Looking for a couple easy dishes to make on your holiday houseboat vacation? At Forever Houseboats, every single boat in our Forever Fleet has a fully-equipped kitchen and BBQ grill. Almost anything you can make in your home kitchen can be made on a houseboat. However, most travelers prefer to spend their time onboard relaxing instead of cooking. That’s why we compiled a few of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes for a no-stress feast on the water.
Turkey on the Grill
If you have never grilled a turkey before, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to prepare and cook. Plus, the flavor is amazing!
Here’s what you’ll need:
-Any size turkey
-A shallow roasting pan
-Applewood or hickory chips
-Seasonings (including salt and pepper)
-Turkey baster
-Meat thermometer
Collect your tools and begin by placing the thawed turkey in a shallow roasting pan. Season your bird with your usual spice blend (as you would if you were cooking it in the oven) or just opt for salt and pepper. Next, prepare the grill with either Applewood or hickory chips to give your turkey a rich, smoky flavor.
You’ll want to use indirect heat when grilling. After you heat up the grill, turn off half the burner. Place the roasting pan with the turkey (breast side up) above the cool burner and let it cook. Let the turkey reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It should take about 10 to 13 minutes per pound, for a total of about two to three hours. Don’t forget to baste your turkey with juices from the pan every hour or so, to keep it moist. Once it has cooked all the way though, take the turkey off the grill and let the meat cool for 15 minutes. This allows its delicious juices to settle before carving.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
A simple and easy side dish.
Here’s what you’ll need:
-4 sweet potatoes
-4 tbsp. butter
-Salt & pepper
First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you’ve rinsed your sweet potatoes, prick them all over with a fork and place them on a baking dish. Bake until tender, about 45 to 50 minutes. Once they’ve cooled, split the potatoes with a knife and put butter in the center. Top with salt and pepper, and you’re done!
Green Bean Casserole
A quick alternative to the traditional baked casserole, this recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare and cook in the microwave, and frees up more space in your oven.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
-1 cup of milk
-2 tsp. of soy sauce
-1/4 tsp. of ground black pepper
-8 cups of canned green beans or pre-boiled/blanched green beans
-2 ½ cups of fried onions
Place soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, beans and 1 1/3 cups onions in a 3-quart casserole dish. Heat on high for 6 – 8 minutes, or until cooked through. Top it with the remaining onions and microwave for another 10 seconds to warm the onion crisps. Serve and enjoy!
Houseboat vacations are meant for fun and relaxation. With these easy Thanksgiving recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy your company and the surroundings instead of working up a sweat in the kitchen this year. Contact Forever Houseboats to start your holiday reservation today!
