We decided a treat was in order on our recent camping trip!! We ended up having Naughty nutella crumpets for an indulgent Sunday morning breakfast in our campervan – and it was sooooooo good!! We shared it on a plate to minimise washing up 😉
Without further ado, let us introduce you to Naughty Nutella crumpets!
Naughty crumpets
Vegetarian
This delicious breakfast is the perfect naughty treat in the van. A twist on the classic french toast – but a lot more cheeky!
1tbspNutella(heaped – the more the better!)
1sprinkleIcing sugar
Instructions
Chop the crumpets into bite size cubes
Crack 2 eggs in a bowl and whisk in the 1/3 cup of milk. Add in the vanilla extract
Add the crumpets to the mixture and ensure all pieces are coated.
Add a knob of butter to a hot pan and add your coated crumpets
Keep turning the pieces until all sides are browned
Dish up onto a plate, drizzle with nutella & icing sugar.
Enjoy the naughtiness!
Notes
We made this in our van in the winter so our Nutella was quite firm. We placed it in a small bowl inside a larger bowl of hot water to soften it up. Alternatively you could use chocolate sauceÂ
Ever wondered what size inverter you need for cooking in your van? Eliot Prince of www.wattalot.com explains what size inverter you need for cooking in a van in this article.
We’re all becoming increasingly reliant on electronics. That includes in our vans and other homes on wheels.
It’s almost impossible to escape!
If you’re like me, you’ve tried to pack up your van and head off-grid for as long as possible.
But eventually, you’ll find the need to use electricity to enjoy life.
For me, that usually comes in the kitchen for either food storage or cooking.
What kitchen appliances can you run in your van?
When spending long periods in your van, you might be thinking of adding luxuries like microwaves, fridges, and coffee makers.
These are all examples of appliances that need AC electricity, just like you get from the mains at home.
The only problem is that your deep cycle batteries can’t supply this directly.
Deep cycle batteries store direct current (DC) electricity, while most home appliances run using alternating current (AC) electricity.
But don’t worry, you can easily use a power inverter to make the conversion from DC to AC, plus increase your voltage from 12V to 120V/240V.
Using a power inverter enables you to run any electronic appliances you use at home (as long as you have a big enough battery). Once you understand your campervan’s kitchen power consumption, you can then pick the right size power inverter for all your kitchen gadgets.
What size inverter is best for cooking in a van?
You will need at least a 1000 watt inverter to run common kitchen appliances. You might even need a bigger 1500 watt or 2000 watt inverter depending on what you plan to run.
To work out the correct size, you will first need to know how many watts your electronics use. There are 3 ways of finding this out:
Check the user manual or technical specification. You might also find a sticker on the device detailing the power consumption.
Use a wattmeter to get a live power reading. These are great little devices you can attach to any appliance to check the wattage. It’s awesome to have if you’re using an inverter.
Do the maths. To calculate wattage use the formula Volts x Amps = Watts.
Once you know the total wattage of the appliances you want to run simultaneously, you should add 20% to the final figure. This is the minimum inverter size you require.
Here’s an example.
Let’s say you want to run a 700W microwave, a 40W mini-fridge, and charge a 5W phone at the same time. This is a total of 745 watts.
Next, we add 20% by multiplying by 1.2.
745 x 1.2 = 894 watts.
So you need an inverter with at least 894 watt capacity. (Closest to this would be 1000 watts.)
What type of inverter is best for cooking in your van?
Go for a Pure Sine Wave Inverter
One other thing to consider is the type of power inverter. You can choose between pure sine wave and modified sine wave.
I always recommend pure sine wave. This is because it more closely replicates the electricity you get from the main grid. While they are more expensive, it allows you to run a much wider range of kitchen appliances like microwaves and refrigerators.
The other option is modified sine wave which is cheaper. These inverters have a much sharper step in voltage which is not suitable to run sensitive or inductive appliances. In simple terms, you can’t efficiently run cooling devices like fridges or cooking equipment like microwaves.
What can you run off your inverter in your van?
Now you understand what size inverter you need for your van kitchen, let’s look at what you might want to run. We’ll also look at the average wattage of these devices.
One thing to mention is that different models of appliances can range massively in power consumption.
For campervans, it’s always best to look for low wattage options or travel sized gadgets. This helps to reduce the amount of energy your batteries need to supply.
Here’s a handy table you can quickly reference:
Appliance
Average Wattage
LED Lighting
5 – 10
Smartphone Charging
5 – 10
Fan
30 – 60
Mini-Fridge
40 – 60
Slow Cooker
50 – 200
Microwave
600 – 1000
Small Blender / NutriBullet
600 – 1000
Toaster
800 – 1600
Coffee Machine
1000 – 1500
Induction Hob
300 – 2000
Which appliances should you avoid in your van?
There are a number of appliances I will always avoid trying to use in a van. This is simply due to the sheer amount of power they suck up. While you might be able to get a big enough inverter to run them, you will find power hungry devices will deplete your batteries super quickly.
You can generally find low wattage options for these devices which would be better when using off-grid power. What I want to discuss here are the normal domestic sizes that you’ll find in your home kitchen.
Kettle
It is generally best to boil water using a gas hob when living off-grid. This is because a domestic kettle uses an enormous amount of energy to operate. You will find that a modern kettle uses between 1500 and 3000 watts! That means an amperage of 125 to 250 from a 12V battery. Even if you only run the kettle for 5 minutes it will still suck up 10Ah or 20Ah of your battery. So it’s probably not best to be using a kettle to make cups of tea or prep cooking water.
Induction Hob
I have listed an induction hob on the list above with a wattage of between 300 and 2000 watts. But think very carefully about using one to cook with. That wattage is for a small lower powered single hob. You could run it at 300 watts but the cooking temperature would be impossibly low. In general, a regular induction hob is going to use over 2000 watts when cooking on a decent heat. So it’s going to be better to stick to gas for frying your bacon.
Domestic Fridge (or freezer)
You want to avoid a normal home fridge at all costs. They have large compressors in them that draw a lot of power. You will find that they have a running wattage of at least 200 watts. Now, this doesn’t sound huge but remember you need to have it plugged in 24 hours a day. Adding to this, each time it cycles on to do some cooling it draws a quick spike in power. All of this adds up to a demanding toll on your battery supply. You should look at RV fridges specially designed with 12V operation or a low powered mini-fridge.
