If you’re planning on renting a cottage with friends (and their kids!), then you probably have a million things to remember to bring: clothes, personal care products, outdoor essentials, a first-aid kit, games, and of course, food for all the meals! Between one person’s tastes and another’s pickiness, it can be hard to please everyone. So, what to eat at the cottage? Here are a few tips to help simplify your life.
Dinners at the cottage: share the load!
Whether it’s summer, winter, or between two seasons, it’s possible to serve healthy food to a large group, all while keeping it super simple in the kitchen. After all, you’re on vacation, right? The key to stress-free meals is planning . . . especially if the cottage you rented is miles away from a grocery store!
Before heading off, check in with the other parents and divide the dinners amongst yourselves, that way you can all prep your dishes (or parts of them) ahead of time. Everyone can share their meal suggestions based on their specialities and their children’s preferences and tastes, and together you can all agree on a menu that will make everyone happy.
We did the exercise for you and came up with 5 dinner ideas that will satisfy even the pickiest and most voracious of eaters!
Dinner #1: collective pizza-ghetti
After a long drive, you’ve finally arrived! The adults play catch-up, while the children explore their new surroundings. But the excitement quickly dies down and is replaced with hunger. On the menu: pizza (frozen or C’est Prêt!, to keep things quick and easy) and spaghetti, made with a mash-up of everyone’s signature sauce.
Dinner #2: chicken fajitas
Make tonight fiesta night, with chicken fajitas prepped in part the night before (cook one or two whole chickens depending on the number of people, or buy two C’est Prêt! ready-cooked chickens). Get some of the other parents to help you chop up some peppers, avocados, tomatoes, and lettuce. Put out a selection of toppings (salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese), and let the children serve themselves ¡Qué bueno!
Dinner #3: meat and vegetable lasagnas
At the cottage during the holidays or spring break? Old and young alike will love warming up with a cup of hot chocolate after a day spent skiing, sledding, or snowshoeing. Feel like making the moment extra-special? Ask the kids to help you prepare homemade hot chocolate. Then watch as everyone has a blast topping their mugs with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cinnamon, and even Cayenne pepper!
If you’re at the cottage during the warmer months, end your hiking or cycling adventure with a fruit and herb-infused water or a fun mocktail. We recommend trying this virgin unicorn mojito.
When it’s time for dinner, warm up some pre-assembled (but not yet cooked) lasagnas in the oven. You could serve one vegetable lasagna and one meet lasagna. Place a platter of crudités on the table and you’re all set!
Dinner #4: pulled pork burgers
The person in charge of this meal can cook a batch of pulled pork before heading to the cottage. After the pork is reheated (preferably in the oven, in an oven-safe dish with lid or aluminum foil), it’ll be tender, juicy, and flavourful—perfect served between two toasted buns. You can serve the burgers with a side of coleslaw, which will complement the pork’s sweet BBQ flavour. You can also prepare the coleslaw a few days in advance. Or you can opt for a shortcut and buy bagged coleslaw—all you’ll have left to do is add the dressing before serving! Or if you would prefer a ready-to-serve option, buy a tub of C’est Prêt! creamy coleslaw.
Dinner #5: fish croquettes
On the last night at the cottage, simply reheat a batch of pre-made, frozen fish croquettes. As a side, serve homemade or store-bought fries (cooked in the oven or fryer) or oven-baked potatoes. For a touch of green, remember to bring one or two Caesar salad kits.