Finding good prepared food

[HenryH001]

I’m a new solo RVer and cooking is not my thing. When I lived in a stick house I had my favorite grocery stores where I could buy prepared home cooked meals. Yes it was real home cooked meals. They even had classes on how to cook and gave you their recipes.

https://www.pccmarkets.com/

Now that I’m on the road all I’m finding is regular grocery stores and their already prepared meals are of far lesser quality than I’m used to.

How do you get good fresh already prepared food?

[R.Wold]

I guess you either get lucky or learn to cook. Smaller local IGA type stores will often have authentic home-cooked stuff, but whether or not it is good or healthful is another story.

I like to cook because I know what I like to eat, but also by preparing my own meals I know exactly whats in the food. It is without question more healthful and by cooking it myself, there is also less chance of contamination of germs or bacteria.

My daughter gets pre-assemble meals delivered that then have to be cooked, but from what I can tell, its more expensive, there is a lot of waste, and the food quality isn't as good as when you pick out your own stuff.

Considering that this is a new lifestyle for you, I would allow some latitude for new hobbies, pursuits, and passions, and cooking can be any or all of these. And you certainly have time for it. Most meals I cook take between 10 and 30 minutes and I eat pretty well with a lot of variety and no junk calories. Well very few anyway.

Also on the subject of calories, since I started counting them about a week ago, I immediately cut way back on carbs and I feel so much better in so many ways, its like a new lease on life. Another subject, I know, but thought Id share it.

Fish tacos tonight - just some pan fried cod with a few spices, low carb tortillas, shredded cabbage, a sprinkle of feta, and a little home made dressing. Simple, balanced, nutritious, enjoyable, and easy on the body.

Also there are quick easy recipes on line for everything. Want crab cakes? Seems complicated? Google it, and you’ll be making restaurant quality stuff the first time out. Food is fun. I say dive in and enjoy. Next thing ya know you’ll be sharing recipes and wine paring ideas with friends along the way. Keep it simple, ease into it and you’ll be good to go.

[Old-Biscuit]

That is why I cook our own meals......

Buy a cook book and dive in.
It isn't rocket science it's just following directions
Buy quality ingredients then cook away

Get the basics down then be adventurous and try mixing it up with ingredients

*Mom taught me to cook, sew, clean, organize, save when I was a kid----THANKS MOM!

[HenryH001]

When I had my stick and brick I tried cooking and it just wasn’t for me. Cooking for one person causes a lot of waste and I found it cheaper to buy overpriced organic home cooked meals to actually be cheaper. The PCC Market where I shopped was very expensive however it was really good healthy food.

A lot of the neighbors would invite me over for dinner and it was common for me to get invited three or four times a week. Not only that some would leave me food on my porch especially in the mornings and on weekends.

Maybe I should try again to learn how to cook? I’ve been eating fast food for three weeks and I’m sick of it.

[Alpine36]

There's so many good recepies online it's hard to decide what's for dinner, but one things for sure...home cooked meals are far better for your health than fast food or pre-prepared servings found at your local supermarket. Don't be afraid to bring out your inner "Galloping Gourmet". Seriously, a bottle of decent Chardonnay, a pound of fresh fish and some fresh veggies never hurt anyone. Plus the leftovers make for a great lunch tomorrow.

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by HenryH001

When I had my stick and brick I tried cooking and it just wasn’t for me. Cooking for one person causes a lot of waste and I found it cheaper to buy overpriced organic home cooked meals to actually be cheaper. The PCC Market where I shopped was very expensive however it was really good healthy food.

A lot of the neighbors would invite me over for dinner and it was common for me to get invited three or four times a week. Not only that some would leave me food on my porch especially in the mornings and on weekends.

Maybe I should try again to learn how to cook? I’ve been eating fast food for three weeks and I’m sick of it.

Even YOUR worst cooked meal will be BETTER than Fast Food

Cooking for one.......
Most recipes are for 4-6 servings. Just cut in half or thirds
Leftovers the next day
Many grocery stores have recipe cards at the meat counters
Select good seafood/meat ---grab the card..pickup some veggies

[Bobby F]

Buy a vacuum food bagger. Then, you can make a big lasagna, an entire pot roast, a casserole, a stew - meals that are normally cooked for a bunch of people - eat one serving that day, freeze the rest of it in several single-serving bags, and just drop your main course in hot water when you eat it again. You'll want to maybe make a fresh veggie or something to go along with it, but it's like a high-quality frozen dinner. Make dinner four or five times, and then you have twenty or more meals prepared and waiting in the freezer.