Which inverter to choose for cooking in a van?…
I hope this article helps you understand what size inverter you should pick for your campervan.
Put simply, you need to add up the total wattage of all the devices you want to run at the same time. Then add 20% to find your minimum inverter capacity.
Happily, the size of an inverter is measured in wattage so it will be easy for you to pick out.
And remember, just because your inverter is powerful enough to run an appliance, doesn’t mean you should! Take the time to think about how much battery power it will use, it’s not always worth it.
If you need some more tips for which equipment you need in your van kitchen for cooking, then these articles may interest you.
Tortilla wraps are everyone’s go to for a Vanlife recipe. Quick easy and incredibly versatile. Here is one of our favourites for when ingredients are low and we are after a quick yet filling bite to eat.
Chipotle Chicken Crunch
Meat Based
Simple ingredients, quick to make and super delish!
5 from 1 vote
10 Ingredients or less – No water – One-pan – Stove top meal
8Tortilla Chips / DoritosOr any of your favourite crisps :)
2Tortilla Wraps
2tbspChipotle Sauce
Low Calorie Spray Oil
Salt
Instructions
Heat your skillet pan to a medium/high heat.
Half tenderise your chicken breast by bashing it with a tenderiser or rolling pin. (I just give it a bash with my hand to flatten it a little).
Add the chicken to the pan and season the chicken with salt and drench in Chipotle Sauce. Cook for 5 minutes each side.
Whilst the chicken cooks chop your tomato into rough chunks, grate your cheese and trim around the edge of 2 tortilla wraps to make them smaller than the remaining 2.
When the chicken is cooked, slice it into chunks.
Lay out the larger wrap and take half of each component and build a pile in the center of the wrap. Chicken, cheese, tomato, lettuce and a good drizzle of mayo. (half of your ingredients) Finish up with a layer of chips/crisps.Do not stack it too high or it wont wrap up very nicely.
Place the smaller cut down wrap on the top and fold the edges of the lower wrap over the top. Hold it in place whilst you place it fold down into a medium heat pan. Do not lift it up too early or it will unfold! Toast off each side for about 2-3 minutes.
Whilst toasting compile the second one with the remaining ingredients.
When perfectly toasted place on a plate and cut in half.
Enjoy!
Notes
Get creative and use your favourite combination of fillings :)Â
Full time vanlife cooking can be a very different game to that of the vanlife weekend warrior. Cooking three meals a day (or more if you are a fitness freak like me) can be hard to sustain.
The number of times I used to default to the quick pan of pasta and ready made sauce I should really keep a secret. It was unhealthy, boring and didn’t at all spark any of the vanlife dream that had drawn to the lifestyle!
To make it even more embarrassing, I am a qualified nutritionist and I also come from a family of passionate chefs and cooks. I was brought up on hearty home-made meals. I’d be booted from the dinner table if they knew I used a supermarket pre-made tomato sauce!
5 years before starting Vanlife, I was totally hooked on cooking shows, always making the effort to cook with seasonal produce and always keeping everything fresh. I cooked to impress!
Full Time Vanlife Cooking Year 1
My reasons for starting Vanlife were not like most, at least those who are likely reading this post. I had no intention of driving off into the sunset, exploring Europe or getting my bum out for a photograph under a waterfall. I simply needed somewhere to live so I adapted my VW Caravelle into a T4 campervan. Rock and roll bed, mixing bowl sink and a single burner cartridge stove. It really was minimalist living and I loved that about it.
During that year I was still finding my feet and learning about the Vanlife scene which I hadn’t heard of previously but what really did suffer was my nutrition.
Basic meals, basic cooking and regular convenience stores for a quick bite became the norm. With nobody to cook for, the cook to impress was out the window.
Thankfully this same year I met Sophie. Now I had a reason to pull out my culinary skills. Especially as I felt I had to make up for the fact that I was living in a van.
Rather than our usual meals out for our dates, I decided I would make a romantic candle lit dinner in the van. Sophie took the bench seat and I covered up the porta potti with a towel for my seat and a mini collapsible table from homebase and voila! Im such a smoothie huh!
My First Vanlife Romantic Meal
Traditional Bologna Spaghetti & Ragu (Spag Bol)
I made this on the one hob and I remember the spaghetti being cold and I premade the sauce early that day and had to store it in a camping flask! It was such a bodge and there was so much mess in my tiny T4 van. Thinking back, it was hilarious! Tasted good though!
Dried Spaghetti 1 x Onion 1 x Carrot 1 x Celery 2 x Garlic Cloves 1 Tin of Chopped Tomatoes 1 tbsp of Tomato Puree 250g Pork Mince 250g Beef Mince Handful of Basil Splash of red wine Salt & Pepper 1 tbsp Sugar Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
Dice the onion, celery and carrot and fry in a pan with the olive oil until soft.
Finely chop the garlic and add to the pan.
Season with salt the pork and beef mince and add to the pan stirring until the meat has colour. Add a splash of red wine.
Add a tin of tomatoes and puree.
Sprinkle 1 tbsp of sugar and give it all a good stir.
Leave to simmer for as long as you can. It richens the longer you leave it.
In the meantime, boil some water and add the spaghetti. Cook until soft.
Before combining and serving add some chopped fresh basil to the ragu 5 minutes before.
That very meal re-sparked my passion for cooking once again and I felt excited by the challenge of having a tiny kitchen with only the most basic amenities.
Here is everything you need to know about Full Time Vanlife Cooking
Full Time Vanlife cooking should be as nutritious as possible so that you can maintain your health during cold winters, improve your mental health and be full of energy to enjoy life on the road surrounded by nature.
Do you need a fridge for Vanlife?
Generally nutritious food tends to be perishable and storing perishables requires a fridge, freezer or even a cool box. Especially during the warmer months.
If you don’t have any of these in your van you can find yourself limited to tinned food, dried food or making regular trips to the store for your fresh perishable food.
Full Time Vanlife
From my experience of full time Vanlife a fridge is an essential appliance in your tiny home on wheels. I would even say it’s an investment as it will minimise your trips to the store purchasing additional items you may not necessarily need.
