Pampered Redneck Beginnings

The adventure continues.  My family is coming up on another holiday season still living in our RV.  There is a lot of frustration over this but today I am going to share a triumph. 

I despise the trailer kitchen.  Too small does not even begin to describe, I am not happy in it. This says a lot because I am responsible for 3 meals a day just like the rest of you.  A year ago there was no way for me to cook a Thanksgiving dinner.  A turkey would not even fit in the oven.  We of course were invited out, problem solved.  This year we did not get invited to dinner right away and I was actually ok with the prospect of cooking for myself. 

I have come up with a complete outdoor cooking system that would rival any kitchen. I have always had a crock pot that I used outside and a bread machine, a rice cooker and an electric skillet.  What made my collection complete was a turkey roaster I purchased for about $25.00 at Wal-Mart last year.  I have learned that just about anything can be baked in the roaster with some extra time and patience.   Throw in a garage sale find of two electric burners and you now have what I affectionately call “Red Neck Cooking”. 

I have actually come full circle and now I am proud of my collection. I can often be heard bragging about tackling muffins, pies, soup, and my latest meatballs, with enthusiasm. 

On one such bragging moment, we were at the bank talking to an adviser and I told her that my pampered chef roasting pan fits in the turkey roaster perfectly. I made a chicken pot pie in my Red Neck kitchen.  She smiled for a moment and bestowed me with the amazing title of 

“Pampered Red Neck”. 

 How perfect is that???  I don’t think my feet touched the ground as I left that bank that day and I have been cooking and smiling ever since. 

So, back to Thanksgiving, I was ready for the challenge.  Supplies were purchased – all but the turkey- when the invitation came.  I was so relieved. Cupboards brimming with supplies, I offered to go ahead with most of my plan.  My gracious host allowed me to bring mashed potatoes, corn bread dressing, homemade rolls, pecan pie and custard pie.  I was so proud!  I have now learned, with so many appliances, my biggest concern is popping a circuit breaker! 

What really changed this year was my attitude.  I was very grumbly about my kitchen, but thankfully I did not stay there.  I honestly prayed about my culinary dilemma and piece by piece it was my attitude that was overcome.  Sometimes change does not happen in the blink of an eye.  Sometimes I have to look back so see how far I have come.  Even if we get a house with an appointed kitchen I may never give up my "Pampered Red Neck" status. 

 I think I have earned it.