Since breakfast is kind of where my passion for food started, let’s tackle a decent spread in the RV kitchen: Biscuits, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and eggs.

A lot of people don’t like using their ovens or stoves in their RVs because of the heat and humidity they create. I have a convection oven/microwave in mine, so it is much more efficient than using a traditional oven, and that means less heat loss into the interior of the RV. It also means a smaller size, so sometimes foods have to be baked individually. Though this does take longer to prepare a meal, the results will be negligible in the final outcome. You don’t think restaurants make everything from scratch for every order, do you?

I started with the biscuits, but you can just as easily start with the bacon. Today I am using pre-made biscuits that go in the oven for 13-17 minutes at 350. From experience, I have learned that in my oven it is more like 21 minutes at 360. One of the reasons why is because I use a cast iron skillet to place my biscuits on, and the skillet soaks up some of the heat. Why use cast iron? Well, I am a huge fan of the flavor, the even heating, and the easy cleanup. They are also darn near indestructible, and very versatile. I can use one skillet to sauté, pan fry, deep fry, bake, simmer, or boil.

I preheat my oven with the cast iron skillet inside to get everything nice and cozy. When it is ready, I place the biscuits around the outside (I am using the ones where there are 5 large biscuits per container) and put it back in the oven for 13 minutes. Obviously, if you need more biscuits, or like the smaller ones, those will work just as well. After the 13 minutes is up I flip them over to get some brown on the bottom as well. In for another 4 minutes. After that, if I want some more brown on top (it can vary) I will flip them again and they go back in for another 4 minutes. I then remove the pan from the oven and place it on the stove or somewhere safe to cool.

Next comes the bacon. I used to fry my bacon in cast iron as well, but after cooking in restaurants I have become a fan of baking it. It is less messy, it cooks more evenly, and in my RV it means I am using less propane for the stove. I lay five pieces out on my custom built tray (my oven didn’t come with the rack it once had, and I haven’t gotten a new one for it yet), four for me and one for the puppies. I place a small baking pan underneath to catch the grease, and then cook them for 30 minutes at 375. Like I said earlier, you can do this step first, or even the day before, so that it takes less time in the morning, or whenever you eat breakfast.

After I get the bacon (or the biscuits, whichever one is the second step) going, I get out the white button mushrooms. The number of people I am cooking for dictates how many I will use, but for two of us it usually amounts to about a half dozen. If you really like mushrooms, use more! Wash them, cut them in half, and slice them up into 1/8th inch thick pieces. They go into yet another cast iron skillet with some melted butter. I use salted, you can use whatever you want. Once they are a laid out, I drizzle some Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) on them and then dust them with my “All Ya Need” spice blend, which is a simple combination of garlic, onion, and cayenne. Not enough to be hot, but just enough to give your tastebuds a little tingle. Cover and sauté until they are soft and have turned dark, usually about 15 minutes on very low heat. Don’t forget to toss them around a bit so they cook evenly.

At this point, the bacon is most likely done, and I can make my eggs. However you like them is up to you. I use a small, round egg pan so I can get that perfect look to a fried egg. While the egg is cooking, warm up whatever you cooked first and get it on the plate. I just toss them back into the oven since it is still warm from cooking the second round. When the eggs are done just plate it all up so it looks pretty and serve!

Recipe:

  • Biscuits- one can, your choice (Yes, there will be leftovers)
  • Bacon- two to four slices per person
  • White button mushrooms- about a half cup
  • Eggs- however many you want
  1. Cook the biscuits according to the directions on the package
  2. At the same time (if you have room, or if you are frying the bacon) make the bacon
  3. Slice the mushrooms into 1/8” thick pieces and sauté in butter, garlic, onion, and cayenne
  4. When everything else is done, cook your eggs the way you like them.

Serve and enjoy!