If you are a solo full time Vanlifer you will also find that the freezer compartment is an amazing way of storing pre-made meals. It’s difficult to cook for one sometimes so go ahead and make a double portion so that you have one prepped for another day.
Part Time Vanlife
One of the biggest holdbacks in equipping your van with a fridge is the expense. A common 12v compressor fridge will cost between £300 and £1000. The higher end being for brands such as Dometic / Waeco.
For part-time vanlife perhaps all you need is a cool box for the weekend. With a couple of ice blocks stored inside it would certainly keep your perishables cool for a long weekend.
However, for a week or two away in your van you may start to find it inconvenient to keep stopping at convenience stores to stock up on perishables and a fridge would be a worthy asset to your van.
Do you need an oven for Vanlife Cooking?
Many campervans, motorhomes and van conversions make do without a fitted oven, but the real question is can you?
What do you like to cook in your van?
Full Time Vanlife
From my experience as a full time Vanlifer without an oven, I can confess to missing pizza the most but also oven baked delights such as pies and hot pots.
Whilst it is very possible to cook variations of these favourites by using gadgets such as the Omnia oven it lacks that one thing you find you start craving… that crispy topping!
All this being said, even when I was boring and lived in a house I hardly used the oven. Most of my cooking was done in a pan. It is my cooking style.
I’m sure that if you are a passionate cook you will know how to enjoy panlife and will be able to cook most of the things you enjoy. If you are an oven based passionate cook then you are going to need to get an oven installed.
Part Time Vanlife
Ok so you are on holiday right? You will undoubtedly be sightseeing, snacking on pasties, ice creams and local delicacies and a hearty home cooked meal might not be on the agenda. An outdoor BBQ is more likely on the cards when you get back from the local attractions.
Ovens aren’t that expensive, but they do come with their own set of considerations. They are quite large, heavy and they are either powered by gas or electricity.
Gas ovens require professional installation with gas safe approval and electric ovens require a substantial amount of power from your batteries. Both are the main reasons why Vanlifers avoid them. If you are a part-time Vanlifer do you need to go to these lengths for an oven?
Here are some products that will help you cook oven style food without an oven or grill
The Wonderbag Dutch Oven Great for slow cooked recipes that need long periods of time in the oven.
The Omnia Oven Cooks a variety of oven recipes with the simplicity of your stove top.
A Stove Top Tagine Almost everything tastes better when cooked in a tagine!
Full Time Vanlife Cooking Year 4
4 Years along the road and not only have I learnt how to cook the meals I have always loved but I have never been so passionate about cooking. There seems to always be a way to adapt a recipe and make the classics come together in a van. Of course, I like to experiment and do my own take on the classics anyway.
I often make toast on the hob by using my stove-top toaster. It’s possibly one of my favourite van kitchen gadgets. The toast comes out spotty but perfectly crispy.
Another regular feast in the van is roast dinner with roast potatoes. Crispy roast potatoes might I add!
Curry is also a favourite of mine, with so many variations of protein, spices, veg and of course I make my own Naan Bread.
4 years on and I still haven’t found the need to install an oven. I do have a mini electric oven stored under my counter, but I very rarely use it. It’s only because of the kid’s turkey dinosaurs that I keep it. I can’t see myself installing an oven anytime soon and even if I started another van build, I wouldn’t be taking an oven into consideration.
I’d like to say I rock up at some scenic location and make viral TikTok worthy meals but the harsh reality of my vanlife is that I am usually parked up on an industrial estate with a depressing view! Not quite the TIkTok or Instagram shot you lot in Portugal are getting!
During the weekends when I am in the van with Sophie we like to head out into the country with the intention of a nice park up and interesting food and we both get stuck into some van cooking and baking. Sophie usually hogs the Omnia oven and bakes an amazing pudding. I can’t recommend her Omnia cakes enough!
Conclusion
The conclusion of full time Vanlife cooking vs part time Vanlife cooking is as follows:
Full time Vanlife cooking requires a more sustainable diet which will also mean there is a requirement to store perishable food. You shouldn’t be avoiding your veggies and you will need a more varied diet, thus more ingredients to store. Longer periods in the van will free up more time to cook a nutritious hearty meal.
Part time Vanlife is a lot more flexible in what food you need to be storing as you will be stopping off for convenience meals and snacks whilst on your travels. You are less likely to feel the need to cook a hearty meal so cooking will be quick and easy, leaving much more room for those holiday activities.
For the first weekend of Spring here in the UK we host our Vanlife Event “Afternoon Tea” and we are inviting Vanlifers anywhere in the world to join us with a celebratory afternoon tea in a van.
Last year we hosted the event over zoom but this year if you are based in the UK why not join us in person at the Cotswold’s Camping and Caravanning Site in Oxfordshire where we can make a weekend of the whole event.
Join us in Oxfordshire
Join us at the campsite on 19th March for an overnight stay and then the afternoon tea at midday Sunday. (bring your own food)
Cotswolds Caravan and Camping Spelsbury Rd Charlbury OX7 3LL
Join us Online
As we did last year we will be streaming the event live over Google Meet so that anyone in the world can also join in.
Join the live event here at 12pm (UK time) 20th March 2022
**Link will only be active 10 minutes before the event**
[tribe_tickets post_id=”24914″]
You don’t have to bake or make anything in your van to join in with the eventso go grab yourselves some delicious treats from the store.
If you aren’t planning on baking in your van we can highly recommend The Cornish Company to grab yourself a pre-made afternoon tea. We have reached out to them to get you a discount code too!
There are many variations of an Afternoon Tea and it can be entirely customised to suit your taste. Here are some of the classic elements found in an Afternoon Tea.
Here is our very own recipe for making mini scones in an Omnia Oven
Last year we were dispersed across the UK & as far as Portugal and the Algarve and we all managed to meet up and have afternoon tea together via the magic of GoogleMeet! This year we are free to meet in person so be sure to get booked into the campsite. Spaces are very limited!
Looking forward to seeing you there in person or live on Google Meet!
