The Barbecue Chef: Cook healthy, stay healthy

By Bob Difley (with a push from Lynn Difley) If you are like me, you often turn a deaf ear or blind eye to your usual healthy eating habits when the summer camping and barbecue season kicks in? Staying healthy on the road is as important as keeping your rig in tune. There is nothing that can spoil a camping trip faster than coming down with a pesky bug or experiencing a reduced energy level due to overeating or poor nutrition. And there is no reason why, as the barbecue chef (my official summer title), you can’t have it both ways–cooking both healthy and tasty food. Are you a burger and hot dog traditionalist? You can make alterations to enjoy healthier, lower calorie choices. Start by substituting a 100% whole wheat bun for the soggy white one. It will add fiber and reduce sugar. And what about making it an open face, or single slice treat? Try using a big romaine lettuce leaf for the top layer. You can also reduce the fat; instead of a pork hot dog (300 calories and 25 g fat) choose a turkey burger (160 cals and 9 g fat) or even better, a veggie burger (that’s for Lynn – 110 calories 4 grams of fat). Instead of adding cheese, mayo, or bacon to your burger, go for mustard, lettuce, onion, and tomato to add lots of vitamins and zero fat. Are you making a big potato salad? Calorie red alert! More nutritious if you leave the skins on the potatoes–little red ones or Yukon gold have a delicious flavor on their own–no need to slather on mayo. Substitute... Read more

RV Cooking Show – San Antonio Called…It’s Time to Grill Fajitas!

Healthy, fresh & delicious…are you in?? I just couldn’t hold back any longer. Thoughts about San Antonio’s Fiesta Celebration (and Cinco de Mayo) have been swirling around my head and making my tummy rumble. Have you been to San Antonio? It’s a terrific place to visit with plenty of things to do. Of course there’s the Alamo but did you know that there are also four equally dazzling missions along the San Antonio National Historic Park Trail? Art is everywhere you turn in this town but has anyone told you about the slightly zany yet oh so compelling Toilet Seat Museum? And of course, eating is its own reward in San Antonio. Restaurants abound…especially on the fabulous Riverwalk. But if you are looking to relax and enjoy your campsite try your hand at some simple, delicious, authentic fajitas on the grill. Yep, this episode of the RV Cooking Show tours a few of San Antonio’s better known spots and a couple hidden gems then takes you on a culinary journey of the very best Tex-Mex kind – Fajitas on the Grill!  Indeed, we use the grill to make everything from the marinated chicken breast to the flour tortillas. My mouth is watering just thinking about them! Have a go, print the recipe, and let me know what you think about this episode of the RV Cooking Show – San Antonio and Fajitas on the Grill. Evanne RV Cooking Show  Read More →

RV Cooking Show Goes Greek (Salad) in Tarpon Springs, FL

I absolutely love it when I stumble upon a hidden-gem RV destination…and that’s just what happened to me in Tarpon Springs, FL. Sure, I’d heard about the little Greek town slightly north of Clearwater Beach but it turned out to be so much more than I expected. Of course there’s the sponge docks worthy of an afternoon stroll but there’s also a historic district, great shopping, interesting neighborhoods, and even a couple great beaches. The Greek ‘flavor’ of Tarpon Springs isn’t just for show, either. Explore this small town with us then get ready for a modern twist on a Greek classic…we’re making a Chopped Greek Salad that would make any Tarpon Springs restaurant owner proud. It is not only easy but it’s delicious. And bonus…you’ll also learn how to make a tasty vinaigrette from scratch. Try it and I bet you’ll never go back to bottled! Natural beauty, fresh air, inspiration, culture, good friends, good times, and healthy, local, delicious meals…that’s what RVing and camping is all about. It’s time…see you on the road!  Evanne www.RVCookingShow.com  Read More →

RV Cooking Show – Three Crepes and a Castle…a love story

Hello RV Cooking Show “lovers”, When you were a kid did you dream of being a famous movie star or sports figure, invited to exclusive parties to mingle amongst the elite? Visit the Hearst Castle estate and, with some imagination, you might get a taste of what it was like to be part of that crowd. There are several tours available including their newest – a self-guided Gardens and Vistas tour – complete with guides standing by to answer your questions about Hearst and “The Enchanted Hill”. Interestingly, rather than a rote tour talk, each guide is permitted to develop their own spiel focusing on their interest in the Castle and it’s art, people, grounds, history, and more. Well, at least for now, allow me to be your personal Hearst Castle tour guide in this episode of the RV Cooking Show – Three Crepes and a Castle…a love story. Do I love the Castle or the crepes?? You can probably guess…yeah, both :> Using ingredients that you most likely already have at home, you, too, can make amazing crepes. It’s not difficult at all…just technique. Serve these to your Valentine’s Day sweetie (or enjoy each other’s company making them together in your RV kitchen) or wow your dinner/dessert guests. So let it snow…we’re warm and well fed inside.     “Luv” to you on this long, romantic weekend…please be mine, Evanne  Read More →