[Souljourner]

I often travel solo, And I DO like to cook, but sometimes when I’m traveling I want the convenience of a prepared meal. I have found most larger supermarkets either have prepared food at the deli counter that can easily be reheated, preroasted chickens, and many also offer hot food bars. I’ve also found meal “kits”’or partially prepared food in the meat or seafood section. If you stumble across a Whole Foods or a Trader Joe’s they’ll have lots of options, as well as Costco or Sams Club.

[HenryH001]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Even YOUR worst cooked meal will be BETTER than Fast Food

Cooking for one.......
Most recipes are for 4-6 servings. Just cut in half or thirds
Leftovers the next day
Many grocery stores have recipe cards at the meat counters
Select good seafood/meat ---grab the card..pickup some veggies

I am actually good with a barbecue and may try that. I can make a salad without much waste. It’s the three course meals on a stove where I have problems with preparing. I may pickup a small Weber and Blackstone griddle.

I cooked outside at home a lot. Even in the winter. I actually built an outside covered kitchen. It had everything my inside kitchen had. Actually more because I took most of it outside.

Where I’m at now I could cook outside almost every evening.

[R.Wold]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

That is why I cook our own meals......

Buy a cook book and dive in.
It isn't rocket science it's just following directions
Buy quality ingredients then cook away

Get the basics down then be adventurous and try mixing it up with ingredients

*Mom taught me to cook, sew, clean, organize, save when I was a kid----THANKS MOM!

Recipes work! Im not much of a baker, so whenever I venture into that realm, I always follow a recipe and my stuff actually comes out quite good.

Also since you can grill and make a salad, start combining the two. A simple chicken Caesar is a wonderful meal with no waste - you can make the portions however you want and the rest will keep. I even make my own dressing and croutons now.

[paul65k]

Originally Posted by HenryH001

I am actually good with a barbecue and may try that. I can make a salad without much waste. It’s the three course meals on a stove where I have problems with preparing. I may pickup a small Weber and Blackstone griddle.

I cooked outside at home a lot. Even in the winter. I actually built an outside covered kitchen. It had everything my inside kitchen had. Actually more because I took most of it outside.

Where I’m at now I could cook outside almost every evening.

Now I think you're "Cooking" (pun intended). We cook 90% of what we eat on the road on our Blackstone, and it's easy to cook for one or two.

Steak, burgers, chicken, pancakes, eggs, etc.... I got a feeling it will become a new passion, not to mention a great way to meet other people on the road!

[ponytl]

Originally Posted by HenryH001

I’m a new solo RVer and cooking is not my thing. When I lived in a stick house I had my favorite grocery stores where I could buy prepared home cooked meals. Yes it was real home cooked meals. They even had classes on how to cook and gave you their recipes.

https://www.pccmarkets.com/

Now that I’m on the road all I’m finding is regular grocery stores and their already prepared meals are of far lesser quality than I’m used to.

How do you get good fresh already prepared food?

I might catch flack but we often stop at walmart... in the deli the prepared salads are pretty decent... as are some of the cooked foods... and depending on the state a $3 bottle of wine... Kroger the prepared sushi, the cooked shrimp, and many of the heat and eat deli meals including the rotisserie chicken are pretty good... with 2 of us for $15ish we can eat well...

[HenryH001]

Thanks all. Everyone had something to say I could use. I might mention I also know how to use a crockpot. Sometimes I’ve purchased uncooked seasoned meat and veggies that were meant for a barbie or skillet and cooked them in a crock. I actually like the cooking part. It’s the chopping and prep that I don’t like.

[dustyone]

A mandolin will help you to slice veggies. Just be sure to use the safety guard or a Kevlar glove. I carry one in my camper all the time. Also I like to shop locally. Find road side markets. I like cooking over an open fire. Aluminum foil pouches work well. A cast iron camp oven, a cast iron combo cooker are my main tools. There are many recipes and ideas on line. Google can be your friend.