The Story of Our Ambulance Conversion: “Florence the Ambulance”
In 2019, we realised that our beloved VW T4 just wasn’t big enough for our ever-growing vanlife adventures. We needed something roomier, more practical, and better suited for long-term travel. After considering numerous options, one particular vehicle caught our attention—a retired Fiat Ducato ambulance!
It wasn’t just the size; we saw personality in this van. Knowing the heroic duties it had performed, we felt compelled to give “Flo” a well-deserved second life filled with adventure and exploration.
Why an Ambulance Conversion?
Flo is an H3 L4 model, meaning she has a long wheelbase and a high roof—perfect for standing room and extra space. While she had clocked 225,000 miles, we weren’t deterred. Many ambulances at auction had over 400,000 miles, and since emergency vehicles undergo rigorous maintenance schedules, we felt confident she had been well cared for.
The van was in excellent condition but still fully kitted out for medical emergencies, complete with cupboards labeled “Body Bags” and an overwhelming array of gadgets! I must confess, I have a soft spot for techy gadgets, so rather than stripping everything out, we decided to retain as many of the original features as possible.
Planning the Layout
We used SketchUp to map out the perfect van layout. It had to be versatile—it would be my full-time home, a weekend space for children, and a comfortable base for Sophie and me on our frequent travels.
We later discover “Van Space” which we now use for designing our layout. Its an incredible program!
Since we were working with a tight budget, we aimed to repurpose as many materials as possible. We salvaged unwanted furniture from friends and family, scoured online marketplaces, and collected any useful discarded items we could find.
The Conversion Process
The first step was a deep clean. While the ambulance was already in decent condition, we wanted to make absolutely sure that every surface had been disinfected.
Then came the strip-down. We removed the ambulance furnishings, including the plastic wall linings, to access the inner cavities for insulation improvements. A word of advice for anyone converting an ex-ambulance—don’t rely on the existing insulation; it needs upgrading!
The flooring was another challenge. Many of the floor bolts were corroded, making removal a nightmare. However, once we got it up, we added extra insulation and replaced it with durable, hard-wearing vinyl flooring.
For the walls, we opted for ply cladding, and we repurposed the overhead ambulance cabinets—sturdy aluminum units that added a clean, modern touch.
Windows and Ventilation
Luckily, the ambulance already had several additional windows, but we decided to install another on the side and one more at the rear. With our limited tools, let’s just say there was some bodging involved! Cutting into the van was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of the build—nothing quite prepares you for slicing into your home-on-wheels.
Building the Bed and Kitchen
For the bed, we got creative by repurposing an old bunk bed that was being thrown out. After some clever modifications, it became a lightweight yet sturdy double bed, complete with small steps for easy access.
Since we’re both huge foodies, the kitchen was a priority. Our first iteration was an upcycled wooden butcher’s block, which served us well for a while. Later, we upgraded to a larger worktop for more cooking space and storage.
Tackling the Electrics
The electrics proved to be one of the biggest headaches. Ambulances use a system called “Genesis,” which controls everything. Figuring out how to bypass it was a painstaking process, but eventually, we got the wiring functioning like a standard campervan.
We installed two 100W solar panels with a budget-friendly controller and a split charge relay to keep our leisure batteries charged while driving. While it was a basic setup, it provided all the power we needed for our daily vanlife essentials.
Living Through the Build
I had to live in the van throughout the conversion, which made things even trickier. Imagine constantly working around construction materials, dust, and half-finished projects while also dealing with the occasional minor injury from clambering over tools and debris. But after just a few weeks of hard work, Flo was at a point where we could finally start enjoying some adventures.
A Major Setback
Just as we thought we were ready to hit the road, we encountered a massive problem—our newly converted home was officially registered as a 4-tonne vehicle! Most long-wheelbase vans are 3.5 tonnes, which would have been fine for my standard license. But at 4 tonnes, I wasn’t legally allowed to drive it.
Downgrading the weight wasn’t a feasible option, so the best solution was to upgrade my driving license. This involved weeks of HGV lessons, a theory test, and a practical exam. For months, we were stuck, unable to drive Flo anywhere!
Cost Breakdown
The van itself cost £4,000, and the initial conversion came to another £3,000, bringing the total to £7,000—a fantastic achievement considering what we built. Of course, as time went on, we made more improvements, adding a shower, upgrading the electrics, and tweaking the layout. You wouldn’t believe how many times we installed and removed the shower before getting it just right!
Follow Our Journey
Florence the Ambulance has taken us on incredible adventures, and her story is far from over. We’d love for you to check out our van tour and follow our progress. Van conversions aren’t just about creating a home on wheels; they’re about building a lifestyle of freedom, adventure, and creativity.
If you’re considering your own van conversion, whether it’s an ambulance or another type of van, we hope our experience inspires and helps you along the way. Watch our tour and conversion videos for more insights and inspiration!
Looking for vegan autumnal snacks for vanlife? Look no further, @wellnesswanderersyoga update us with their global travels and share 5 healthy, vegan autmnal snacks for vanlife. Most of these recipes require an oven, but do not fear, with a bit of creativity these recipes can be adapted for any vanlife adventure.
To find out more about this family that wanders and teaches yoga around the world, check out their website https://wellnesswanderers.co/ Let’s hand over to them for their thoughts on Autumn and their 5 vegan autumnal recipes!
“Fall is here! We are in the French Alps right now and today is a very windy, cloudy Fall day, perfect for eating some of our favorite snacks of the season: Butternut Squash Fries; Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes; Candied Pecans; Apple Crisp and Chai Tea. These are all not only delicious but warming and comforting.
These autumnal snacks are all healthy, vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free and perfect for vanlife adventures. Healthy eating with natural, organic foods like these is an important part of our wellness lifestyle. We also try our best to eat local and in season for the sake of our health and that of the planet. When on a vanlife adventure it is a great opportunity to shop locally and enjoy local produce! I did notice that the sweet potatoes we bought were from Spain but I think in Europe that could be considered local considering the countries are not too far apart. 😊
Another important part of our wellness lifestyle is movement. While we have our daily yoga practice to rely on for movement, Autumn is a great time to go for long walks. Here in the Alps, we’ve found some pretty steep hikes into the mountains. I especially love movement that is simply part of our daily activities. Just getting our groceries in this town requires a good walk that goes up and downhill a few times. And there is always the need to walk our dogs which is a great way to get us out and moving even when we feel like all we want to do is snuggle up on the couch. Once we’re outside, of course, we’re always glad for it. The movement and fresh air is always refreshing and energizing. Having movement throughout the day, especially if you work at a desk or on the computer a lot, is an important part of a healthy lifestyle especially in vanlife.
