Cooking while you're on vacation may not seem like a break at first glance, but I'll show you how it can be both rewarding and, yes, relaxing!
When you have the option to cook, making some meals in can save you money, help you eat better, and add an unexpected sprinkle of flavor, fun, and ease to your time away.
The cost of dining out keeps rising, but restaurant quality doesn't always match the price — and sometimes the service isn't so great either. So why spend time and money eating every meal out when you can whip up a few delicious and enjoyable dinners?
So, if you want to skip a few meals out and cook in, here's how you can make it manageable — and fun!
Start by setting the mood. Set out an apéritif. Put on some tunes. Then, with drinks and nibbles out, get everyone to lend a hand.
We're all about getting everyone in the kitchen at Return to The Table and teaching kids to cook — vacation is the perfect time for them to pitch in.
Take your time to prepare and talk. There's no rush — you're on vacation! Chop, stir, and set the table, you could maybe even get a card game going while everyone takes turns lending a hand. This routine will be fun for all.
If you have little ones, you know it can be difficult to keep them calm while dining out — especially when they are hungry or tired. When making dinner in, they can also play and fool around until it's time to sit down and eat — that's much more relaxing.
When the mood is set and everyone is relaxed, cooking can feel not only effortless but truly enjoyable! And you can make simple, amazing meals.
Planning your vacation Menu can be quite easy. Jot down a few ideas on a piece of paper or in your recipe app — then you'll have them saved for your next vacation.
Think about …
What are your family's favorites that are easy to make?
That might be a great start already!
If you need more ideas, consider:
— What's in season? Seasonal ingredients taste great with minimal effort.
What are the regional specialties where you are? You might even find some hand-prepared items ready to warm and serve.
— Is there a farmers' market near you? Often, you can get most of what you need for a few dinners, and it's so fun to shop there! It’s another place you can find handmade local delights, so there's not much to do!
I was on vacation last week and shopped at a small farmers' market. Although it wasn't grand, I found almost everything I needed to make all my meals for a week. At the market, there was:
What can you imagine making with these ingredients?
If you can't find a farmers' market, you can pick up the same things at the grocery store along with your other provisions. (I always need some chips and ice cream!)
Wherever you shop, put the money you would've spent eating out toward something special — like lobster, shrimp, or steak — and you'll still save money!
Another fabulous idea for a vacation dinner is to make an apéritif dînatoire! It's just a balanced assortment of small plates and nibbles to make an easy and festive meal.
Grab some local artisan products, fresh fruit and crudité, charcuterie, good cheese, and a special dessert. Add some leftovers, nuts, chips, and other nibbles — and dinner's done! You can find more ideas here.
You can have so much fun with this idea on vacation. You might want to do it more than once!
Cooking together brings connection, laughter, and good times. Food brings us together, and that's the spirit of a family vacation, after all!
So instead of a meal out, chop, talk, sip, laugh, and maybe dance! How fun! It may be more meaningful than waiting to be seated and served (while everyone is on their phones).
As for a few things you might not be able to use up — such as some butter, flour, half a container of cream, or some spices — I consider that when I save hundreds of dollars on meals out, the $30 or so that I can't use up is still a win! And remember, you can make a sandwich for travel — how nice!
As you continue to cook while on vacation, your vacation dinner ideas will grow, and so will the fun. Take turns: Who's the head chef today? And who are the sous chefs? Of course, you can plan the Menu together.
Use the money you save by cooking in for a few special meals out, or put it toward your next family getaway!
Tap on the picture to view the caption and, if available, the link to the recipe idea.
Make dessert, or braise meat — and use the leftovers for sandwiches on the way home.
Great meals can be so simple to make. With fresh, flavorful ingredients, you don't even need recipes!
