Introduction to Vacation Rental Cooking
We are officially in the thick of summer. If we’re lucky, we might get a break from the routine and head for the beach, the mountains or maybe discover a new city. For many, that means renting a vacation home — with an unfamiliar kitchen.
The Challenge of Cooking in a Rental Kitchen
At home, you probably have a variety of cooking utensils, a meaningful collection of herbs and spices, and the ability to select just the right pan for your dish. But as you step into your Airbnb or Vrbo, you’re suddenly left wondering where to even put your groceries. There’s a weird pleasure (at least for nerds like me) in pulling together a meal in a sparse, funky rental-house kitchen. It’s like a reality cooking show challenge.
Embracing the Imperfections
During rental home vacations, it’s kind of fun to be untethered from the normal cooking routine. Believe you me, I’m racing out for fried clams at the local seafood joint as many nights as my budget and waistband allow. But for the meals I’m cooking, I’m relinquishing notions of perfection in favor of scrappiness. Picked up a whole lot of cherry tomatoes at a farmstand? You’re making cherry tomato antipasti salad with some canned artichoke hearts, olives, onions and a quick vinaigrette. Maybe throw in some cubed provolone or diced salami. Peaches getting a bit too soft? Time for a smoothie.
Bringing Your Own Essentials
Packing a Kitchen Survival Kit
Before you go, consider packing a minimalist “kitchen survival kit.” It doesn’t have to be much: A sharp knife, a cutting board, salt and pepper, and whatever pantry staples you know you’ll need to get started. For me, I might pack olive oil, vinegar, lemons, Dijon mustard and a couple of my favorite herbs and spices. I also always bring zipper-top bags and some small containers for leftovers or taking food on the go.
Using Rental Features to Your Advantage
Think about dishes that can stretch ingredients, and about welcome substitutions. A big grain salad — made with rice, quinoa or couscous — is endlessly customizable and can be served cold or at room temperature (think lakeside lunch or a backyard meal). Grills are often available and can be a vacation cook’s best friend — as long as you’ve got an ample supply of the right fuel for it. Grill up simply seasoned chicken breasts or New York Strip steaks for dinner and very intentionally make extra — those leftovers will be perfect sliced and used for sandwiches, quesadillas, salads or wraps.
Creative Cooking in a Rental
Thinking Creatively
As you come to the end of your trip and you need to use things up, get creative. That half jar of pickles will add a briny punch to a potato salad. That nub of leftover cheese and that last bunch of spinach will be great chopped up and added to scrambled eggs or a frittata. Cook what feels manageable, what makes use of local ingredients and what gives you more time outside with your people. Yes, you might be chopping vegetables with a serrated steak knife. Yes, there might be a little sand in the pasta salad as you serve it up on the beach. That’s OK.
Smoothies as a Vacation Staple
For their versatility and simplicity, smoothies can make for a vacation staple. This is your smoothie template. Swap around fruits, yogurt flavors, sweeteners and see if you can find a NutriBullet in the back of the cabinet. Also, if you plan ahead, you might freeze your fruit for a thicker smoothie, or just add some ice. If you’ve got some fresh mint, toss that in, too.
Peach and Plum Yogurt Smoothie Recipe
By KATIE WORKMAN, Associated Press
Ingredients:
1 cup (8 ounces) vanilla Greek yogurt
1 cup (8 ounces) peach yogurt
1 tablespoon honey or agave, or to taste
2 cups cubed peeled peaches
2 cups cubed peeled plums
Instructions:
- Place the vanilla yogurt, peach yogurt, honey, peaches and plums in a blender. Blend well.
- Pour into glasses and serve.
Conclusion
Some of the best vacation meals come from embracing the fact that you’re cooking without your usual tools and supplies. That’s half the fun. I once made a great dinner from fresh scallops, a box of pasta, olive oil and a jug of margarita mix. That was 20 years ago, and we all still remember it. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and make the most of your vacation rental kitchen.
FAQs
Q: What are some essentials to pack for a vacation rental kitchen?
A: Consider packing a minimalist “kitchen survival kit” with items like a sharp knife, cutting board, salt and pepper, and your favorite pantry staples.
Q: How can I make the most of a rental kitchen with limited ingredients and tools?
A: Think about dishes that can stretch ingredients, and about welcome substitutions. Get creative and make use of local ingredients and whatever you have on hand.
Q: What are some easy and versatile meal ideas for a vacation rental?
A: Smoothies, grain salads, and grilled meats with leftovers are all great options for a vacation rental kitchen.
