====== Cooking ======

Cooking for oneself is a great way to [[lifestyle:frugality|save resources]] and therefore spend less money.

Some folks set up on a tailgate or on little table at the rear of the vehicle under the open hatch, or with the rear door open and blocking view/wind. At parks stoves can be set in a bbq grill or on a concrete picnic table.






For folks looking to save more on food expenses, there are [[food:frugality|cheap but tasty approaches]].

[[food:cooking:stoves|stoves]]


[[food:cooking:ovens|ovens]]

[[food:cooking:cookware|Cookware]]

[[food:eating:utensils|Plates and eating utensils]]

[[food:cooking:excess power|Cooking with excess solar/alternator power]], including [[food:cooking:crockpot|crock pots]].

===== cleaning =====

There are a couple main issues:  [[water:start|water]]  conservation and workspace.

  * focus on single-pot meals so only one pot is dirty.  Eat out of the pot.
  * "deglaze" (add small amounts of water, broth, wine, etc) the hot pan to get as much flavor into your dish as possible((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/fc57bt/tips_for_washing_potsdishes_in_minivan/fj8rem2/))
  * either clean ASAP (oatmeal and other stuff that dries on) or soak


Scrambled eggs are notoriously difficult to get off pans.  Some techniques:

  * don't eat scrambled eggs :-) consider poaching or hardboiling eggs to minimze cleanup
  * heat the pan, then add a bit of oil and allow to heat.   Spread evenly, cook.
  * after cooking, scrape off what you can with a flat wooden implement, then put a small amount of water (doesn't have to be potable) back into the pan and bring to a boil.  Simmer or allow to soak. Scrape again.


===== measurement =====

Since carrying measuring cups and spoons can be unwieldy in a vehicle, 'dwellers may want to [[food:cooking:weight|measure their ingredients by weight]]. 


===== learning to cook =====

* [[https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=learning+to+cook+from+scratch|YT search]] on learning to cook