And, finally, we consider taking time to pause and be still another important part of being healthy. Autumn is the perfect time to make space for stillness in our lives because the cooler temperatures and the changes in the trees and plants invite us to go within and also to notice the beauty around us more. This is a great time to reflect on any changes in ourselves and the world around us as well as finding our center of strength and calm in the midst of it all. We make meditation, sitting or lying down, a part of our daily practice. And there are also opportunities in the midst of the day, by taking a few minutes to be alone (maybe in the bathroom or by putting your head down on your desk) to close your eyes and breathe, or by stopping to gaze at something in nature for a few minutes while letting thoughts float by, or even by eating these yummy snacks, slowing down and giving your full attention to the details like smell, texture, where its from, who made it.
We hope you enjoy these fun and healthy Fall snacks as much as we do”
These cinnamon sweet potatoes are one of 5 delicious Autumnal recipes that Wellness Wanderers Yoga shared with us. It’s perfect for those Autumn days when your craving a delicious snack. Vegan, gluten free and only 3 ingredients! These are great for a campervan with an oven, and can be eaten as a snack or as a side dish. You can read their article with all recipes here!
These incredibly delicious Sweet Potatoes are the perfect snack to nourish and re-energize. Quick and easy to make and the perfect combination of the best Fall flavors, these Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes will soon become your go-to treat.
These Crunchy, Munchy squash fried are one of 5 delicious Autumnal recipes that Wellness Wanderers Yoga shared with us. They’re perfect for those Autumn days when your craving a delicious snack or as a side dish. You can read their article with all recipes here!
Ever feel like you want a healthy snack but there’s nothing good in the cupboard. These fries make the perfect savory snack or a great addition to a meal. You can add them into a stir-fry or have them with a burger.
This delicious Candied Pecans are one of 5 delicious Autumnal recipes that Wellness Wanderers Yoga shared with us. They are perfect for those Autumn days when your craving a delicious snack. You can read their article with all recipes here!
These are one of our favorite treats for movies! They are a great popcorn substitute because they are crunchy and fun. This recipe is really easy once you have got it down and the whole family can enjoy them.
Put pecans in a jar with enough water to cover them with 2 teaspoons of salt and stir.
Let pecans soak for 3 to 4 hours.
Then put the pecans on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and leave in the oven for 1 hour.                                        Â
When the pecans are crispy and warm, take them out of the oven and set aside to cool.
Place a pot the stove on medium-high heat.Â
Put the monk fruit in and let it melt, swirling the pot to stir (the monk fruit will stick to the spoon).Â
When its melted, put the pecans in and stir (be very careful because the melted monk fruit is very hot).
When they are combined, put them back on the tray to cool for about 5 minutes.  Enjoy!!
This decaf Chai Spice Tea is one of 5 delicious Autumnal recipes that Wellness Wanderers Yoga shared with us. It’s perfect for those Autumn days when you need warming up! You can read their article with all recipes here!
This is a delicious tea. Drink some while reading a book or hanging out with your family. Its perfect for any day. We especially enjoy it during the winter and fall, when a warm cup of tea is just what we need.
Steep the tea bags in a medium-size pot of water. The longer the better for a stronger flavor.             Â
Mix the spices with the coconut milk in a mason jar,shaking it with the lid on or by using a blender stick
Now fill your tea cup to a ½ to 2/3 with the tea and fill the rest with the spiced coconut milk and stir. Â
Notes
Optional: mix all of the milk with the pot of tea.Optional: stir in honey to tea as desired.Any leftovers can be stored in the jar in your fridge to be warmed up anytime you’d like a cup of chai. Enjoy! Just in case you want to know what steeping is…https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-steeping-2355586     Â
This flavourful Appily Apple crisp is one of 5 delicious Autumnal recipes that Wellness Wanderers Yoga shared with us. It’s perfect for those Autumn days when your craving a delicious snack. You can read their article with all recipes here!
Melt the butter, pour it into the flour mixture and stir until combined.
Add the date syrup.
Melt coconut oil and mix with chopped apples and the spices.
Put the apple mixture in a non-oiled 8 x 8 pan and sprinkle the crumble evenly on top.
Place the pan in the oven.
After 20 minutes, cover with tin foil to prevent burning.
After 1 to 1 1/2 hours, when the apples have become mushy, remove from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes. Enjoy!                                     Â
Sometimes the accidental recipes come out as the best recipes and this is a perfect example. Amazing Naan Bread to make in your campervan. This recipe is for 1 Big Naan that you can share.
In a small bowl add the dried yeast and 1/2 a cup of luke warm water and a pinch of sugar. Leave to activate for 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl add the flour, a few cracks of salt and form a well in the centre.
When the yeast is activated and you can see it bubbling on the surface slowly add it to the flour gradually mixing from the center of the well you made bringing the flour in bit by bit. When the yeast water has all gone slowly add the coconut milk. Keep adding until you have a tacky not wet and not dry dough mix. Do not overwork the dough.Cover with a wet towel for an hour.
Chill for half an hour.
Heat the table spoon of oil in a pan and add half the pack of vegan mince.
Dice the onion, slice the chilli and garlic and add it to the pan along with the squirt of tomato paste.
Sprinkle the curry powder over the top and mix well. Add a splash of water every now and then to make the mixture sticky but not wet.
Cook for 15 minutes until the onions look translucent. Let cool in a bowl for 10 minutes before the next step.
Take the dough from the bowl and roughly break it into two lumps. Press the first lump of dough out as flat and thin as you can on a floured surface. Make sure it hasn't stuck to the surface.
Take a spoonful of your mince and spread it out evenly across the surface of the dough.
Press out the second dough ball either in your hand as I do or on a floured surface. It wants to be roughly the same size as the first.Lay the dough across the filling and fold and press in all the edges to seal it.
