Making My Kitchen List

[Bird's Nest]

Air cookie sheets if you have an oven. I found small ones at Marshals. I also put them under non-air bakeware. They eliminate the burn-on-the bottom/raw-on-the-top problem many people have with their gas ovens.

Oven thermometer. The type that hangs on the rack. I recently got one and it works great. I now know that my oven is pretty much calibrated on the mark. It was less than $4 at Walmart.

Torpedo level. Not a true kitchen item but I keep one in my silverware drawer for quick access when we level the trailer.

Fold-Tuk storage/bakeware. FoldTuk Kitchenware--Bakeware, Roaster, Space saving, Microwave safe, Foldable, Collapsible, Green
This stuff is great. You can store leftovers in them and then heat them up again in the gas oven. Cuts down on dirty dishes. I even bake small cakes in my larger one.
I have a "NO GLASS" policy in our AS and these fit the bill for heat & store in one dish.

[olddog299]

For what it is worth, like the previous poster I have an air cookie sheet that just fits the oven. It is used as a heat diffuser on the bottom shelf of the oven, over the burner, to reduce hot spots in the oven when not being used as a cooking surface. on top of that resides a 3 inche deep, handleless sheet steel roasting pan. Within the roasting pan reside the spaghetti pot, big SS salad bowl with lid, the lids for the cast iron fry pan and the Do-all lid, the nesting pots and lids and the spare pot holders, oven thermometer and four large vitamin bottles. My pills live in an old Tupperware box atop that mess.

Under the shelf is a splatterscreen, a cast iron griddle, a cast iron fry pan and a combo-dutch oven with fry pan cover.

All of that, along with the long tongs and long spatula for cooking on the charcoal brazier at campgrounds and picnic areas. are inside of the oven for travel and some or all removed, as needed, for cooking.

In addition to the required electric coffee pot and grinder (because that was what I had), we carry a variety of Corelle plates, bowls and mugs, wine tumblers (plastic), some plastic juice cups (double as old fashioned glasses) and some big, low soup mugs which are also the perfect hot chocolate vessel for adults. Keep in mind that we are living in this 25' Excella. We sure wish we had room for more stuff (I'm tired of ruining the cast iron's lining trying to toast bread).

One other item - we have two Pyrex bowls with covers (red) we got at Walmart. Smaller is stored, cover on, upside down in the bigger bowl. They serve as casseroles, mixing bowls, pancake batter bowls, tuna salad and mac salad bowls, and, they keep the plates from sliding round too much in the cupboard (big bowl with cover down on the plates).

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by Jammer

Nicki


Instead of glassware many people use polycarbonate or stainless steel. You can get polycarbonate wine glasses, and stainless steel wineglasses. Some people use heavier glassware and wrap it but breakage can still take place (emergency stops e.g.) and it's a huge hassle when it does.

I do have a few glass items but they travel in the bottom of the coat closet so I don't have to worry so much about glass shards getting into the food if something breaks.

....
A final note is that with water conservation nearly always being a priority I find it worthwhile to take extra dishcloths and towels and will often wipe out a greasy pan or other item with a dry towel rather than go through a bunch of hot water and soap to get it clean. The towel goes in the laundry bin, and depending on the item I can wash it with minimal water use. I've saved maybe half a gallon of water just by bringing one extra towel.

Agree with this - but two suggestions - If you want glass wineglasses, buy cheap heavier ones and store each in a tube sock. If one breaks the tube sock contains the shards neatly, but do store in a low protected area.

Wiping out greasy pans with a towel. Instead used crumpled newspaper - then store it in a tightly closed metal can as a fire starter. One match and you smell bacon instantly! Drool.... uuum b-a-c-o-n.... (bye!)

Paula

[AIR-Quarius]

I know somebody else who is VERY interested in what your packing....These guys! Ha! !

Just take some Gorilla Tape and double it back on itself...then stick them where you know they are hiding...dark warm places.
They get stuck real quick...you can't hear them yelling, But their friends can. And they follow right into the trap also.
Then when the tapes' job is done just take it out of place and throw it in the yard or trash.
You weren't expecting this post were you!

[rebelstand]

Originally Posted by redhawkerII

I know somebody else who is VERY interested in what your packing....These guys! Ha!

Storage bins... I'm going to get more storage bins. I've decided to use them to store everything.. even food in the cabinets. I really dislike those things in your picture!

[AIR-Quarius]

Ha ha!

[AIR-Quarius]

Originally Posted by vswingfield

OK, guilty pleasure with some residual practical uses. Blue Bunny Premium Ice Cream comes in very nice oval plastic containers with snap-on lids. They are big enough to hold a 2 pound bag of flour and fit in the cabinets well. They're stackable and breakproof. Colorful too. I use them for canisters.

You do have to remove the ice cream first, but I can live with that.

I use those empty (yogurt-Pralines-n-cream with carmel) plastic containers to mix my paint in...because...after you are done with them, the old paint will peel out like magic.! Plus they are easy to hold in one hand.

[blmitch5]

Originally Posted by redhawkerII

I know somebody else who is VERY interested in what your packing....These guys! Ha! !

