Cooking Sausages in a Van: Embracing Minimalism and Vanlife
Living the vanlife means embracing simplicity, adventure, and often, creative cooking solutions. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to cook sausages using a sandwich maker while on the road. This not only highlights the ingenuity involved in minimalistic cooking but also how it’s possible to enjoy satisfying meals even in the most unconventional of kitchen setups.
The Journey Begins: Cooking on the Go
Our journey starts with a successful rice experiment cooked while driving! After realizing that plain rice isn’t the most exciting meal, the host decides to elevate their lunch with some sausages purchased from Walmart before hitting the road. The plan is simple yet effective: use a sandwich maker to cook sausages while parked in a quiet spot in Palm Bay, Florida.
Setting Up Your Mobile Kitchen
One of the key elements of vanlife is efficiency, especially when it comes to cooking. Here are the critical components for cooking sausages in a van:
- Sandwich Maker: An affordable and compact device perfect for quick meals.
- Inverter: Converts DC power from the vehicle into AC to power kitchen appliances.
- Multi Outlet Plug: Allows for multiple devices to be plugged in simultaneously.
As the video shows, the host has set up their inverter under the hood, which efficiently powers the sandwich maker inside the vehicle. This setup is essential for cooking without relying on traditional power sources.
Exploring the Cooking Process
With everything plugged in and ready to go, our chef carefully places the sausages into the sandwich maker. This inventive approach demonstrates how practical and versatile cooking can be, even in a vehicle. Here are some tips and observations from the cooking process:
- Ensure the engine is running to maintain power supply.
- Keep an eye on wattage; the inverter was drawing around 718 watts, which is adequate for the sandwich maker.
- Use creative placements within the sandwich maker to maximize space—fit as many sausages as possible!
Enjoying the Surroundings
While the sausages sizzle away, our adventurer takes a moment to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding them. Parked in a remote area, they describe a setting filled with remnants of target practice, including bullet casings scattered about. It’s a reminder that nature and human activity often intertwine in unexpected ways.
The Big Reveal: Are the Sausages Cooked?
After allowing the sausages to cook, the moment of truth arrives. With anticipation, our cook checks the progress and finds that the sausages are indeed well-cooked! This simple yet satisfying meal serves as a testament to the possibilities of cooking while living on the road. Enjoying a hearty lunch while surrounded by nature encapsulates what vanlife is all about: freedom, creativity, and resourcefulness.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Minimalist Cooking
Cooking sausages in a sandwich maker while on the road showcases the essence of minimalism and practicality in the vanlife experience. Here are some key takeaways:
- Invest in portable cooking appliances like sandwich makers that require minimal setup and resources.
- Always ensure your vehicle’s power system is capable of supporting extra devices safely.
- Embrace the surroundings; cooking in nature enhances the overall experience.
Whether you’re an avid vanlifer or simply looking to simplify your cooking methods, remember that with a little creativity and the right tools, delicious meals are always within reach. Happy cooking!
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