I may have just used the term “our cabin” loosely. Also, I must confess that the word “essentials” may also be a stretch.
Truly, essentials are what convenience stores and little bait-slash-grocery-shop’s stock in quaint little towns on your way to nowhere. Chilean Sea Bass is probably not going to make it into the essential pile of most folks. Most folks wouldn’t understand but I know that you will.
So I just got back from nine days of glorious vacation with family and church friends that were a combination of physical, mental, spiritual, familial, and inspirational refreshment. I bring this up because you may have wondered where I went. Okay, most likely not wondered or even noticed. But I noticed and it feels good to be back. If every day were a vacation, how would we know what refreshed felt like?
Off the thirteen family members of us traipsed to Branson, checking into three family sized cabins. One side of the family shared a three-bedroom cabin; another side of the family shared another three-bedroom cabin across the way. Dennis and I, of course, opted for our own private studio cabin complete with a Jacuzzi tub smack-dab in the middle of the room. Because who doesn’t like a Jacuzzi tub smack-dab in the middle of the room?
Okay, okay. I know that you know that Branson is not what you would call remote or even very quaint. Even though these cabins were within walking distance of the strip and the outlet mall, they were nestled within the trees just enough to feel like you were indeed away from it all.
Branson, on the other hand, is no foodie destination. Aside from Table 22, we weren’t there for any farm-to-table mind blowing culinary experience. We came prepared with our own cabin essentials. The goal was not to bring anything that could easily be purchased at Walmart when we arrived into town. The secondary goal was to pack something that would make our cabin-cooked meals just a bit more delightful.
All of this makes me wonder what you would consider as your essentials. Tell me.
Here is mine.
Suggested kitchen essentials to pack for a cabin getaway.
1.
A lighter
2.
Macadamia Nut oil
3.
Libations, including whiskey, tonic water, vodka, and wine
4.
Hand towel and dish towel
5.
Grill pan, mini sheet pan, all-clad skillet, cutting board
6.
Reusable produce bags
7.
ice cube trays
8.
coffee, filters, scoop, and tea bags
9.
small romantic candle (helloooo Jacuzzi and easy going back porch conversations)
10.
sea salt, sriracha, blue-cheese stuffed olives, your must-have favorite seasoning
11.
water pitcher with fresh filter
12.
specialty crackers, packaged steel cut oatmeal
13.
Dukes mayo (I’m a Tarheel, what can I say)
14.
tongs, fish spatula, all-purpose knife, parchment paper
15.
homemade salsa (bring lots, sometimes better than wine for cabin drop-in gift)
16.
hummus and truffle butter
17.
ready-to-eat veggies
18.
Chilean Sea Bass
19.
perfectly ripe Brie
20.
Applewood Naturals chicken sausage with sage
There you have it.
For the most part there wasn’t anything that we felt was missing except that I would have packed more Brie and more sausage. Maybe a bread knife, but nah, who am I kidding… vacations are truly meant for breaking bread, literally and figuratively, with your loved ones. Essentials can mean fancy-like my list or a paper plate and a can of Easy-Cheez.
At the end of the day it is about relaxing and feeling refreshed. My way. Your way.
Here’s to vacations.
Eat well, my friends. Eat well.
Lyndi
