Goin' to the cottage next week-lemme pick your brain!

[Naz]

I am going up to a teeny cottage in Northern Michigan w/my 3 kiddos (10, 7 and 4) and mom. We'll be right on the beach (hope it's warm) and I am going to grocery shop when I get up there. Not sure of what I'll be able to find.

Got any ideas for EASY vacation food, especially dinners?

And, since this is my first cottage vacation, got any good tips? Stuff to not forget to bring, awesome things you did at your cottage for fun, etc. Kids and I are going to go canoeing for at least 1 day for about 3 hours.

[tea cup]

I would love to be going to a cabin where it's cool and has pine trees instead of saguaro cactus. I love Arizona, but your cabin idea sounds really nice!!

Take stuff from home like- canned tuna, mayo, pork rinds, nuts, and other nonperishables.

Enjoy the sunset every evening and roast a weinie over the campfire for me. Have a wonderful time.

tea cup

[bizbuyer]

DW and I have a lake place that we go to frequently with friends. My biggest time-saver is to grill burgers BEFORE we go there so we can simply heat them in the microwave and be eating in a couple of minutes.

I always thought that, being on vacation, I would have plenty of time to cook but this is SO much more convenient.

[conniek]

We go to our cottage almost every weekend and I have learned to really depend on the grill. Those burgers and chicken breasts taste so fabulous when grilled on our cottage deck! I can pass on the other "junk food" stuff if I'm eating really wonderful entrees.

Remember to take some fun indoor stuff to do so that if it rains the family can stay busy. If you are going to have fires on the beach or in the fire ring, you will want to buy your firewood in the area because of a terrible insect that has been transported in firewood that people have brought from other areas. It affects elm trees.

Bring some of your most basic items that you absolutely cannot do without. Plan on having plenty of salad fixings too, so you can plop your grilled meat on top of that.

Have a wonderful time with your family!

[gardengoddess]

I don't know where you are going to be at to be able to give you an ideas on things to do (festivals, art shows, etc) but I can tell you that you DO have to buy your firewood locally (emerald ash borer) and to definately bring indoor games and stuff to do and also jeans and jackets etc. because as you know, our weather can change every 5 minutes or so. If you are coming to my area (East Jordan/Charlevoix) bring any specialty low carb food that you like because low carb stuff isn't easy to find. Hope this helps.

[pocahontas]

Grill, grill, grill! DH and I grill year round and it makes life so easy. He grills some form of protein and I throw together a salad or some other veggie side. It is simple and quick! You can also make a batch of egg, tuna or chicken salad and bring either oopsies or lettuce cups for a quick lunch. Plenty of snacks like string cheese, hb eggs, nuts. Maybe even take your crock pot and throw a roast in one day. Have fun!

[okapi]

Veggies and dip would be a good thing to keep on hand and something that kids would probably go for too. Should be able to get that stuff without difficulty.

As others have said I'd plan on grilling a lot. Every cabin I've ever been to in MI or WI (no matter the size or price) has had a grill.

Have fun!
Katie

[LC Angie]

Oh, how exciting!! I live in Northern Michigan!! About where are you going, if you don't mind me asking. I could help you maybe to tell you if there are stores close. I won't stalk you, I promise! LOL

[Naz]

I am heading to Oscoda, MI on Monday. Thanks for the ideas so far! Excellent! I never even considered grilling my burgers ahead of time, or bringing the crockpot!

[bizbuyer]

I was in Oscoda on a business trip in 1986 and LOVED it! It's a beautiful place. When I was checking in at the motel, the desk clerk told me that if I saw any bears, don't feed them...I think she meant don't feed them refined carbohydrates...

I too agree with the crockpot philosophy. Put a chuck roast or chicken in it (with a can of Cream of Chicken & Mushroom Soup or a bottle of picante sauce) around 9:00am, turn it on low, and it will be ready for dinner around 6:00pm!

I love grilling steaks/chicken while on vacation, but I also like the convenience of having good LC food available without having to do a lot of work. Have a great vacation!!!

[LC Angie]

Oh, I have never been there. I am in the Traverse City area. I hope you have fun!!

[MaryBethRN42]

We have a place in southwest Michigan and I love it! I agree with grilled meat and salad or grilled veggies. We grill almost everything. Have you ever had beer-can chicken? Season a whole chicken and place the "hole" over an open can of beer or pop, place on the grill on low and cover - it's usually ready in about 1 1/2 hours. Make a salad and dinner is done!

[pocahontas]

Originally Posted by MaryBethRN42

We have a place in southwest Michigan and I love it! I agree with grilled meat and salad or grilled veggies. We grill almost everything. Have you ever had beer-can chicken? Season a whole chicken and place the "hole" over an open can of beer or pop, place on the grill on low and cover - it's usually ready in about 1 1/2 hours. Make a salad and dinner is done!

I loooooooooove this! DH and I do this a couple times a month. In fact, I have a chicken defrosting in the refirgerator now. I cant wait! I like to put a little garlic, lemon and rosemary in the beer for an extra infusion of flavor.

[Elloise]

Originally Posted by Naz

I am heading to Oscoda, MI on Monday.

That's not very 'northern'!!! I was all set to give you the scoop on the grocery stores in Ontonagon, MI.

Have a GREAT time! The lakes are so good for the soul.