Have Gadgets—Will Travel
Hitting the road and traveling kosher does have its challenges, especially with a family in tow to feed. Schlepping huge amounts of food and utensils, having access to food supplies, and dealing with limited space is often a test of ingenuity for even the savviest balebusta among us.
My family eats well when we travel. Not because I’m a great cook, and not because I’m a foodie snob (well, maybe just a little). Mostly it’s because in addition to planning ahead with food needs and menus, I bring along portable gadgets that make it easy to prepare simple fresh food, whether in a hotel room or an Airbnb. Everyone enjoys a vacation more when there is good food to eat, and that knowledge propels me to put forth a real effort. Even so, no one wants to spend their hard-earned vacation time working as a short-order cook. The challenge is, how do I get it done without feeling like I’ve sacrificed my own vacation? A few modern inventions can help keep travel cooking “no-fuss” with delicious efficiency and surprising versatility.
I tend to favor multi-purpose tools. I bring along gadgets that have several uses which can serve my family well on the road. I often go on vacation with my rice cooker or panini press. In more recent years, the Betty Crocker Pizza Maker and my portable grill have also made the top of the list. Beyond that, a flexi-cutting board mat (which takes up little space) and a sharp knife are my kitchen on the road. While these items definitely take up some trunk space, most of the equipment fits into a crate and affords us the ability to travel to many beautiful destinations that would normally be off-limits.
Practically speaking, the first question I ask is, “Will I have a kitchen and what cooking apparatus will be available to me?” A portable outdoor grill (propane or charcoal) will provide enough space to grill for a family wherever you travel so you needn’t rely on anything except the fuel you bring. Since people are grateful for freshly grilled meat, this a must for summer travel. The aforementioned electric appliances can be plugged in for use, with or without a kitchen. Once I know my set-up, then I can do the meal planning and create a packing list. Not sure which to bring? Here are some ideas of how to use these tried and true gadgets while on the road:
The Rice Cooker: Make the perfect rice or quinoa every time with no effort at all. Just dump, fill, and press a button. Especially great when there’s no kitchen. Also, most rice cookers have a warm setting that flips on automatically once cooking is done to keep the rice warm. Go out for the day and your food is ready for you when you get back. Rice bowls are hugely popular these days: an artfully decorated all-in-one meal which you can top with your choice of raw and cooked ingredients: leftover grilled chicken, canned black beans, sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, even mango.
Breakfast, too? You bet! I use my rice cooker’s porridge setting to make oatmeal in the mornings for a healthy, hot breakfast. Bring along steal-cut oats and toppings (brown sugar, craisins, etc.) for a breakfast to satisfy and fill hungry tummies (more popular during cold winter time vacations).
The Panini Press: The Panini Press is essentially a powerful sandwich grill. The top closes down with pressure against the food on the bottom to create a perfect melty, toasty, compact sandwich. Not too bulky, a small panini press makes a perfect travel companion, especially around lunchtime when the older kids make grilled cheese sandwiches for their younger siblings.
But the panini press also functions as a mini grill, so take advantage of other foods you can make quickly, such as grilled fish fillets on one side, and buns on the other side for grilled fish “sammies.”
The pro: good, hot, fresh food is always only minutes away. The con: not practical if cooking for a large crowd. Note: Some panini presses also have removable plates that you can swap out for griddle plates.
The Betty Crocker: I was reluctant to get on the bandwagon when the Betty Crocker Pizza Maker craze hit a few years ago. I will admit that I have since caved in, and the somewhat clunky appliance does join us on family vacations because of its ease and versatility. Eggs, pancakes, quesadillas, and yes, even pizza. I bring pancake batter and pre-made pizza dough (either home-made or store-bought) and that helps to ensure a quick turnaround and less whining. Quick clean-up is appreciated (especially if using parchment paper) and that means less whining from me as well!
Packing Up: Sounds like a lot of work? The secret is that all the hard work is done in advance: all the meal-planning and shopping you do before you leave on vacation. Consider it like a deposit, an investment mama makes so she can relax as well.
Keeping kosher while on the road can be easy and quick. I never wanted my kids to feel like it was a bother to do this mitzvah while traveling abroad, so I resolved to give them tasty foods that they enjoy and look forward to while out traveling. (Hint: Don’t forget the popcorn maker!) That’s how I keep them grounded in the joy of the mitzvah of keeping kosher. And today it’s easy and fun—thanks to these handy gadgets! n
Naomi Ross is a cooking instructor and food writer based in Woodmere, NY. She teaches classes throughout the country and writes articles connecting good cooking and Jewish inspiration. Her first cookbook, The Giving Table, was released in December 2022. Follow her at @naomirosscooks on Instagram/FB/TikTok or visit her website: www.naomirosscooks.com.