RV Cooking Show – Grilled Cuban Sandwiches, Cuban Cowboy Caviar & Cortez, FL

If you ask me, there’s nothing better than a warm weather getaway by the beach. Bonus points if it’s a stay in a thriving town with a terrific RV resort, lively dining and entertainment in walking distance, and fresh fish right off the boat. Well, that’s just what I stumbled upon when I pulled into Cortez, Florida. This little town is tucked away on the land side of Anna Maria Island and is often eclipsed by its big neighbor to the south – Sarasota. But don’t be fooled, you could easily while away many memorable days and nights in this West Coast of Florida paradise. In our latest RV Cooking Show –Grilled Cuban Pressed Sandwiches, Cuban Cowboy Caviar & Quirky Cortez Florida – we’ll show you around town and, with a special guest, make a mighty tasty meal. I’m especially excited to bring you Paulette’s Cuban version of an old RV-standby – Cowboy Caviar. Take a look – you’re gonna love it. Don’t miss the “From my RV kitchen” section on my website’s show page – I share many of my favorite Cortez “locals’ haunts” with you. I hope you enjoy watching this episode of the RV Cooking Show as much as I enjoyed making it! Evanne RVCookingShow.com   Read More →

RV Cooking Show – Crockpot Ham ‘n Beans in Moab, Utah

What could be better than a few days in magnificent Moab, Utah, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and Dead Horse State Park? Exploring Moab and environs then returning to a fragrant, ready to eat crockpot full of delicious ham and beans. Stick with your RV Cooking Show friends and we’ll show you how! Read more  Read More →

RV Cooking Show – Crockpot Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving

Holiday greetings, friends,   Poof! All of a sudden we’re coming into the busy, busy winter holiday season so I’ll make this brief. Do the words “RVing” and “turkey” in the same sentence have you shaking your head, thinking “can’t happen”? Well think again! In this episode of the RV Cooking Show host Evanne Schmarder shares her little turkey secret…the crockpot. Moist, tender, and easy. Take a look at Crockpot Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving, we think you’ll agree…it’s delicious!! We’ve also got some goodies in the Thanksgiving archives: Try Mom’s Famous Cranberry Sauce…folks in 18 countries over five continents did and gave it a thumbs up. I’d always been on the lookout for an easy and elegant sweet potato recipe…well, here it is. No video – just a text recipe – but worthy just the same. Go a bit “rouge” yourself this year with one of our wacky but delish recipes…Trash Can Turkey for the adventurous or double the sauce recipe, use turkey breast instead of chicken, and crockpot a Trailblazer Turkey. Question: do you track your RV travels? I’ll share my method in this RV Cooking Show episode and have blogged about it around the RV Cooking Show virtual campfire – our blog. Check it out here. May I take a moment to say that I’ll be counting YOU, our loyal viewers, among my many blessings this year. Happy thanksgiving to you and yours. Most sincerely, Evanne and the RV Cooking... Read more

Start the Day Right: Eat Breakfast

“I don’t have the time or inclination to eat breakfast first thing in the morning. I’d rather get my walk in and some miles down the road before I eat. I figure it’s just that fewer calories I’ll eat in the day,” said a student in answer to my question, what did you eat for breakfast?” If you agree, and make a habit of skipping the first meal of the day I want you to reconsider and take into account the following. Read more  Read More →

RV Cooking Show – Lovely Lake Tahoe & Luscious Grilled Fruit

I simply can’t believe it! Labor Day weekend is here already…the official end to my favorite season – summer. There’s only one thing to do in this case…enjoy the wide open out-of-doors at the campground or RV park of your choice and get grilling! We’re spending this holiday weekend in South Lake Tahoe and what a treat it is. In this episode of the RV Cooking Show – Lovely Lake Tahoe and Luscious Grilled Fruit – I’ll show you some of my favorite Tahoe hot spots – historic estates, a gem of a bay, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and my favorite Lake Tahoe beach. There’s so much more that I couldn’t fit – visit the show page on my website for lots more about the area. By now you know I love farmer markets and South Lake Tahoe has a terrific one. I stopped there and was lured in by the fresh, fragrant fruit of the season – peaches, plums, strawberries, and figs (the nectarines looked great but were not ripe enough). This inspired me to share one of my favorite old time grilling tricks – fresh fruit, brushed with a honey-balsamic glaze and grilled to perfection. That being said, the RV Cooking Show crew set forth to deliver a special Labor Day weekend recipe that we’ll bet becomes an old standby for you, too. Enjoy! I’d love to know what you think about this episode of the RV Cooking Show, where you’re camping and what you’re cooking this Labor Day weekend, and any other thoughts, ideas or comments you’d like to share. Leave a comment below! Happy... Read more

RV Cooking Show – NW Michigan and Very Versatile Cherry Sauce

I just love RVing in Michigan…that’s probably because I am taken with the Great Lakes, the campgrounds and RV parks in Michigan offer something for everyone, and there is so much to do and see. This state touches 4 of the 5 lakes and boasts 3,200 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. In this episode of the RV Cooking Show we’ll explore a small but spectacular section of Grand Traverse Bay – just off Lake Michigan – Elk Rapids and Traverse City…the latter home to the National Cherry Festival. And yes, you guessed it, our featured recipe is all cherry (but feel free to substitute any fruit you prefer)…a simple, super fast, versatile cherry sauce. When I say versatile I mean it, too. Think dessert – ice cream, pound cake, breakfast – pancakes, waffles, and this delish sauce even compliments grilled meats! Watch the RV Cooking Show – NW Michigan and Very Versatile Cherry Sauce right here and visit our website at www.RVCookingShow.com to print the recipe. By the way, how do you remember the names of the 5 Great Lakes? I use the acronym HOMES – Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. Do you have a favorite Great Lake or a terrific Michigan recipe? Leave a comment below – we all want to know. Get camping…it’s August already!! Evanne RV Cooking Show  Read More →

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