Ask any kid what comes to mind when they think about a nostalgic, memory-making family vacation, and odds are, sunny days and exciting adventures will be near the top of the list. We bet they’d also mention an Igloo cooler filled with snacks, and hot dogs and watermelon devoured on a checkered tablecloth among the chirping birds and buzzing bees. If you ask any adult, they’d also say sunny days and adventures, but add to that Lake Mille Lacs sunrise coffee. Oh, and one more–lake trip food hacks that come out as delicious meals the whole family loves, freeing up time to do precisely what they should be doing on a great family getaway. Enjoying it.
Let’s talk no-kitchen, no-problem, easy and tasty cabin cooking.
Breakfast
Folgers has always said, “The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup.” Well, replace ‘Folgers’ with ‘the best coffee for lake mornings’, and you have a beautiful start to your day. We know this might be surprising, but it’s true, you don’t need your Breville Precision Brewer to make the perfect brew – gasp! A simple sip poured from a French press at the cabin just hits different, and so does a smooth cuppa joe crafted from some rustic campfire coffee methods, savored while watching the sunrise over Lake Mille Lacs. Want some cabin coffee brewing tips, or wonder how to make coffee without a coffee maker? For the love of caffeine – we’re here for you!
After coffee, easy cabin breakfast ideas are top of mind, so we suggest trying the Best Breakfast Casserole or these Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes loaded high with whipped cream, fruit, syrup, sprinkles, and anything else you can dream up. Any true cabin-loving adventurer might also suggest one-pan breakfasts for the lake–like the Mountain Breakfast Skillet–and we might just agree. A little bedhead, comfy jammies, and these yummy wake-me-ups ensure that, along with the gorgeous surroundings and sense of anticipation experienced at The Red Door Resort, breakfast might just be the most important meal (read: your favorite one) of the day.
Lunch
Simple cabin lunch ideas are something most moms have on their packing list, but if they’re forgotten because, let’s be honest, moms have A LOT to do before vacation vibes set in, we’ve got you. After a morning of swimming, sunning, and boating, you and your crew might be a little hungry. And if your kids get hangry, well, there’s even less time for complicated meals. Do you have foil, chicken, BBQ sauce, veggies, and a grill handy? Voila! Foil packet meals for camping adventures are the ideal way to get something delicious on the picnic table with little mess and more time to get back to the fun! Who caught a stringer full of walleye? You know where we’re going with this. A simple walleye fish taco recipe is sure to please, plus you get the bragging rights when your family says it was the best they’ve tasted (and they will!)
Dinner
The Red Door Resort cooking tips for an unforgettable dinner by the water start with a list of grilled fish recipes for the cabin, because… of course. There’s no such thing as too much fish when you’re enjoying a fun, relaxing, lakeside vacation at The Red Door Resort; it’s sort of a necessity. These tips will turn your fresh catch into mouthwatering goodness, and once your sun-kissed self steps off the dock or the boat after a day of exploring on the lake, whip up this Spicy Lime and Dill Grilled Fish or these Grilled Fish Sandwiches for Two, (plus 2-3 depending on your family’s size). And while you’re at it, try this taste of summer, Sweet and Salty Grilled Watermelon.
Dessert
We’ve come to the sweetest portion of our easy cabin cooking segment, dessert! We know what you’re thinking, and we’re thinking it too! S’mores! You can switch it up and still have that same beloved bonfire favorite, so what about trying some of these creative s’mores ideas?. Hear us out, Cookie Butter instead of chocolate. Yep, it’s a thing, and a delicious thing at that. Next, s’mores with cookies. Instead of the usual graham crackers, use shortbread, chocolate chip, or Fudge-striped cookies, or how about your ooey gooey marshmallow sandwiched between waffle cookies or Rice Krispies treats!? Cue the confetti–we’ll wait. On to other scrumptious no-bake desserts for your vacation delight. A Lakeside Lime Mousse is light and summery and perfect to enjoy in flip flops and sunglasses, plus, you have to eat it lakeside, it says so in the name. Or opt for an Ice Cream Sandwich Cake instead of the sticky chocolate fingers left by ice cream sandwiches. The kids will wolf it down, and adults will eat it up, and comment on how simple yet drool-worthy it is.
From sunrise coffee to campfire dinners, these recipes are best served lakeside. Start planning your stay at The Red Door Resort and make your next vacation taste as good as it feels.
