Boat Cooking in
Rough Weather
Boat Cooking in rough or foul weather presents some challenges. All too often the question of eating when the weather blows up ends up in the all too hard basket. While some are happy to subsist on canned food, which in all fairness these days are largely agreeable and palatable, there are the veteran cruisers and others who prefer "home cooked" quality non processed sustenance.
Rough weather eating brings on special nutritional requirements. The body is often subject to significantly lowered temperatures, with subsequently greater demands on energy reserves. A generally increased rate of activity means greater fatigue, impaired judgement and therefore greater energy input is required to replace it. Simply hanging on is demanding as we all know. So many end up in trouble as they simply run out of steam during protracted bad periods. Been there and done that I have to say.
Boat Cooking in Rough Weather
If the forecast looks a bit lumpy I always prepare meals ahead of time. The simplest things to make as the weather rises is vacuum flasks of soup, sandwiches as well as easy access to dried fruits and nuts (pecans have the highest energy rating). In extended weather periods however these backup meals quickly run out. The quest therefore becomes one of spending a minimal time in the galley while preparing the most soul restoring hot foods or good energy foods as possible.
Boat Cooking in Rough Weather - Carbohydrate
Loading
The athlete's way of "energizing" the body is equally important to cruisers as well. When bad or severe weather is in the offing, it is important to prime the body with energy foods and those foods capable of sustaining the body through the physically demanding rough period. Some of the regimes used by athletes are pretty drastic and are not really that necessary to a cruiser. Ideally increase carbohydrate intake to around 60% to 70% of total calorie intake in the period leading up to the weather if advance knowledge is available. If the bad weather is coming on quickly then load up as soon as possible, this is important as galley preparation is that much easier. Fluid intake during bad weather is also important, ideally add a small amount of fruit cordial to water, as it contains some liquid carbohydrates, or drink fruit juices, the long life ones are ideal. Drink small amounts regularly though. You can get a copy of the Great Cruising Cookbook here.
Boat Cooking in Rough Weather - Carbohydrate Sources
Porridge oats. Porridge oats is an excellent source of slow-release sustaining energy food, if you get the 1-minute variety you can be in and out of the galley in about 3 minutes. See the breakfast recipe chapter for porridge preparation.
Pastas. If you use the vacuum flask method you can have a sustaining meal with minimum time in the galley. Ideally a pasta soup is a great reviver.
Bananas. The great hand eaten energy food, indispensable as a quick meal, and good as a rough weather snack.
Breads. Ideally make up bread and butter slices and slice a banana on to it. Many people can get a little queasy and the munching of things like whole meal crackers serve the loading purpose as well as settling the stomach.
Rice. Again, use the vacuum flask method to prepare and vary the taste by adding soup mixes.
Vacuum Flask Rice
This requires a little initial experimentation, but worth the effort.
1. Add boiling water to a wide mouthed vacuum flask.
2. Optionally you can add in a one cup soup mix to give flavor, tomato or cream of mushroom taste great.
3. Add in a serving of rice. Allow to "cook" for a couple of hours and out comes ready-made boiled rice.
Vacuum Flask Pasta or Legumes
Follow the instructions for rice using any spiral or shell type pasta. You may have to experiment a little to get times and quantities correct but it is worthwhile. Again, add in a one cup tomato soup or similar to enhance the flavor. Shake and wait!
Pasta Frittata
This can be made before hand or when it gets bumpy, it is very quick to make and can be hand eaten hot or cold. It has good carbohydrate levels, and settles well in the stomach. You can substitute the pasta with rice.
1 cup milk; 8oz (250g) shell pasta; 6 eggs lightly beaten; 1 potato, boiled and diced; 1 tomato, diced
1. Whisk the milk into the eggs. Heat oil in a fry pan and add in cooked potatoes and tomatoes.
2. Add in the pasta and then pour over the egg mixture.
3. Pasta can be cooked in a vacuum flask as can the potato.
4. Cook until mixture sets, and if you have a grill, place the pan under the grill to set and brown the top.
Energy Drinks
A great pick-me-up drink, and the body will be forever grateful for it. There are many energy smoothie ideas to think about. I have this great little USB rechargeable blender which really works well. If you can chill the fruits to near freezing it works great. You can cook the 5 minute oats, or use steel cut or regular. You can changeout the coconut water for long life apple or orange juice
Mango chunks; Banana chunks; Pineapple chunks; ½ cup Quick cook oats; 4 tbsp Coconut water; 2 tbsp Honey; 2 tbsp Grated ginger; 2 tbsp Cocoa powder (option)
1. Add the fruits to a blender and pulse for 45 seconds.
2. Store in a vacuum flask.
I hope you find these great rough weather boat cooking ideas useful as I have done.