Cooking in a Cali

[Hotel California]

Does this counts for cooking ......?

 

[SimplyDubs]

Does this counts for cooking ......?
View attachment 7312

Excellent... Nicely done.

Are they the Brandrup metal front window vents I see in the background? (Airscreens, I think) Love them.. have them for the Mutivan. Great bits of kit.

 

[Hotel California]

@SD , yep Brandrup airscreens , bit tricky to fit whit the electric window going automaticly down when it feels resistance...sometimes have to try few times lifting the window in place....

But euhhh , the tread is about Cali-cooking , my pizza 's getting Cold and the wine's getting hot so ...

 

[SimplyDubs]

But euhhh , the tread is about Cali-cooking , my pizza 's getting Cold and the wine's getting hot so ...

Very true...

BTW... It's entirely possible to cook fresh pizza on a Cadac, equally in summer I've found the warm Cali makes a perfect proving oven for the dough

Spicy salami and asparagus is a favourite

I've also modified my small Cadac so that it screws straight into the top of the 907 Cylinder, making it even a little more convenient.

 

[Hotel California]

Mine came in the karton box

 

[SimplyDubs]

Mine came in the karton box

The wine or the pizza?

 

[campandfly]

The Cadac is an outstanding piece of compact kit, we used it all last year, I loved it. The non-stick griddle plate is an excellent extra but just make sure you level the table if cooking eggs.

Which model of Cadac do you have?

 

[Martynl123]

We like the cadac that much we have two. We have the safari using hp gas. And a little one called go fishing (I think). We got the little one first for camping in a tent then upgraded but we do take both. and get out the best one for the job.

 

[Maurice]

Apologies for the slow response, just spotted the alert! I don't know the name of the one we have got but the gas bottle is ~ 17cm high and has a circular windshield and a lid/wok thing plus the griddle. I love cooking on it.

 

[Hotel California]

This is maybe a tip for new idea's

http://www.coleman.com/downloads/

 

[Hotel California]

Yup , we did it again....as posted earlyer/ above
My only problem is this time the table won't fit the pizza's

 

[EddySPalm]

Two large takeout pizzas in Norway... 40 quid easily!

 

[insomnia]

Was supposed to be camping this week so having a nice pie tonight instead

 

[TripleBee]

Yup , we did it again....as posted earlyer/ above
My only problem is this time the table won't fit the pizza's

View attachment 8745

You know you can take the table from the sliding door, get out the hinges, tilt it in the slider on the kitchen unit and take out the 2 opposite legs of the table.
Now you have a larger inside table.

 

[andyinluton]

Was supposed to be camping this week so having a nice pie tonight instead

View attachment 56514

What on earth exploded in that microwave?

 

[BayCatOne]

It adds a distinct umami flavour to anything microwaved.

 

[Lorri]

In colder weather we cook inside - yes it's a bit cramped but it's fine. Washing up is always done in campsite washrooms unless it's REALLY unpleasant outside!

When it's warmer, we have a fairly basic Sunncamp camping stove - two rings and a grille. It uses the same 901 bottles as the Cali. We used this pretty much all the time during our five weeks away and it worked fine. We stick it on the Cali picnic table.

We cook all sorts from Paella and curries to chillis and pasta dishes.

You can just about see it on the left side of this photo - this was Northern Spain:

View attachment 4906

Looks a lovely site/position where was this plse

 

[Karlos]

What on earth exploded in that microwave?

And in what decade?

 

[Elly Swanson]

Ridgemonkey pans are great in the van as with the lid down (on the pan, not necessarily the Cali) there’s less steam, and smell.

 

[Borris]

we would be grateful if you could share your thoughts on the ease ( or not ) of cooking in the cali ( we are looking into buying one at the moment ). Looking at the pictures of the interior there doesn't seem much room to stand at the hob and have the table up for food preparation, we are going to see one in a couple of weeks time but would appreciate users experiences, thanks.
R&A

Hello Regann,
The California is a fine vehicle but it can take a bit of getting use to. IMO cooking successfully in a Cali depends on almost military precision and discipline. As you have said, it's a tight space and unless you get everything you need out before you start cooking then you may start to find the setup rather irritating, or a least I did. Access to the under sink/cooker cupboards and under seat drawer are difficult at best whilst you are in the van with the table up so it usually involves bailing out first. If you are not well prepared you'll end up being in and out like a fiddlers elbow. Add a few family members into the mix on a rainy day and it could be a recipe for domestic strife.

The food prep surfaces you have available do at first glance appear to be quite generous. The empty glass tops covering the fridge, cooker, sink and the table of course appear very practical in the showroon. However, in practice the cooker will be in use leaving the table as the main food prep area. The sink and fridge top will be necessary to park stuff on. Unfortunately, the fridge is a top loader so be sure to get everything out before cooking or you will have to move everything off the top everytime you want access. He's a tip. We had a metal oven roasting tin with high sides that sat on an anti slip mat on top of the fridge lid. Mugs of coffee, condiments etc can be safely parked in that. It can be lifted off complete with contents in one action should access be required to the fridge. If anything spills it's retained within like a bunded area.

In practice we rarely cooked in our SE preferring the freedom of cooking in the great outdoors. If it was raining we went to the pub. If they are honest, you will find many owners that will tell you the same. Consequently, many Ocean kitchens get used for very little more than making hot drinks. IMO, cooking outside goes with the campervan lifestyle and enhances the sense of freedom. It's more sociable and doesn't leave Spag Bol spash marks on your new upholstery or cooking smells in your bedroom.

