Prepping Food for NINE Campers at the Cottage

Wouldn’t you say that feeding a large group of people at a tiny cottage is a daunting task? We think so. AND the weekend always seems to sneak up on us pretty quickly (obviously because we PUMPED UP). We are off to the big ole town of Harrow, Ontario with some of our besties this weekend. We have a cancelled bachelorette to thank for this one!

We can also thank a pandemic for forcing us to cook all of our own meals, with zero hope that restaurants will be open. It’s fine...we got this!

Number one vacay/cottaging/camping must is that no belly gets empty and no soul gets cranky...in other words HANGRY. And of course we don’t want to spend cottage time in the kitchen when we can be outside working on our sun burns, testy toss skills and ‘killing’ the gents at spike ball. (feed them a Triple Pink Whitney and consider them done).

SO, it’s time to get to the point...PREP is the answer. And prep is what we will do (with very little stress) before we hit the road. Grab and go at the cottage is always nice...especially when you’re seven White Claws deep, grass burn on your knees (from spike ball, okay) and can barely find the refrigerator at the AirBnb.

She has been a hot one out there, so anything we can cook outside on the BBQ is a WIN to keep the cottage comfortable.

First night, homemade pizzas on the grill. We make the dough before we leave, let it rise while we drive and by dinner time we’ll be ready to make personal pizzas. Chop up toppings beforehand and easy peasy… if the pizza sucks, you can’t be to blame because everyone makes their own!

Next meal is not breakfast, not lunch but brunch (actually we might regret this because we have a two month old rooster coming with us). Breakfast casseroles are the answer! (two for nine people should do it). They sure beat cooking everyone eggs and bacon, and also trying to toast the toast and still keep it warm...for NINE people! Not to mention, you will conserve a lot more eggs. Whipped up ahead of time and popped in the fridge when you get there...All you need is for the person who wakes up the earliest to pop both casserole dishes into the oven, and enjoy!

Don’t forget the in betweenies...we can’t forget the SNACKS. Snacks are the important part here, these are what also help prolong the crankies and the hangries. For us, this includes Kate’s banana muffins, pre cut up fruits and vegetables, crackers and cheese and the absolute staple, guac and salsa.

To seal it all together, dinner on night two...Mexican! Specifically TACOS. If only we had a blender to make margaritas to go along with them. Anyways, prep your meat before hand and toss it on the BBQ come Saturday night. And just like pizza night, have your select toppings all cut up, and everyone makes their own. A personal fave of ours; homemade corn and bean fresh salsa (coming soon to our recipes). If we are REALLY lucky, Freddy might even bring his homemade hot sauce!

Now, if you’re feeling EXTRA like Kate, bring on the final breakfast before we head out. What might that be? Waffles and whipped cream and strawberries (hand picked at Macklins last week). Ohhhhh boy. Don’t forget your waffle maker, honey.

Time to roll. Enjoy your time with friends and family while at the cottage and don’t worry about ANYTHING else!

Kate & Amy