageable Thanksgiving meal for your RV celebration. As you gather around a table laden with the delights of a well-prepared meal, take a moment to appreciate the journey, the experiences, and the cherished moments shared with loved ones. May this Thanksgiving, wherever it finds you, be filled with warmth, gratitude, and the joy of celebration. Happy Thanksgiving on the road!
