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Peaches are marvelous right now so I bought a case at Costco and made a simply delicious peach cobbler I wanted to share with you.

This recipe can adapt to make other berry and fruit cobblers depending on what is available locally and fresh.

Heck you can even improvise and use canned fruit or berries… just drain the liquid or in a pinch – use readymade pie filling and delete the 1 cup of sugar that is called for in the saucepan seeing as pie filling already has the sugar added – you would just bring pie filling up to a boil and pour that over the cobbler batter in the casserole dish.

Be sure to follow the directions in the order listed.  You will be pleasantly suprised to see the cobble batter rise to the top of the casserole dish as the cobbler bakes and turns a nice golden brown.

Enjoy!

Serves 8

Ingredients

4 oz                        unsalted butter

1 cup                      all purpose flour

3/4 cup                 sugar

1/4 cup                  brown sugar

1 tbsp                     baking powder

pinch                      sea salt

1 cup                       whole milk

4 cups                     sliced peaches (skin removed) * 4 – 5 peaches

1 cup                        sugar

1/2                           lemon (juice only)

sprinkle                  cinnamon sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Melt 4 oz. (cube) of butter, pour into a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish, set aside.
3.  In a large bowl combine flour, 1 cup of sugar, the baking powder and a pinch of salt.
4. Add milk, stir to combine then pour over the melted butter in the casserole dish, set aside.
5.  Rinse peaches then remove and discard peach skin.
6. Cut peaches in half, discard seed, slice peaches and place in a saucepan with 1 cup of sugar.
7. Stir to combine, continue stirring until the peaches come to a boil along the outer edges of the saucepan.
8. Pour hot peach mixture over the batter in the casserole dish.  Sprinkle the top with some cinnamon sugar.
9. Bake 38 – 42 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
10. Using hot pads, remove baked cobbler from the oven, set casserole dish on a cool stovetop.
11.  Sprinkle the top again with cinnamon sugar.

Enjoy warm or cold.  Cover and refrigerate leftovers in the fridge or place portions of the cobbler in freezer ziplock bags.  With a permanent marker, label bag ‘peach cobbler’ and write date prepared.  Enjoy within 3 months.

This recipe is TASTY, so I can’t wait until Fall to share this “knock you socks off” delicious one pot meal with            fellow RV travelers!

This is not your traditional Italian wedding soup but the flavor profile is one that will not disappoint.

Whether you are cooking for a crowd or making a batch of this soup to package and freeze – to have some make-ahead meals readily available, your investment in time and ingredients are sure to reward you ten fold.

I realize summer is grilling season however I tend to enjoy a great tasting soup most any time of … year whether it is a brisk night huddled around a campfire or sitting in my camp chair while soft summer evening breezes gently drift by.

Enjoy!

Instant Pot 6 quart

Serves 10 – 12

Ingredients

19 oz                mild Italian sausage

19 oz                 hot Italian sausage

8 oz                   uncooked, bacon

64 oz                 organic chicken broth

1/2                     red onion, diced (or substitute 1 tsp onion powder)

2 cloves             garlic, minced (or substitute 1 tsp garlic powder)

1/2 – 2/3 tsp    red pepper flakes

1/2 – 2/3 tsp    Montreal steak seasoning (or substitute black pepper and a few dashes of sea salt)

1/2 – 2/3 tsp    dried basil flakes or spice

1/2 – 2/3 tsp    dried oregano or spice

4                         6″ (med/large) russet potatoes, rinsed, peeled, diced

5 oz bag            baby spinach, prewashed

1 cup                 heavy cream or half and half

1 cup                 shaved or freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1.  Remove sausage from casings.  Cut or divide each link into 6 pieces, set aside.
2.  Cut each strip of bacon into 4 equal slices then place in Instant Pot on SAUTE’  mode.  Stir as needed for a minute or 2 then add diced fresh onion, stir again for a  minute then add freshly minced garlic. Stir for a minute.
3.  Add sausage pieces and seasonings, stir until lightly browned.
4.  Add chicken broth, stir.  Turn IP off.
5.   Peel rinsed potatoes, cut them in half lengthwise then slice into 1/4 inch (half            moon) slices.
6.  Add potatoes to the IP but DO NOT stir.
7.  Close IP lid and steam vent.  Set heat to MANUAL 5 minutes.  Allow the IP to natural  release for 10 minutes, then open the steam valve for a quick release of the  remainder of steam.
8.  Open the IP, remove 1 – 2 cups of potatoes from the pot and lightly puree using the  back of a fork.  Return the   potatoes to the IP and stir.
9.  Add the baby spinach and stir.
10.  Add the heavy cream or half and half, stir.  The mixture may thicken ever so  slightly due to the starch of the potato but this soup is actually more broth like.
11.  Pour individual servings into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan.

