[Sca-cooks] Pennsic queries....

otsisto otsisto at socket.net
Tue Jun 29 14:13:07 PDT 2010


I have found that lining a cooler for meats with aluminum foil helps.
Separate coolers as others have recommended.
Create a layer that will go inside on top so that as the food is removed you
condense the area needed to be cooled. This can be achieved by getting the
freezable ice cube sheets cut to fit. Or styrofoam covered in aluminum foil
with a finger hole for lift out. Another way is to take a bunch of
washcloths, dampen them and fold them, put them in individual ziplock bags,
freeze them and then layer them on top. This helps to insulate and when
needed on a hot day, pull a washcloth out and cool down.
Added to the above is to cover the cooler. If you or someone is creative you
can make a "quilted" cover the lining would be the vinyl felt backed
material which you can either get at a fabric store or a vinyl tablecloth,
the outer material needs to be light coloured and can be vinyl felt backed
or canvas, fairly something durable. Fabric should be medium to thick as the
more layers and thickness the better the insulation. But also take into
account wash ability.
Try to keep it in as much shade during the day as possible. Placing it in a
tent that is closed up and doesn't get a draft is not good because even
though it is technically not getting direct sunlight but you are "baking"
the cooler (unless it is a muggy day then it's steaming it).
Dry ice is your friend but if you mix the dry ice and regular ice you will
find that the regular ice will melt and reform into ice around the dry ice
enveloping any and all items next to the dry ice.
Pack the cooler with foods for the last meal at the bottom and layer up to
the foods for the first meal (best you can) this way you get in and out
quickly. (unless you have someone that holds the cooler open and stares for
5 mins. like he's at home looking in the frig. for something.
Sometimes if you have the room, a cooler specifically designated for
leftovers. You pack kitchen items that will not need to be stored in the
cooler for the trip there, add the ice (or you add ice and pack pots and
pans in it) when you have leftovers you can place in the cooler this will
lessen the need to open the cooler with the foods that need to stay cold
when ready. Or place leftovers in your snack and beverage cooler.

Enough ramble from me
De






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