Heat a pan on medium with no oil. We like to use a gridle pan so that the bread presses into the groves and goes nice and crispy.
Using a flat spatula / turner carefully lift the bread into the pan and press the bread into the pan taking care not to split the dough.
Cook for about 3 minutes and then flip the Naan bread over. You may need a plate to help with this.Cook for another 3 minutes and then flip again so that each side gets about 6 minutes each.Keep an eye out that nothing burns and you may need to cook a little longer on each side.
When it looks cooked on each side remove from the pan and leave to rest for 5 minutes.
Cut it in half or quarters and enjoy this amazing Naan Bread.
Notes
Double up on the ingredients if you want to make a large Naan each and use the whole packet of mince and whole onion.Â
I made these Nutella cookies for biscuit week for Van Bake off. Since I made them Mark has not stopped raving about them (or eating them). I need to get some more Nutella to keep him well supplied. These 3 ingredient Nutella cookies are soft on the middle with a nice crisp cookie texture on the edges. We love that they only need 3 ingredients, which are items you may already have in your van kitchen. They are super quick to knock up – making them an ideal van snack. Great for those moments when you need something sweet and are looking through the van kitchen cupboards.
These 3 ingredient Nutella cookies are definitely a new firm favourite in our van.
3 ingredient Nutella cookies
Vegetarian
These cookies are super easy to make, and best of all only require 3 ingredients!
5 from 1 vote
5 ingredients or less – No fridge – No water – Quick cook – Stove top meal
Take a small handful at a time and mould into 14-15 round shape balls.
If using an Omnia oven you will need to cook in batches. Place 5 balls into the Omnia and push down with a fork. They don't spread very much during cooking so you may be able to fit more.
Cook on a low/medium heat for 15 minutes. The outer part of the biscuit should start to firm up. Take them out and leave them to cool.
Notes
We used the silicone mould for our Omnia oven for these so they didn’t stick. Remember the Omnia will get hotter so the first batch may take slightly longer than the remaining batches. Be sure to keep an eye on them when baking and don’t be tempted to turn the heat up too much or you’ll get a burnt bottom!
This Omnia blackberry cake is ideal for using up foraged blackberries. The classic blackberry is an easy fruit to forage, easily recognisable and plentiful. We foraged these on one of our van adventures, and decided to use them in a cake for Van Bake Off. This can be enjoyed with icing on the top, cream or blackberry coulis. We enjoyed some with custard too!
Blackberry Omnia Cake
Vegetarian
This Omnia Cake is great for using up foraged blackberries. You can add icing, make your own coulis or even serve with cream or custard!
The time has come for Van Bake off 2021! It’s that time of the year again, the dark nights are becoming longer, and the temperatures are dropping. Sounds like a perfect excuse to eat baked goods and get put on a few extra pounds. So join in with Van Bake off 2021 – we look forward to seeing your bakes!
What is Van Bake off?
The Great British Bake off is a show on Channel 4 in the UK. It features bakers competing against each other to bake the best cakes, biscuits, pastry and bread. If you haven’t seen it before, be prepared, you will be hungry afterwards!
We have teamed up with the lovely ladies at Brown Bird and Company as we did last year to judge van bake off. Each week we will copy the theme from bake off the week previously. Last year we saw cake week, biscuit week, bread week and even a Japanese week. You can see last years entries and winning recipes here or on our Instagram Highlights here.
Why enter Van Bake off 2021?
Van bake off 2021 is a great way to show off your cooking and baking skills! Each week a star baker will be selected. They will receive a Vanlife Eats sticker and will have their recipe featured on our website. At the end of Van Bake off an overall winner will be selected. The lucky winner will receive either an Omnia Oven or £50 towards items from the Brown Bird Store (This is limited to UK Mainland only).
How to enter Van Bake off 2021
Vanlife Eats alongside Brown Bird and Company will judge the creation, based on the presentation, the suitability of campervan baking and also how in theme the bake is. Each week a winner will be chosen as STAR BAKER, their recipe will get featured on this very site! Each star baker is then in with a chance of winning an Omnia Stove top oven or accessories courtesy of Brown Bird and Company.
To enter, bake an item that fits with that weeks theme, you can find out the current theme on our Instagram or Facebook. Upload your photo and tag us & Brown Bird and/or use #vanbakeoff.
For example, week one is cake week so you would bake a cake of your choosing using vanlife kitchen style equipment. We appreciate not everyone lives full time in their vans so it’s ok to cook out of your van, but please keep in mind the suitability of the recipe being baked in a van.
Photos must be uploaded by Monday afternoon (UK time) and a winner will be selected and announced on Monday evenings. This competition is open to the UK mainland only. Each winner will only be contacted by our Instagram account, we have no other accounts and we will not ask for any card or bank information. Stay safe!
Van Bake off – Cake Week
So week 1 in Van Bake off is Cake week! In the show they made a swiss roll, a malt loaf and an anti-gravity showstopper. Let’s see what our van bakers made…
@maxineoutdoors
@fablabnomads
@great_big_exploring_old_hector
@the.vandersons
Winner of Van Bake off Week One
This week’s star baker went to Lesley of @stillyoungatart for her beautiful heart shaped cake for her husband Richard. One of the things we love about food here at Vanlife Eats is the power food has at bringing people together, and showing how much you love someone. Just like this cake! If you would like to replicate this is your van, then be sure to click on the recipe here.
We decided to make the most of some blackberries we foraged on our recent trip away to the Cotswolds – You can see what else we got up to here! So we decided to add them to a basic sponge recipe to make a delicious Blackberry cake.
If you want to try this recipe yourself, you can click here. This can be cooked in a conventional oven also, if you don’t yet have an Omnia then you need to enter Van Bake off to be in with a chance of winning one!
Van Bake off – Biscuit week
So week 2 in Great British Bake off and Van Bake off is biscuit week! On the show we saw them create some impressive brandy snaps, jam-filled biscuits and a biscuit replica of a favourite childhood toy – 3D too obviously! We were excited to see what our van bakers came up with. They didn’t disappoint.
@stillyoungatart
@brownbirdandcompany
@forkintheroadbex
@great_big_exploring_old_hector
Winner of Van Bake off week 2
The winner of this week’s van bake off had to go to @vanvistas. They managed to replicate Brandy snaps – in their Omnia oven. A feat neither us or Brown Bird were willing to take on. Recipe coming soon….
