What's in your van kitchen!

[vanbrat]

My issue with boxed is that I don't think I can get it cold enough while out and about, and we both like our milk very cold. Though I have been known to drink hot milk at bedtime to help me sleep, now that my lungs growl at me when I drink milk I don't do that anymore. I used to make hot cinnamon milk for the kidos sometimes and it was a great comfort and calming drink to have on cold nights/afternoons. I don't think almond milk does the same thing as real dairy milk, maybe if I put a sleeping pill in it. Maybe it can be frozen and used as an ice pack thing until I am ready to drink it...

 

[maki2]

Oat milk would be even easy enough to make for a nomad. I do not mind it
as a dairy substitute.

Today I came across 6 jars of almond butter at a discount grocery place I shop in Quartzsite. They all went into my shopping cart. That is going to be a nice inexpensive protein with no refrigeration or cooking required! It is very unusual to find almond butter at an affordable price. Those jars will go into a dark, cool cabinet except for the one in use. I prefer not to have glass containers on board as it is heavy but will make an exception,

 

[VanFan]

I want to try folding outdoor Coleman oven but not sure on heat efficiency compared to indoor rv oven, wouldnt want to be wasting tons of propane

Lots of people really like the Coleman, and it does have some advantages, but I recycled mine because I couldn't donate it with a clear conscience.

First, although compact, they are somewhat heavy. Second, there are several ways to injure yourself using one: failure to assemble it properly resulting in collapse, hot surfaces, and sharp edges (got me, and I am careful). Third, maintaining a stable temperature--especially in windy conditions, requires constant monitoring. I used an oven thermometer to help with that. Fourth, I question the safety of using one on a butane vs. propane stove, and I like having that option sometimes. Yes. I was able to actually bake in it, but what a hassle!

The Omnia? Not a fan, either. Too much hype, and too little cooking surface. Too pricey for what it is, IMO.

I have a stove top Westbend Ovenette and can bake anything that will fit in an 8" or smaller pan. It's super nice to pick up a small frozen lasagna or pot pie for dinner, or bake something "fancy" like a casserole or cinnamon rolls (LOL). Once the temperature stabilizes, it's no fuss. Although it doesn't fold flat like the Coleman, at 8-1/2" tall, you can store your cookware inside.

Some members of this forum helped me make the decision to purchase it, and I couldn't be happier with the choice. (The only issue I have is that steel components (inside) are beginning to oxidize somewhat.)

The downside? Hard to find. They were very popular wedding gifts in the late '40's until about 1960, when an electric version came out. Mine retailed for about $8 then!

Next best thing? I've gotten by with a set of pans, with one inverted for the top. Not great, but it can get the job done.

 

[vanbrat]

Oat milk would be even easy enough to make for a nomad. I do not mind it
as a dairy substitute.

Today I came across 6 jars of almond butter at a discount grocery place I shop in Quartzsite. They all went into my shopping cart. That is going to be a nice inexpensive protein with no refrigeration or cooking required! It is very unusual to find almond butter at an affordable price. Those jars will go into a dark, cool cabinet except for the one in use. I prefer not to have glass containers on board as it is heavy but will make an exception,

I like almond butter too. I am allergic to peanuts too so now I eat lots of almond butter. It makes very good cookies instead of peanut butter and it is good with honey as a fruit dip. People who can't have peanut butter at parties are always glad to see it at pot lucks. If you got a good price on it good for you. Nothing beats a good almond butter and jam sandwich at any time of the day.

 

[maki2]

Fortunately I am not allergic to peanuts. No major issues from it. But peanut butter increases my congestion. Even more than dairy typically does. So I quite buying peanut butter. Luckily I never come across anyone making chocolate peanut butter pie. That I could not resist