On the Road

Gifts—

Space is always an issue around the holidays, especially if you’re living in an RV. Always keep space considerations in mind when you’re shopping for gifts. Where will you store them until they are mailed or delivered? A life-size teddy bear may be cute in the store, but not so cute taking up half your living area for a week or more. The internet is a great option. You can shop at virtually any store imaginable, pay for an item, have it gift wrapped, and ship it all with the click of a button. When placing an online order with your credit card, make sure the site is secure. You’ll see a little gold lock somewhere on the screen, and the website address will probably have the initials “https” at the beginning. (The “S” means “secure”)  If you’d rather not give out your credit card number online, you can always call the store and order by phone. It’s easy and convenient.

Feasting—

RVs often have a combination convection/microwave instead of a regular oven. Many people only use the microwave and don’t realize that convection ovens are prized by top chefs. Convection ovens cook quicker and more evenly, with no hot spots. They bake flakier crusts, roast juicier meats, and provide nice even browning. The catch is recipe books aren’t written for convection ovens. So, if you try to whip up a roast turkey according to the recipe, you may end up with a burned mess. Here are the magic adjustments to make so your holiday treats come out perfect every time:

1)      Bake at the same temperature the recipe calls for and reduce the time by 25%

OR

2)      Bake for the same amount of time the recipe calls for and reduce the temperature by 50 degrees

If the recipe calls for a cooking time of 15 minutes or less, make no adjustments. (Your favorite cookie recipes should work just fine)

Also, even though you should never use metal pans when microwaving (unless you like lightning displays and want to buy a new oven), it’s fine to use any type of pot or pan when you use the convection setting. In fact, shallow cookie sheets and low-sided pans work best because they allow the heat to circulate better than high-sided pans.

Visiting Friends and Family—

The holidays are best when shared with friends and family. And who doesn’t love it when company comes with their own accommodations? In fact, renting an RV for an extended stay can be much cheaper than a hotel. It’s good etiquette to ask permission before you plug in to your host’s electric and water supply. You may also want to make sure you and your host are on the same page regarding showers, meals, and private time. Will you be eating every meal in the main house or will you be on your own for breakfast and lunch? Is it okay to go off exploring on your own, or will the whole family want to tag along? Will there be enough room to park the RV out of the way so your host can get in and out of his driveway? Make plans with your host so there are no misunderstandings or unwanted stress during your visit.