Cooking Without A Proper Kitchen.

*****Note: It did finally get cabinets and nice tile cabinet tops. But this relationship is no more and I am super happy it has been over since 2016. If your partner, significant other, spouse wants you to move into something that was even more unfinished than just this kitchen...run.  There are other things coming that are going to be unfinished in the relationship.  And that is all I am going to say on that. BUT the tips still are valid. Maybe you have a tiny house or a camper or dorm room or just a room...these suggestions can work well for you.*****

Since May 2014, when we moved into this "project home" my boyfriend is working on... I have not had a kitchen.  I have no cabinets, no counters, no stove.   (You say... what about a grill?  That is a project too, that needs new burners)!

What I do have is my microwave, a decent, large toaster oven, a crock pot and new to the cooking scene here... a George Foreman grill.  *A new edition:  Showtime Rotisserie that my boyfriend picked up for $15.00... never used.  Some of the stuff still in packaging.

So, my posts are now going to be ... how in the world do I actually cook and have a decent meal in these surroundings.... And this may also help those who live in a dorm or rent just a room or travels around in a camper ...

Tonight's menu is going to be grilled veggies:  yellow squash, zucchini, onion and mushrooms.  Also included... grilled steak.  Sounds pretty elementary.  But considering that we have been eating mostly frozen or instant kind of food... this is totally gourmet for this meal!  :-)

Here are some pics:

My "kitchen."

My "grill."

Dinner.

I will try to take pics as I cook so we can all see how this is gonna turn out.

So far... so good.  I am using an olive oil canola oil blend, sea salt and freshly ground pepper for seasoning on everything.

Okay... finished product.  It is a little past the rare I like... I think rare is probably hard to do on a grill such as this, but it is good enough.  I could probably leave it open next time and just cook one side at a time to get the desired cook on it that I like.

Now... do I turn this into a ramen noodle bowl?  A rice bowl?  Or just leave it as is and enjoy?  

Pictures of other equipment:

7 Quart Crock Pot

I have had this "toaster" oven for YEARS.  I have not used the rotisserie feature on it.

I have baked cakes, pies and even muffins in it.  Shake n Bake drumettes and pork chops.  

You can do A LOT of stuff with this model.

Please don't laugh... this is an ancient model of microwave.  It was my Mom and Dad's.  They are no longer here.  I do the very basics in this.

Newest edition thanks to my boyfriend.  $15.00 Showtime Rotisserie, never used.