If you are thinking about cooking some easy, quick meals during your next vacation, plan ahead with the following checklists to get you organized before you leave.
BRING ESSENTIALS FROM HOME
If you are driving to your getaway destination, you can pack the right kitchen mainstays from home to avoid wasted purchases, long shopping trips or leftover supplies. Here are some suggested supplies:
- Bottle opener
- Corkscrew
- Knives/cooking utensils
- Saucepans/skillets
- Barbecue grill/charcoal
- Kitchen towels
- Potholders
- Covered storage containers
- Garbage bags
- Flatware
- Recycled disposable plates/bowls
- Plastic glasses
- Coffee/tea
- Salt/pepper/spices/herbs
- Plastic wrap/aluminum foil
- Paper towels/napkins
- Dish soap/sponge
- Sugar/cornstarch
MAKE YOUR SHOPPING LIST
Depending on your menu selections, customize the following list for a trip to the market when you arrive. Since canned foods are precooked, cut up and sometimes seasoned, they are ideal ingredients to use straight from the can or in your favorite summer recipes.
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Soups/broths
- Sauces/gravies
- Tuna/salmon
- Salsa
- Juices
- Nuts/coconut
- Olives
- Chili
- Hash
- Stew
- Baked beans
- Ravioli/pasta
- Tamales
- Chow mein noodles
- Chilies/jalapenos
- Cranberry sauce
- Water chestnuts
Fresh and Frozen Staples
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Meats/poultry/fish
- Milk/yogurt
- Butter/margarine
- Cheese
- Bread/rolls/buns
- Tortillas
- Deli selections
- Frozen waffles
- Ice cream/frozen yogurt
Other Pantry Staples
- Bottled water
- Vegetable cooking spray
- Salad dressings
- Olive/vegetable oil
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup/chili sauce
- Mustard
- Soy sauce
- Hot sauce
- Pancake mix
- Cereal
- Taco shells
- Rice
- Pasta
- Jams/jellies/honey
- Maple syrup
- Peanut butter
- Crackers/chips/cookies
