Vacation cookery

[spinbaby]

I'm looking for easy ideas on what to make for a group of eight using my Instantpot and the kitchen equipment we're likely to find in a random vacation rental. I'm pretty sure we'll have dishes, flatware, and a few pots and pans of unknown quality. Beyond that, all bets are off. I'll make chili for sure, but am stuck for ideas after that.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Don't forget cooking tools like

A big spoon or rubber spatula for stirring
Rubber spatula for multiple purposes
Regular metal spatula for flipping anything from eggs to pancakes to fish
A wisk
Mixing bowls (at least one small, one medium, one large)
Pot holders
Oven temperature gauge
Knives: one paring, one medium/large for slicing/chopping, one serrated
Cutting board or two
Your own new sponges and scrubber


Hope this gets you started.

[Yonnie3]

2. A tradition for us at a beach rental is ...

linguine with clams or mussels, bought locally (+ garlic, butter, wine). Any pasta dish works well for feeding a crowd. There have always been pots suitable for this dish.

Don't forget to bring some knives.

[happy feet]

3. my thoughts

I would check out some crowd recipes for your instant pot and plan a menu around what requires the fewest spices, etc. and prepared meats/poultry/fish that can be reused in several dishes. If you're driving, I recommend also bringing any staples you don't want to rebuy just for a few tbps/cups of use.

Here's one site I found by googling "Instant Pot Recipes for Crowds".

https://www.pressurecookrecipes.com/instant-pot-party-food-recipes/

Hope this helps.

Also, check ahead if a grill is available. I find grilling fresh food easy to do accompanied by simply made salads each day.

[spinbaby]

7. Flying

Having the Instantpot delivered by Amazon, then passing it on to a relative. Could bring spices though.

[cyclonefence]

4. I like to make baked beans with knockwurst

for informal groups. I drain Bush's vegetarian beans and then doctor them with dry mustard, molasses, ketchup, chopped onions and green peppers, minced garlic. However many cans you need. Spread them in a baking pan and then pave the top with knockwurst sliced in half lengthwise. Bake it until the wurst starts to brown and curl--I like it with the ends a little burned. You can put all your mix-ins in a plastic container and take them with you to make prep quicker. I serve this with slaw and cornbread from a Krusteez mix.

[Demsrule86]

9. Yum saving this....what a great idea.

[woodsprite]

5. Chicken or steak fajitas

Chicken breasts or cuts of steak, a jar or two of salsa, cut green and red pepper strips, and sliced onions.

Also, could do chicken topped with a jar of pesto.

[Lars39]

6. Chicken Tacos, Red Beans and Rice

And I'm so glad you started this thread....going to be in the same situation in a few weeks.

[Demsrule86]

8. We used to bring two crockpots and cook turkey breast or chicken...could do the same

with the instant pot...then when you get home voila add some sides and you are done.

[Lars39]

10. Breakfast casseroles, using a crockpot liner maybe for easy clean up.

[Nac Mac Feegle]

11. Is there going to be a grill at the rental?

If so, you can use even a small, wobbly, marginally functional one, with enough attention. BTDT


Burgers, chops, corn on the cob, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and russet potatoes can be easily grilled, to save on dishes and mess in the kitchen.

A peeled sweet potato can be cut into 1/2 in thick slices, drizzled with oil, and grilled until done with a little salt and pepper for an unusual side dish.

My "thing" is camp cooking, so feeding a good sized group with hearty food is something that I have done many times. I used to be known as "The Guy With the Dutch Ovens" around a few camping oriented groups. You might want to look up some camping meals for ideas and techniques.

Good luck, and have fun!!!!