We decided to keep it simple for biscuit week, a week we always dread in van bake off – as it means batches and batches in our Omnia Oven. We made these delicious 3 ingredient nutella cookies.
Van Bake Off – Bread week
Week three on The Great British Bake off saw the contestants baking focaccia, ciabatta sticks and a milk bread display.
Here is week one’s star Baker of van bake off. Week one was cake week and Lesley of @stillyoungatart made this gorgeous looking victoria sponge for husband Richard. She chose to use a traditional raspberry jam as filling and even included some fresh strawberries.
You can cover in icing sugar to keep with tradition, or add whipped cream and grated chocolate for extra indulgence.
Show the one you love just how much you love them with a heart shaped cake. This recipe is a victoria Sponge recipe, but uses less sugar than a standard sponge.
If it's a bit thick add a drop of milk to give the consistency of batter
Pour into 1 or 2 sandwich tins. Bake at 170 -180°C for 20 mins or until a skewer comes out clean once inserted into the centre
Turn onto a wire rack to cool. If baked in 1 piece cut into half (either way is fine to give 1/2 a deep cake or a full shallow cake)
Once cooled spread one 1/2 with jam (raspberry is traditional) and the other 1/2 with whipped double cream
I also added a layer of strawberries to the jam. The top is usually sprinkled with icing sugar but we didn't have any so I topped it with more whipped cream then finely grated some chocolate on top
Join the organic movement and support local organic farmers while enjoying tasty meals. In this post, we celebrate Organic September by going over what organic means, why you should shop organic and five tips to help you on your journey after this Organic Month.
Check out our recipes tab for inspiration of van-friendly meals you can make with fresh organic produce in a tiny van kitchen or using an outdoor cooker. We are constantly adding new meals to our Vanlife Eats recipe database, so there are always plenty of meal ideas to choose from when you are planning a trip away.
We realise that funds and resources may be limited when on a van life adventure, but there are many reasons why consuming organic products are better for your health and the enviroment.
What is Organic Month?
Organic Month, aka Organic September! The Soil Association has dedicated September to championing the benefits of organic foods and sustainable farming without pesticides for farming that is better for our health, local wildlife and the planet.Â
So as September ends join us and begin to shop more organically when you travel on the road in your van and make some easy swaps to reduce your environmental impact with nature-friendly foods every month – let’s not limit it to one!
What Exactly Does ‘Organic’ Mean?
The term organic when referring to crop production is farming using methods that consider the whole ecosystem. This means that farmers must consider how their farming impacts the soil, ecosystems, wildlife, water sources and the people who live near the farm or consume the foods. For a farm to certify as organic, the government must inspect it annually. In order to pass inspection, this is what the farms must consider:
Using fewer or no pesticides. Pesticides are chemicals applied to crops to eliminate pests such as insects that eat the crops or weeds and fungus, which can kill the plants. Organic farming uses natural means of protecting the crops and encourages biodiversity rather than punishing it with chemicals.
Using no synthetic fertilisers and instead focus on using natural products, such as animal manure and compost.
Avoid using antibiotics for animals.
Typically GMO-free.
Why You Should Swap To Organic Produce
Better for the Planet
Organic farming reduces the impact of agriculture on local ecosystems as it uses fewer chemicals in the soil and does not leach harmful substances into the water supplies.
Better for Wildlife
Decreasing pesticide dependence can help preserve wildlife populations and sustain (and hopefully increase) local biodiversity.
Better for the People
Pesticides can also be harmful to humans to ingest, and there is also a risk of antibiotic resistance.
5 Top Tips Choosing Organic Goods When Travelling In Your Van
Some tips about supporting the organic farming movement may suggest growing food at home, in an allotment or in communal gardens. However, living and travelling in a van makes it challenging to implement these ideas, so we have come up with five easy ways you can get involved in Organic September and in the future.
Choose Organic Fresh Produce
Of course, the most obvious way to help the organic movement is to vote with your pennies and purchase organically grown foods. Make conscious choices to choose organic varieties of your favourite fruits and vegetables at supermarkets or, better yet, find organic farmers markets and support local sellers and independent shops.
When you are on the road, look out for the word ‘organic’ on packaging, check the UK-origin produce number – it should say GB-ORG-XX when the food is certified organic – or look out for the EU organic logo, which is a green symbol with stars in a leaf shape.
Volunteer at an Organic Farm
The beauty of travelling in a van is that you can choose a destination where you can volunteer. This is a great way to support farmers, meet new people who share your values and learn about the importance of organic farming.
Use WWOOF UK to connect with almost 400 organic farms all over the country and lend a hand along your trip. They have also partnered with 132 countries worldwide, so you can find communities living sustainably on organic farms almost anywhere you plan to travel.
Do your research about the area you are travelling to or any stops along the way and pinpoint any places using certified organic produce on their menus. The Soil Association has several examples, or you could search on Google or using social media hashtags to find places on your route.Â
Eat Seasonally
Eating seasonally is another way you can reduce the environmental impact of your food as the food is likely to have been grown more locally, use less packaging in transportation, and use less water. Not only this but eating foods in season actually taste better and may even contain more nutrients as the flavours are able to develop when picked at peak times of the harvest.
Check out the HUBBUB guide to eating seasonally for more information about what foods are in seasons locally to you or where you are travelling.Â
Shop for Sustainable Beauty and Cosmetics
If you have nailed shopping for organic food, how about considering your beauty, cosmetic products, or even cleaning supplies? Just like you can avoid the overuse of pesticides and contribute to farming practices that harm wildlife when you shop for organic food, you can avoid products that use harsh chemicals and test on animals. Instead, you could opt to make your own products or take a peek at the Soil Association’s cheat sheet to find beauty and wellbeing products.Â
Summary
Happy Organic September van lifers and travel enthusiasts!
Hopefully, you have gained some new knowledge about what it means to be organic and how to support organic farming and sustainably grown food.