You asked for opinion and this is my honest appraisal.

 

[Borris]

Hello Regann,
The California is a fine vehicle but it can take a bit of getting use to. IMO cooking successfully in a Cali depends on almost military precision and discipline. As you have said, it's a tight space and unless you get everything you need out before you start cooking then you may start to find the setup rather irritating, or a least I did. Access to the under sink/cooker cupboards and under seat drawer are difficult at best whilst you are in the van with the table up so it usually involves bailing out first. If you are not well prepared you'll end up being in and out like a fiddlers elbow. Add a few family members into the mix on a rainy day and it could be a recipe for a little domestic strife.

The food prep surfaces you have available do at first glance appear to be quite generous. The empty glass tops covering the fridge, cooker, sink and the table of course appear very practical in the showroon. However, in practice the cooker will be in use leaving the table as the main food prep area. The sink and fridge top will be necessary to park stuff on. Unfortunately, the fridge is a top loader so be sure to get everything out before cooking or you will have to move everything off the top everytime you want access. He's a tip. We had a metal oven tray with high sides that sat on an anti slip mat on top of the fridge lid. Mugs of coffee, condiments etc can be safely parked in that. It can be lifted off complete with contents in one action should access be required to the fridge. If anything spills it's retained within like a bunded area.

In practice we rarely cooked in our SE preferring the freedom of cooking in the great outdoors. If it was raining we went to the pub. If they are honest, you will find many owners that will tell you the same. Consequently, many Ocean kitchens get used for very little more than making hot drinks. IMO, cooking outside goes with the campervan lifestyle and enhances the sense of freedom. It's more sociable and doesn't leave Spat Bol spash marks on your new upholstery or cooking smells in your bedroom.

You asked for opinion and this is my honest appraisal.

P.s Just realised how old this thread is.

 

[Vagophile]

P.s Just realised how old this thread is.

But interesting comment, nevertheless. Better late then never!

 

[Elly Swanson]

Hello Regann,
The California is a fine vehicle but it can take a bit of getting use to. IMO cooking successfully in a Cali depends on almost military precision and discipline. As you have said, it's a tight space and unless you get everything you need out before you start cooking then you may start to find the setup rather irritating, or a least I did. Access to the under sink/cooker cupboards and under seat drawer are difficult at best whilst you are in the van with the table up so it usually involves bailing out first. If you are not well prepared you'll end up being in and out like a fiddlers elbow. Add a few family members into the mix on a rainy day and it could be a recipe for a little domestic strife.

The food prep surfaces you have available do at first glance appear to be quite generous. The empty glass tops covering the fridge, cooker, sink and the table of course appear very practical in the showroon. However, in practice the cooker will be in use leaving the table as the main food prep area. The sink and fridge top will be necessary to park stuff on. Unfortunately, the fridge is a top loader so be sure to get everything out before cooking or you will have to move everything off the top everytime you want access. He's a tip. We had a metal oven roasting tin with high sides that sat on an anti slip mat on top of the fridge lid. Mugs of coffee, condiments etc can be safely parked in that. It can be lifted off complete with contents in one action should access be required to the fridge. If anything spills it's retained within like a bunded area.

In practice we rarely cooked in our SE preferring the freedom of cooking in the great outdoors. If it was raining we went to the pub. If they are honest, you will find many owners that will tell you the same. Consequently, many Ocean kitchens get used for very little more than making hot drinks. IMO, cooking outside goes with the campervan lifestyle and enhances the sense of freedom. It's more sociable and doesn't leave Spag Bol spash marks on your new upholstery or cooking smells in your bedroom.

You asked for opinion and this is my honest appraisal.

I’m with Boris on this. I’m a big fan of outdoor cooking.
Hadn’t thought of a roasting tin for a tray on top of the fridge. I’ve spent 6 months looking for a plastic one.
ikea do a brilliant roasting tin with handles. Good quality, very robust and good value. It also has a rack that could be used as a large trivet in the van or to lift hot stuff a little off the ground outside or on a table.

KONCIS roasting tin with grill rack, stainless steel, 40x32 cm - IKEA

KONCIS roasting tin with grill rack, stainless steel, 40x32 cm A perfect all-in-one tin. Put potatoes and vegetables in the bottom, lower the grill rack and put the chicken or steak on top – and put it in the oven or on the barbeque. The result is wonderfully tasty!

www.ikea.com

 

[Borris]

I’m with Boris on this. I’m a big fan of outdoor cooking.
Hadn’t thought of a roasting tin for a tray on top of the fridge. I’ve spent 6 months looking for a plastic one.
ikea do a brilliant roasting tin with handles. Good quality, very robust and good value. It also has a rack that could be used as a large trivet in the van or to lift hot stuff a little off the ground outside or on a table.

KONCIS roasting tin with grill rack, stainless steel, 40x32 cm - IKEA

KONCIS roasting tin with grill rack, stainless steel, 40x32 cm A perfect all-in-one tin. Put potatoes and vegetables in the bottom, lower the grill rack and put the chicken or steak on top – and put it in the oven or on the barbeque. The result is wonderfully tasty!

www.ikea.com

Yes Elly, that's exactly what we used. It works very well.

 

[Mowbotman]

You know you can take the table from the sliding door, get out the hinges, tilt it in the slider on the kitchen unit and take out the 2 opposite legs of the table.
Now you have a larger inside table.

Can you explain more on the above please ?