This is a super easy creamy key lime pie with a little zing of red pepper jelly  that folks can add to their personal slice as they wish!

Whether you are looking for an easy week night dessert or a camping dessert that is no fuss… consider this recipe.

If you don’t have an oven available, make this pie as directed but omit the baking process but follow the directions to refrigerate the pie 3 or more hours and until serving time.

Scoop the yummy pie ingredients (which will be a little loose like pudding), place portions of the dessert in individual    6 oz. clear cups.  Garnish suggestions in the recipe that follows!

Ingredients

Crust

1 pie shell            pre-made walnut/graham cracker crust

Filling

28 oz                    sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup                sour cream

3/4 cup                key lime juice

1  zest                   from a lemon or lime

Topping

1 rounded tbsp.   pepper jelly

whipped cream – optional

Directions     Preheat oven to 350 F

1.  In a medium bowl whisk together the filling ingredients until thoroughly combined.
2.  Pour filling into a pre-made pie shell.
3.  Bake for approximately 8 – 10 minutes in an oven preheated to 350F or until custard is slightly set.                                                                                                         Note:  Pie is ready when small air bubbles on the surface begin to pop.  Note:  Do not overcook.
4.  Let pie cool to room temperature then refrigerate for 2 – 24 hours prior to cutting and serving.
5.  Just prior to serving, top the pie with a whipped cream border (optional). Garnish the center of the pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a rounded tbsp. of red pepper jelly.
6.  Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

Note:  If you do not have an oven… skip #3 the baking.  The pie needs to be refrigerated 3 – 24 hrs. to thicken and hold its shape and may be somewhat loose like pudding, but still delicious.

Alternate garnish:  Rather than adding a dollop of red pepper jelly to this pie… you could make an easy Raspberry Coulis:  Rinse a small pkg. of fresh or frozen raspberries and half a lemon.  Add the juice of the lemon and the fresh raspberries to a small saucepan.   Cook and stir the mixture over mediumium low heat.  Add 1/3 – 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, stir and continue to let the sauce cook and reduce to a sauce consistency.  Strain the thickened sauce if desired.  Drizzle 1/2 tsp. over each slice of pie.

If you are looking for other tips, food pairings or over 105 recipes that are designed for those who travel in an RV, check out:

My cookbook Small Kitchen Big Flavors! – available at a great Introductory Price on Ebay and my blog site at : https:/smallkitchenbigflavorsblog.wordpress.com

This is really a meal in a loaf that can be prepared in the RV or made ahead of time and brought along with you on a camping adventure.

Add a side salad and your dinner is complete.  I have made this delight baking it in the convection oven for 30 minutes at 375 F and have had equal or better success simply microwaving a few slices at a time on a paper plate lightly covered with a paper towel.  Heat on high for 1 minute, let it rest for 30 seconds, remove paper towel and enjoy!

Is this recipe versatile… you bet feel free to switch up this idea from a dinner main meal or side to a breakfast option, an appetizer or a welcomed Potluck item you bring to the table.

Ingredients

1 loaf           grocery store day old baguette of sourdough bread

1 leek           rinsed well then thinly sliced

1 shallot       peeled, thinly sliced

1/2 lb             thinly sliced ham, prosciutto, or european style bacon (optional)

1 1/2 tbsp.   olive oil

4 oz              crème fraiche

1                    uncooked egg

1                    fully cooked russet potato, cooled then medium sliced

1 1/2 cups   freshly grated gruyere cheese

grated nutmeg, moderate sprinkling

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1.  Clean and slice shallot and leek as noted above.
2.  In a medium saute’ pan over medium heat saute’ shallots for 2 minutes while stirring.  Add the leeks and diced ham, euro bacon or prosciutto to the saute’ pan and continue cooking and stirring for another 2 minutes then set aside.
3.  Cut day old sourdough loaf vertically in 1/2″ slices to 3/4 way through the loaf (top to near the bottom) while keeping  the base of the loaf intact.
4.  In a small bowl, lightly mix together crème fraiche, nutmeg, salt and pepper and egg, incorporating the egg into the crème but leaving some small lumps of the crème for texture.
5.  Add a few cooked potato slices and some leek/shallot mixture between each slice of sourdough bread to create a nice opening to nestle the rest of the filling.
6.  Place the crème fraiche mixture in a liquid measuring cup to creat a spout as you drizzle 1/2 of the mixture evenly between the bread slices.
7.  Stuff grated cheese evenly between each slice.
8.  Pour remaining crème fraiche between the slices and lightly evenly rub any crème fraiche that is on the top of the loaf as an egg wash finish.
9.  Wrap the loaf in baking parchment baking paper and then foil.
10.  To bake the bread: Ssee the baking options listed above in the introductory paragraphs.  You want the finished stuffed bread to be warm with the ingredients melty and cooked.
11. If baking the entire loaf, I’d opt for the convection option, but when heating/cooking  just a few slices few slices, I’d unwrap the foil and use the microwave (placing the bread on a paper plate and lightly cover with a paper towel).  Heat the bread on high for a minute then let the bread rest for 30 seconds before removing the paper towel and enjoying the cooked stuffed bread.
12.  Cover and refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy within a few days.