Let us know your favourite way to shop organic on the road or if you have had any experience volunteering at an organic farm. We would love to share your experiences on @Vanlife_Eats on Instagram.Â
Choosing appropriate food and snacks to bring with you on a hike will help you maintain energy and keep you enjoying your day out. If you don’t bring the right type of food, you could find yourself burnt out with a few miles still to go. The best hiking food is lightweight, nutritious, and full of calories to keep you energized. This post will take you through the best hiking snacks and give you some ideas for lunch.
Have a plan
To provision for your day hike, you need to plan where you will be hiking. You need to know how long it will take and how much you are going to be ascending or descending. This will directly affect how many calories you burn. If you are planning a big day out with long miles and lots of ascent, be sure to pack a few extra snacks. It can also be useful to know what the weather is going to be like so you can plan how much water to bring, and what layers to pack.
Planning for a day hike can be done in several ways. Use maps, like OS maps, to scope out trails and what the terrain may be like. There are also a few great mapping apps like Alltrails and Viewranger. With these you can plot your course for the day to find out how far your hike will be. With your plan established it’s time to choose, and pack, some food for your day hike.
Park your van safely
You’ll likely be gone for a good few hours, if not the whole entire day so make sure you have parked somewhere safe such as a public car park with CCTV.
If you park your van in a remote and secluded spot your risk a break in.
What are the best snacks for a day hike?
Choosing the best snacks for a hike is important. It could be the make or break of your walk. They will give you the extra boost to push you further up the hill or get you further along the trail.
Its also vital to keep your brain stimulated and to increase your awareness of your surroundings and actions. Choosing the right snack will help keep your wits about you.
The best hiking snack should be:
Nutritious: High in carbohydrate, protein, fibre and electrolytes.
Minimal cooking required: Snacks should be food on the go
Lightweight: Keep your snacks light in weight and easy to carry in your bag
Filling: Slow release energy will help avoid any crash and burnouts
Bring a little extra: You never know when you might need a snack whilst hiking
While it can be tempting to fill your backpack with an assortment of gummies and sweets, this isn’t the wisest choice. Sweets are a great boost to energy, but they provide this over a short period of time. If you are planning to spend 8 hours in the mountains, you need slow-release calorie dense hiking snacks.
It’s also important to get the right balance between savoury and sweet snacks. If you only pack sweet treats you will soon have cravings for salty food, and vice versa. Try to pack an even split of sweet and savoury so that you can satisfy your appetite.
Here are some of the best hiking snacks to help maintain your energy while on the trail.
Fruit and nut mix. Also known as trail mix, this really should be your go to hiking snack. Nuts are loaded with healthy fats to give you slow-release energy. While fruit, like raisins, dried mango and banana chips are full of natural sugar to give you a quick kick of energy.
Jerky or other dried meats. Savoury, salty hiking snacks are just as important as sweet ones. As you sweat you will lose salts and electrolytes, savoury snacks like beef jerky can help replenish these.
Cheese and crackers. This is a great snack because it is a little more filling. Pre-slice some chunks of your favourite cheese to lay over some crackers. Store this all together in a small Tupperware box in your backpack.
Homemade flapjacks. Flapjacks are packed with oats, which is arguably the king of slow-release energy. These also take up virtually no space for the amount of calorie punch they pack. Flapjacks are another top shelf hiking snack.
Snack bars. There are so many different types of snack bars around these days, there is bound to be something you like. Take a trip to the supermarket and pick out two or three to pack into your bag.
What type of food should I bring for lunch while hiking?
During a day hike you won’t typically want to cook anything for lunch. It’s better to have something pre-prepared that you can bring in your backpack. Your lunch choice should consist of a good portion of carbohydrates. This will provide that oh so important release of energy. The best carbs are pasta, rice, wraps or bread. These are all great when cold which means you can prepare something the night before.
You also want to include a form of protein for your lunch. Protein is a macro-nutrient that helps build and repair muscle and as your muscles will be under a lot of strain whilst hiking, you might want to give them some attention.
For vegetarians or vegans, chickpeas, beans, spinach, nuts, and lentils are all great choices. These can be combined with one of the carbohydrates above, and some sort of dressing or sauce for flavour. For meat eaters it’s best to prepare something the night before and eat it cold on the day. Chicken is one of the better choices as it can be adapted to different flavours to suit any dish.
There really are a ton of great options for lunch while hiking, your imagination is the limit. Here are three ideas for lunch on your next day hike.
The classic sandwich. The age-old classic sandwich is a viable hiking lunch. However, avoid using thin white bread with drab toppings like cheese slices. Pick out a more filling sourdough or wholewheat loaf and fill it with delectable toppings. Salami, turkey slices, halloumi, pesto, nut butters and humous are all great ideas to stuff into your sandwich.
Pasta salad. This is a personal favourite. Pasta is a great choice for lunch on a hike because it is delicious even when cold. Stay away from egg-based products like mayonnaise as they don’t keep well out of the fridge, instead use a dressing or vinaigrette. Pasta salad can be loaded with fresh veggies for a healthy and filling lunch on the trail.
Chicken or veggie wraps. Wraps are fantastic because they are hard to squash. This means if they end up at the bottom of your backpack, or get sat on, they won’t be ruined. Sliced chicken can add protein to your lunch, or you can stick with a fresh veggie wrap.
Pre-hike meal
Something that is often overlooked is what you consume before you set out on your hike. Loading with carbohydrates will help ensure you have energy for the day ahead. A big breakfast, like pancakes with fresh fruit, will set you up for your adventures.
Complex carbs, high protein and fibrous foods are the best nutrition for a pre hike meal for the slow release of energy throughout the follow hours. Whole foods such as wholemeal bread, nuts, berries and Greek yogurt will give you a long release of energy to keep you energised on your hike.
While you are eating make sure to get hydrated as well. Try to drink a litre of water before you even start hiking.
Hopefully this post has given you some ideas for hiking meals, and what type of food to bring with you on a day hike. Let us know what your favourite hiking snacks and lunches are!
Bonus tip
There is little better than a hearty cooked meal after a long day of hiking. The trouble is you are exhausted and don’t want to cook anything!
We can’t recommend enough the Wonderbag for times like this. Throw together a stew style meal before you head off, place it in the wonderbag and when you get back from your hike you have a delicious slow cooked meal ready to warm you up.
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