November 23rd, 2015 -
Turkey has been a staple part of Thanksgiving dinner in many households for decades. However, you don’t have to eat a typical, boring turkey every Thanksgiving. This mouthwatering smoked pork sausage with hard-cider sauce is a recipe that will spice up your Thanksgiving meal this year and will probably become a new family favorite.
Pork Sausage with Hard-Cider Sauce
What you’ll need:
- 1 dried chipotle chile
- 1/2 cup hard cider
- 2 Granny Smith apples (halved and cored)
- 2 ounces rye bread (crust removed, sliced into bite-size pieces)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- Four 4-ounce smoked pork sausages
- 1 pound broccoli (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter (cubed)
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
Cooking instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- In a medium bowl, cover the chile with hot water and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Bake apple halves with the cut side down on a baking sheet for 30 minutes. Let apples cool.
- Scoop pulp out of the apples and into a food processor.
- Stem and seed the chipotle, then chop and add to the food processor. Puree.
- Spread the bread in a pie plate and bake for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, boil the hard cider with the vinegar, sugar and the apple/chile puree. Simmer until reduced to 3/4 cup. Remove from heat and season with salt.
- Grill the sausages on medium heat until they’re lightly charred on all sides and cooked thoroughly. Place on a plate and tent with foil.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil and sit in the broccoli. Season with salt and cook until brown. Stir in the caraway, mustard, cider sauce and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil.
- Remove broccoli and sauce from heat, stir in butter and add salt as needed.
- Serve sausages covered in broccoli and sauce. Garnish with bread pieces.
Don’t forget to stop and see us at the PleasureLand RV Centers throughout Minnesota when you’re traveling in your RV this holiday season.
November 20th, 2015 -
Similar to brick-and-mortar homes, winters can take a toll on your RV’s plumbing system. Freezing temperatures mean freezing water hoses and compartments. If your RV isn’t already outfitted with holding tank heating devices and insulated water hoses, these easy and inexpensive methods will help you endure cold spells on the road.
Use a Heating Pad
Heating pads come in handy in more ways than one when living the RV lifestyle. Place a heating pad over your RV water pump to keep it warm. Plug the heating pad into the electric supply at your campsite. If a heating pad or electricity is not available, lay a number of towels on top of the water pump to insulate it from the frigid temperatures.
Cover Your Holding Tanks
Frozen holding tanks means you’re left without water, and that just doesn’t cut it when you’re living life on the road. If your holding tank compartments are not already heated, you’ll want to layer your holding tanks with towels or blankets to insulate them from the cold.
Insulate Your Water Hose
Heat tape is a handy item from the hardware store to keep in your RV whenever you’re expecting cooler temperatures. Heat tape is equipped with a heating element that will warm the hose to keep the water flowing freely. Simply plug the heat tape into a standard outlet to activate the heating element. Heat tape also comes equipped with a thermostat, so you can keep an eye on the temperature and ensure your hoses are always warm.
Bring Your RV to PleasureLand
Applying heat tape to your hoses and finding the proper methods to keep your holding tanks warm can be a difficult task. Here at the PleasureLand RV Centers throughout Minnesota, our certified RV technicians are ready to do all of the work for you. Even better, you can rest assured that the professionals have prepared your vehicle for the frigid temperatures you may encounter this winter.
November 18th, 2015 -
November is National Sleep Comfort Month, and that means more to RV travelers than most. Whether you’re cruising in a truck camper or a Class A motorhome, it’s likely the mattress that came with your RV isn’t perfect for you. But you don’t have to endure long nights with little sleep whenever you travel.
The following mattress options will help you create a sleeping experience in your RV that is as good as what you expect at home.
Use a Memory Foam Topper
Turn a thin, uncomfortable mattress into your own memory foam mattress with a memory foam topper. This inexpensive solution to purchasing a pricey and extremely heavy memory foam mattress can be used in just about every RV, ranging from pop-up campers to motorhomes.
Sleep Number RV Premier by Select Comfort
These days, you don’t even have to settle for a foam topper to make your RV mattress more comfortable. A number of major mattress brands are producing special mattresses strictly for RVs. The Sleep Number bed by Select Comfort has now been created in a special RV size. This means you and your partner can fine tune your sleeping experience at the push of a button. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s an ideal one for travelers living full-time life on the road.
DreamAire RV Bed
The DreamAire RV Bed is a unique and ultra comfortable RV sleeping solution that can be purchased for less than $1,000. The DreamAire features two independent air chambers that offer adjustable comfort for each side of the bed. The wireless remote offers 100 comfort settings, so you never have to sacrifice sleep for travel.
Upgrade Your RV at PleasureLand
The PleasureLand RV Center is the No. 1 place to upgrade your RV. Give us a call or stop in and see us to find out how we can improve your RV sleeping experience before you hit the roads for the snowboard season.
November 16th, 2015 -
Minnesota is nearly as far north as you can travel within the United States, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find your favorite southern eats. In fact, St Cloud is home to a vibrant foodie scene that boasts a number of southern food restaurants. The following three soul food and southern restaurants offer your favorite dishes right here in the St Cloud area.