If you are craving a sweet Spring treat here is a tasty bite that combines lemon and blueberries! The recipe is quick, simple, easy and tasty…

Enjoy as a snack or dessert… check out the recipe below.

Using a mini loaf 8″ x 4″ aluminum loaf pan the brownie takes on the shape and texture of pound cake.  For a more traditional thinner brownie use an 8″ x 8″ pan.

Serves 4

Ingredients

3/4 cup           all purpose flour

3/4 cup           sugar

2                      eggs

1 1/2 tbsp      fresh squeezed lemon juice

Zest                1/2 lemon

2/3 cup           fresh blueberries

4 oz                 butter

Glaze

1/2 cup           powdered sugar

1 tbsp              fresh squeezed lemon juice

zest                  half a lemon

Directions

1. Preheat convection or standard oven to 350 F.
2. In a medium bowl mix dry ingredients together.
3.  Diced softened butter into 1″ pieces, add to the dry and mix well.
4.  Whisk in eggs, lemon juice and zest.
5.  Prepare the mini loaf pan with a light coat of butter or vegetable oil.
6.  Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake until the center is set.
7.  Bake for 40 minutes and until the center of the loaf is fully set.
8.  Add a drizzle of lemon glaze then slice and serve.

I decided to blend some familiar flavors I enjoy when preparing a Mexican style dish but with a twist… by combing some tasty ingredients but adding a twist.  Here is the burrito filling I came up with.  I hope you enjoy it!

I prepared the filling on the stovetop in our RV Galley using a heavy Dutch oven as my pan of choice to saute’ the filling and then gently simmer the ingredients to blend the flavors and reduce/thicken the sauce.   The results… yummy!

Makes 5 – 6 burritos or a couple of varied Mexican style meals

Ingredients

3             boneless pork loin chops

1 lb         ground pork chorizo sausage

10 oz      green enchilada sauce

3 tbsp.   vegetable oil

1/3          red bell pepper, diced

1/3           brown onion, diced

3 tbsp.     all purpose flour

3 tbsp.    vegetable oil

seasoning of choice or: 1/2 tsp garlic salt, 1/3 tsp black pepper, a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes and chili powder

8″       flour tortillas

1         avocado, diced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup sour cream

Directions

1.  Add 1 1/2 tbsp. of oil to a heavy skillet or Dutch oven.  Turn heat to medium.
2.  When oil is hot add diced red bell peppers and diced onions.  Saute’ for 5 minutes, stirring intermittently.
3.  Dredge cubed pork in flour and add to the pan.  Saute and stir, browning the pork on all sides.
4.  Add the chorizo to the pan, break up any clumps and brown the chorizo.
5.   Add remaining 1 1/2 tbsp of oil and blend cubed pork and chorizo together while cooking over medium heat.
6.  Add a small can of green enchilada sauce to the pan.  Stir, turn the heat to low.                                                               Note: Spoon off and discard any excess floating oil.
7.  Warm tortillas and serve your skillet of burrito filling along with sides of diced avocado, sour cream and cheese.                                                                                                                                                                                                         Here’s an idea for a simple side salad                                                                                                                                     Balsamic vinegar and oil dressing:  use 1 part vinegar to 3 parts oil and a squeeze of mustard and honey.       Whisk the dressing and serve over fresh salad greens.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Shrimp

1 1/2 lb      raw deveined shrimp

1/2 cup       marinade:  Signature select or other: Sesame Ginger readymade 30 minute marinade

2 tbsp.        light soy sauce

1 cup            vegetable oil

Batter

1 cup              all purpose flour

1/2 cup         cornstarch

1/4 tsp          baking soda

1/4 tsp          baking powder

1 tsp              seasoned garlic salt

12 oz            can of plain soda water

Sauce

7 oz.              sweetened condensed milk

2/3 cup        Hellman’s or Best Foods mayonnaise

3 – 4 tbsp.     honey

1/2                 lemon, juice only

Candied Walnuts

1 cup               shelled walnut halves

1 cup               brown sugar

1/2 cup           water

Additional Garnish and Wraps

1/4 bunch   green onions, diced

1/2 cup        readymade canned La Choy or other Chow Mein noodles.

6 oz               ready made guacamole

1 head           iceberg lettuce, rinse, pat dry.  Set aside to use single medium and large leaves for lettuce wraps.

