What I did that worked great: *larger* crockpot; various roasts; various root vegetables; and dressing or dressing mixes. One good one was a chicken, with an apple, onion, and several turnips (you could use potatoes, but turnips turn out non-bitter in a crockpot, more like a more interesting version of a potato than an overgrown radish), and then an herb-garlic dressing mix(and of course some water). Was fabuloso. Another good one was a pork roast, with an onion, several carrots and turnips, a couple of pears, and a bottle of raspberry vinaigrette, which was suprisingly good. And I also did a beef roast with a mix of various veggies and an Italian dressing mix. You can also use those little soy sauce packages with any of these–helps tenderize it.

I have a whole cookbook written by Dana Carpender of Bloomington that I’ve not yet had a bad thing from, and many of the recipes are very simple.

Oh, and here’s a good soup where you just empty the cans into the crockpot: one can mackerel or salmon (or 2 cans tuna); one can corn; two cans crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs, and about a cup of rice. On the stove you’d just simmer it for 20 minutes, but in the crockpot, it needs at least an hour–or use instant rice, about 2 cups.

Hope these help!

http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/08/video-how-to-cook-a-meal-in-your-hotel-room-george-egg.html

Of course, he seems to be staying in a hotel that probably has more than 2 stars. Also, I don’t know that many American hotels have kettles. You could use a coffee maker? Maybe? (Being a Mormon, I have no idea how a coffee maker works)

It will all be worth it, lady. Think of it as an adventure!

http://www.amalah.com/amalah/2009/10/microwavery-in-action.html

Has anyone mentioned Crock-Pots yet?? I mean, I don’t know if you are a big Crock-Pot cooker, but there is a lot you can make with them that doesn’t suck or involve canned condensed soup. Go find “not your mother’s slow-cooker cookbook…”

Although… the thought of cleaning out a crock-pot in a hotel sink makes me itch also…

Can’t wait to see how your new home turns out!!

Or hell, add me to your little Indy Road Trip and you can borrow mine.

We are having Thanksgiving on Friday this year. My parents + 2 brothers are coming down, but you’re welcome to join us for a second feast if you want.

And if you’re all booked up for Turkey Days, you MUST come over for a kitchen-cooked meal some other time, mmmmkkaay?