Just take some Gorilla Tape and double it back on itself...then stick them where you know they are hiding...dark warm places.
They get stuck real quick...you can't hear them yelling, But their friends can. And they follow right into the trap also.
Then when the tapes' job is done just take it out of place and throw it in the yard or trash.
You weren't expecting this post were you!

Yuk but I guess they are everywhere! Good idea

[blmitch5]

Originally Posted by rebelstand

Storage bins... I'm going to get more storage bins. I've decided to use them to store everything.. even food in the cabinets. I really dislike those things in your picture!

My other half thinks I'm crazy but I have been on a container spree! I buy click clack from Marshals for just about everything (hint, buy their stock) we've got EVERYTHING in some sort of click clack. It keeps it fresh and bug free!

[rebelstand]

Originally Posted by blmitch5

My other half thinks I'm crazy but I have been on a container spree! I buy click clack from Marshals for just about everything (hint, buy their stock) we've got EVERYTHING in some sort of click clack. It keeps it fresh and bug free!

We are weekend warriors, so we will be moving stuff in and out regularly. So it will serve dual purpose.. easy transport in and out of trailer and bug repellant.

[J5MM]

Originally Posted by r carl

You can go to Goodwill type stores and find the good old American made kitchen supply's. The new china stuff is absolutly junk, they can't even make a can opener that works right. You have to be paitent and make several trips shopping until you find all that you need. You can also find period correct stuff for older campers.

I couldn't agree more! I have found so many quality kitchen utensils at my local Goodwill. Even a vintage Nordic ware omelette pan that works like a charm! I have pictures of me cooking with it on my Airstream on my Blog at http://www.just5moreminutes.com. I love it! You put me in the Goodwill mood now lol. Maybe I will go tomorrow and see what treasures I can find.

[BillB44]

On the subject of toasters--if without power, anyone have any suggestions other than the little pop-up cheapie type that manage to dry & fry the bread instead of toasting it? Any other stove-top versions that work better?

[webspinner]

We've used a fold up camping toaster, available at camping supply places. It has a flat metal bottom that sits on the burner or campfire and wire parts that fold up to make a sort of 4 sided pyramid.

When the metal base plate begins to glow a dull red, it will radiate enough heat to toast the bread leaning on the sides of the pyramid. It takes some watching, though, since the jump from raw to burnt happens quickly.

That's probably the cheapie device you were referring to. It helps if you let it heat up plenty before you put the bread on. If the bottom isn't radiating enough heat upward, the bread will dry instead of toast.

[BillB44]

Thanks Wenspinner; and, yes, that's the kind we've used for years, although pre-heating it might help. My wife just ordered one of these and it SOUNDS like it might work better. We'll see.
Amazon.com: GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Toaster: Sports & Outdoors

[Tin Trekkers]

The Coleman enamelware is not microwave safe (enamel over metal) otherwise it is good stuff.

[Lily&Me]

We learned quickly that use of a dishpan is a must to prevent quickly filling our rather small grey tank.

However, our sink is round and round dishpans are not readily available.

We found round plastic tubs in the housewares department at WalMart, during spring and summer when colorful picnic and patio items are plentiful. They fit perfectly in the sink and can be found in colors.

We found cherry-red ones that go well with our interior and wanna-be Victorinox colors, , and have two that nest inside each other.

The slightly smaller one goes on the bottom and is used for cleaning, the bigger one on top for dishes.


Maggie

[Kevo]

Originally Posted by rebelstand

Is square better than round space wise? how do they travel? do you have to use protective measures, like towels or bubble wrap? I am a total novice at this. Our first TT ever!!

I thought it was illegal to have square items in an Airstream ?


Somwhere along the way I found some of the round aluminum camp plates. Seemed only fitting to dedicate them to the Airstrem.

[rebelstand]

Originally Posted by kevo

I thought it was illegal to have square items in an Airstream ?


Somwhere along the way I found some of the round aluminum camp plates. Seemed only fitting to dedicate them to the Airstrem.

Technically all our bins have rounded corners... so we fall under the above mentioned laws.

So here is an update on things that have changed since full timing.

Boxes are horrible things. Most baskets don't work in the kitchen either.

Bins are still our salvation just not in the kitchen. They keep small things from flying all over the trailer in transit and you learn quickly not to ever open a door/cabinet without putting one hand up for protection.

The only "plates" we have left are 1. just enough for our family and 2. melamine (no microwaves in this trailer). Melamine - plastic type substance.


Cereal in ziplock bags or closed with clothes pins are excellent.
Salsa belongs on the bottom shelf or in the door.

[Pavery]

What do the pros recommend to keep my granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, spice rubs, etc. from hardening in the container in hot/humid climates? The plastic jars they come in won't do it.

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by Pavery

What do the pros recommend to keep my granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, spice rubs, etc. from hardening in the container in hot/humid climates? The plastic jars they come in won't do it.

Use something airtight.

The Container Store has small, stacking, screw-together airtight containers that work well for dry items such as these.


Maggie