Directions

1. Rinse iceberg lettuce, set aside single medium and large lettuce leaves for cooked shrimp wraps.
2. Open container of crispy fried Asian noodles, set aside for garnish.
3. Keep ready made guacamole in the fridge until ready to serve.
4. Place brown sugar and water in a skillet over med/high heat, stir.  Add walnuts and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.  Pour candied walnuts onto foil or parchment paper after walnuts are coated with thick brown sugar sauce, set aside.
5.  Clean the skillet, prepare shrimp and batter for pan frying.
6.  For the shrimp: remove the shell and tail from each shrimp and any remaining vein.
7.  Place shrimp in a ziplock bag, add marinade.  Seal the bag, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
8.  In a large bowl combine dry batter ingredients, stir then set aside.
9.  Add plain soda water to the batter (in the large bowl), stir to combine ingredients thoroughly, set side.
10.  Pour oil into the skillet.  Turn stovetop heat to med/high.
11. When oil is hot,  dip shrimp 1 at a time into the batter then place in the hot skillet.  Do not overcrowd the pan.  Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and thoroughly cooked.  Remove the crispy shrimp to a clean platter.
12.  Place candied walnuts on a plate, garnish with diced green onions.
13.  Place lettuce leaves for wrappers on a plate.
14.  Place guacamole and Chow Mein noodles out in serving dishes on the table along with the shrimp and walnuts.
15.  Assemble lettuce wraps and enjoy.  Refrigerate leftovers and enjoy within 1 – 2 days.

A homemade pie that is simple to bake whether you are at home or in your RV.

This recipe can be put together in a snap using a few pantry items and some fresh eggs!

Ingredients

1                   ready made – pecan graham cracker crust (alternate could be plain or walnut ready made crust)

1 cup           fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 cans         14 oz. each, sweetened condensed milk

5 large        egg yolks

Directions

1. Preheat convection or regular oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Rinse lemons, pat dry, cut in half.  Juice the lemons, discard any seeds that fall into the bowl.
3. Add contents of both cans of sweetened condensed milk to the bowl.
4. Add egg yolks to the bowl.
5. Whisk the mixture together until ingredients are well combined and the filling is smooth.
6.  Pour filling into a readymade pie shell.
7.  Bake pie on the rack in the convection or regular oven for  20 – 22 minutes.                                                                   * Note: Pie is ready to remove from oven when the filling is set but the center jiggles a little.
8. Let the pie cool to room temperature on a cooling rack, or stovetop burner (that is off and cool to touch).
9. Refrigerate for 2 – 3 hours.  Slice and serve with a dollop of ready made whipped cream.
10.  Lightly cover pie with the lid provided with the readymade crust.
11.  Refrigerate any leftovers to enjoy within 3 days.

My cookbook Small Kitchen Big Flavors! is available at a great Introductory Price on Ebay and my blog site at : http:/smallkitchenbigflavorsblog.wordpress.com

RV stovetop will make this luscious dinner a breeze!  Other cooking methods that will work to cook this dinner and are just as easy are portable grills or campsite grills.

Serves 2

Ingredients

6                raw whole jalapeno peppers

8 tsp         cream cheese

3 slices     uncooked bacon  (cut each slice of bacon in 1/2)

10 – 12       uncooked, Argentine shrimp (deveined)

2  tbsp.      vegetable oil

Directions

1.  Use deveined, shell on Argentine shrimp, rinse, pat dry,  set aside.
2.  Rinse jalapeno peppers, cut lengthwise slit along the pepper, remove seeds, set aside.
3.  Stuff the interior of the jalapeno with cream cheese.
4.  Partially cook bacon, let it cool then wrap 1/2 slice around each jalapeno, set aside.
5.  Heat oil in a cast iron or grill pan.  Saute’ the poppers over medium heat for about 5 minutes turning the peppers a few times.  Poppers are done when the stuffed jalapeno has softened and the cream cheese is oozing.  Take the poppers off heat, place poppers a plate, set aside.
6.  Clean the grill pan, add some additional vegetable oil if needed.  Turn the stove or grill to medium heat.
7.  When the pan is hot, add the shrimp, turn the shrimp as few times during cooking.  Note:  Shrimp is cooked through and the shrimp meat is at 145 F, opaque, no longer translucent.
8.  Take the shrimp off  heat, place on the plate with the poppers, serve and enjoy!

My cookbook Small Kitchen Big Flavors! is available through the cookbook tab on this site and on Ebay.

Fresh Naan bread can be made on the stovetop in your RV Galley or in a cast iron skillet on an outdoor grill.

Not a lot of fuss!  Naan bread is very versatile… use the bread as pizza crust, a sandwich wrap, soft taco shell or enjoy with a drizzle of garlic butter as a snack.  Wrap any leftover cooked bread in foil and store in the fridge for 3 – 4 days.

Pictured below is a soft taco I made using naan bread as the taco shell.