Boating - Two Burner Cooking

Preparing meals on a two burner stove can be easily accomplished with few pots and pans.

I find a double boiler with a steamer insert has numerous uses on a boat.

A few ideas for using a double boiler:

Breakfast - heat muffins in the top
- keep pancakes warm while preparing eggs

The hot water from the double boiler can be used for dish water, rinsing water, or pre heating a thermos.

Dinner - boil potatoes in bottom, steam your favorite vegetable in the steamer, heat rolls in the top portion.

The steamer insert I use has a handle. It doubles as a colander for draining pasta, for instance. Buying equipment having more than one use is helpful for small boats with little storage.

I use a fry pan with a lid or spatter screen for the second burner. It is important to measure the two burner stove ensuring there is room for a fry pan and pot to be used at the same time. A deep fry pan opens possibilities for meals such as stir fry or meats with sauces.

Add a tea kettle for boiling water.

The above essential pots and pans are needed when preparing meals for the crew on a two burner stove.

Eggs are versatile and can be used in several ways on board.

Consider using one burner to prepare pancakes for breakfast. The second burner can be used to boil eggs. Place several eggs in the pot. Remove the number of eggs required for breakfast when cooked to your preference. Allow the remainder of eggs to become hard boiled. Remove and cool. Store in icebox.

Three ideas for using the hard boiled eggs:

1. Egg salad sandwiches. I recently made egg salad (mixed with mayo and onion), spread the mixture thinly on a large flour tortilla, added a lettuce leaf in the middle and rolled the tortilla. After wrapping in plastic and refrigerating, I sliced the wrap into pieces making pinwheel sandwiches. Another option is to use bread or buns for your sandwiches.

2. Deviled eggs - Cut hard boiled egg in half lengthwise, scoop out yolk, mash and mix with mayo. Fill the white halves with yolk mixture. Easy snack.

3. Slice hard boiled egg and add to spinach or lettuce salad.

Galleys on boats vary from small with two burners and an icebox to full size including a stove, fridge with freezer and microwave.

I found it helpful when preparing a boat to line lockers with vinyl carpet runner cut to size. They can be removed for easy cleaning, and keep the lockers from marring.

An inventory of items already on board shows what needs to be repaired or replaced. The galley can be stocked with supplies used throughout the season such as canned goods, dry goods, spices, dish soap, and garbage bags.

Non skid runners are useful for lockers where dishes, condiments, and spices are stowed. Using non skid runners as placemats keeps plates from sliding on the table during mealtimes.

Keeping the galley clean is important. The following post provides useful information.

Boat Galley Cleanliness

Small galleys may be short on storage space. One idea is to use plastic containers with lids. Cutlery and cooking utensils could be stored in one container. Place dishes, cups and glasses in a separate container.

A small container could be used for spices and condiments not requiring refrigeration. Dry food and canned items could also be kept in a container.

I have used folding crates for storage. The ones with lids are most useful.

Find a secure place to store the containers while underway so they do not move around.

Equip the galley with place settings of dishes and cutlery for the size of the crew plus one or two extras for guests or serving.

Color codes glasses with lids allows each person to have their own glass. Filling glasses with water or juice before setting out in the morning eliminates trying to pour liquids while underway.

Stainless steel bowls in various sizes are useful for salads or serving bowls.

Miscellaneous:

-top quality can opener
-tongs
-flipper
-vegetable peeler
-paring and large knives
-oven mitts

For small galleys with little storage, a plastic bin with lid could hold the cutlery and miscellaneous items.

Other items to include are a coffee pot and tea pot.

In my experience, boating is not the time to try exotic recipes. Keep it simple and easy by using new quick to prepare recipes or your favorite from home.

Prepare a menu of all the meals you will be having on board. From the menu write a shopping list, then buy needed supplies. Using a menu and shopping list ensures you have all the necessary ingredients for your meals.

Cut and prepare as much as you can in advance and store in separate containers. The time spent in the galley will be minimized allowing more free time for relaxing and enjoying your boating.

When planning a menu for boating meals, you may want to plan to cook once and eat twice.

For instance if hamburgers are on your menu for a dinner, make extra, store in the icebox, and use to make tacos for the next day's lunch or dinner. Chop the leftover cooked hamburger until it looks like ground beef again. Using hard or soft taco shells, add beef, taco sauce, cheese, and shredded lettuce.

Leftover burgers could also be chopped, combined with beans and your favorite sauce to create a pot of chili. Serve with a salad and rolls for a quick, tasty dinner.

Here are five top reasons for menu planning:

1. Provisioning. Menu planning is an important step for ensuring you and the crew have the provisions needed for meals on board.

2. Eliminates waste. For instance, take into consideration any meals to be eaten on shore. I found by knowing in advance which meals are going to be eaten out, supplies could be adjusted accordingly. Planning for meals not requiring fresh meat or produce such as spaghetti and sauce allows for eating on board if plans change for going ashore.

3. Helps when stowing supplies. By referring to your menu, you can stow the last to be used first allowing for ease of finding the necessary ingredients for meals.

4. Helps promote teamwork. For families, all members can contribute to the menu planning. Perhaps children can plan a meal they could prepare on board (with supervision). The menu makes it easier for everyone to share in the galley chores.

5. Saves time. With a menu and shopping list prepared, time spent at the grocery store is reduced. Also, if you boat often a menu can become a family tradition for your boating excursions. Plan a menu once, reuse it often.

For boats with two burners, it is possible to prepare a "Thanksgiving Dinner" on board. Although not your traditional turkey in the oven meal, it is tasty and easy to prepare.

You can find a shopping list and instructions for preparation at Thanksgiving Dinner

Dessert of your choice, eg. pumpkin pie, can be added to the shopping list.