Are you spending Thanksgiving on the road, in your trusty RV? While it isn’t always simple, or like having it in your home kitchen, it is doable.
Regardless how much room there is at your table or in your oven, Thanksgiving, especially in Canada, is about sharing and giving thanks for your bounty. And even in a small space, that involves food. If you are planning a big turkey dinner, pie and a lot of gratitude in your RV this year, here are some things to consider:
1. Downsize.
There is something so comforting about a Thanksgiving turkey that could feed a village. Giant birds are simply more impressive, plus they mean amazing turkey sandwiches the next day. But considering the size of your fridge and your oven, you may want to consider downsizing your turkey for an RV Thanksgiving. You may even want to consider a – gasp! – chicken.
2. Cook outside.
One of the best things about camping is cooking outside, and Thanksgiving should be no exception. While your pies or other treats are in the oven, the open fire is a great place to grill your bird. Just dress and season your bird as you like and then cover it carefully with plenty (3-4 layers) of tin foil. If you have a grill with a lid on the outside of the RV, it should cook in a 2-3 hours. If you need to use the campfire, consider burying the bird in a pit, or using a rotisserie.
3. Eat outside.
Thanksgiving in Canada is about giving thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the year. Traditionally, these would be communal feasts and they would often be held outside. So why not put a festive tablecloth over the picnic table and enjoy your spread? There will be more room, and you came to the great outdoors to be outdoors, right?
4. Make it a potluck.
Like we said, Thanksgiving was a traditionally communal celebration. Not only is this in the spirit of community, but it also adds to the ovens and the available cooks. You might consider checking with the campground you are at to see if a Thanksgiving Potluck is being held. If you are a Canadian traveling around the US, consider hosting your own potluck and introducing your neighbours to our Thanksgiving (who is going to complain about having two Thanksgivings?!)
5. Remember the Thanks.
Yes, food and friends are reason enough to celebrate. But remember to take the time to consider what you are thankful for this year. Consider your “harvest” – what joys have been reaped by the hard work that you have sowed all year? This is the time of year to count your blessings. And, perhaps, toast them with a nice glass of red wine and a slice of pie.
Are you spending Thanksgiving in your RV? We’d love to hear your tips and your stories!