Old Capital Tavern
Travelers who crave catfish should cruise over to the Old Capital Tavern in Sauk Rapids. This innovative and affordable restaurant offers a new take on traditional southern meals, like catfish, meatloaf and pork barbecue. However, if you’re not into southern eats, you’ll find an array of salads, burgers and sandwiches (they’re known for their reuben) to suit every person in your group.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
When you’re craving southern barbecue in the north, the best place to go is Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on Division Street. Dine in the restaurant or take the barbecue pork, beans, potatoes, slaw, macaroni and cheese and other southern dishes to go. There’s a reason southerners head straight to Dickey’s when they’re craving a taste of home.
Lily’s Wings, Burgers and Things
Lily’s Wings, Burgers and Things is a family-friendly restaurant that’s famous for its southern fried chicken. Choose from a wide range of combos including fries and a side or opt for a fish sandwich, pulled pork sandwich or a premium Angus or bison burger. Lily’s is also famous for their chicken wings and tenders that can be smothered in sauces ranging from Washington Apple to Southern Blues, Smokin’ Mustard and countless others.
Stop and See Us
Don’t forget to stop and see us at the PleasureLand RV Centers in St Cloud, Brainerd, Ramsey and Long Prairie when you’re out cruising throughout the Land of 10,000 Lakes in your RV this fall and winter.
November 6th, 2015 -
The weather may be cooling down, but the holiday season events are just starting to heat up in St. Cloud. With everything from comedy to concerts, film festivals and special events, there’s always something to do in the St. Cloud area.
Fire up your RV and head into town for these unbeatable St. Cloud events this month.
2015 St. Cloud Film Festival
The annual St. Cloud Film Festival kicks off on Nov. 7, and continues through Nov. 13, this year. The festival will include screenings of more than 50 local, regional, national and international films at a number of venues around the city. Whether you’re into comedies, animation, shorts, documentaries or feature films, you’re guaranteed to find a number of new favorites at this year’s event.
Sweet Sounds by WindSync
If you haven’t seen the WindSync quintet in action yet, Nov. 17, is the day to do it. This mind-blowing wind quartet is quickly becoming known as one of North America’s best, and St. Cloud residents and visitors will have a chance to see them live at the Whitney Senior Center’s Clemens Hall. The show starts at 2:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 from the Whitney Senior Center.
Christmas at the Mansions
End the month of November in the holiday spirit in nearby Little Falls. The Christmas at the Mansions event wil be held daily from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6, with self-guided tours of the festively decorated Weyerhaeuser and Musser mansions. The mansions will be open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 30. Admission is just $12 for adults, and children under the age of 12 get in free.
Start Your Holiday Shopping
It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping. Find all of the best gifts for the RV lovers in your life right here at the PleasureLand RV Center in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Brainerd and Long Prairie.
November 4th, 2015 -
Many Americans agree that the sides of the Thanksgiving meal are even better than the turkey. However, the usual green beans, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and stuffing can seem a bit drab year after year. This cheesy barley gratin can easily be mistaken for macaroni and cheese, but instead, you’ll find a decadent and savory side dish that will amaze your guests.
What you’ll need:
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups pearled barley
- salt and black pepper
- 2 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme (chopped finely)
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 6 ounces Gruyere (shredded)
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
Cooking instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and place oven rack in the center. Grease a 3-quart baking dish with butter.
- Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil.
- Stir the barley into the boiling water and boil for about 20 minutes or until slightly chewy. Drain and rinse.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium bowl.
- Combine the Gruyere, Parmesan and mozzarella in a separate medium bowl. Stir 1 cup of the cheese mixture, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and bread crumbs into the melted butter bowl. Work breadcrumbs and cheese into the butter.
- Melt the remaining butter in a large pot on medium-high heat. Stir in the onions and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions are slightly browned.
- Return heat to medium and add the thyme and garlic. Stir until softened.
- Stir in the flour and cook until a thin paste is formed. Whisk in milk for about 1 minute. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Remove mixture from the heat and stir in the cooked barley and cheese mixture.
- Spoon into the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake until golden brown or for about 30 minutes.
Find your dream RV this holiday season right here at the PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota.
October 27th, 2015 -
Choosing the perfect RV campground isn’t as easy as loading an app and picking the closest campground to your destination. Some campgrounds are geared toward families, some are designed for retirees, some are pet-friendly, and the list of differences can go on and on.
If you’re planning on spending any period of time at a campground, it pays to find one that suits your travel needs. This simple guide will help you locate a campground that you’ll never want to leave.
Research From Home
Don’t wait until you hit the road to start finding the perfect campground. Researching from home, where you have reliable internet access, can be much more efficient and effective. Search for campgrounds and RV parks near your destination and take the time to look at each website thoroughly. Use your list of desired amenities and campground features to select a handful of places that best suit your needs.
Get Everyone Involved
Once you’ve located a number of campgrounds that offer the amenities and location you’re desiring, it’s time to consult all of your fellow campers. Letting everyone play a role in the choosing process ensures that no one is surprised or disappointed upon arrival.
Call Ahead
Not all campground websites present their amenities, rules or location properly. When in doubt about any campground features, call the campground to confirm. This can help you avoid serious problems like arriving at the campground with a pet that’s not allowed or pulling in to find the pool out of service. Calling ahead is another way to avoid surprises and guarantee the campground offers everything you’re seeking. It will also help you understand the campground’s exact location, which can be difficult to determine via online maps or GPS.
Choose the Right RV
Choosing the perfect RV is as difficult as choosing the perfect campground. Fortunately, our qualified RV representatives here at the PleasureLand RV Center can make finding your dream RV easy and stress-free.
October 22nd, 2015 -
Traveling in an RV means it’s time to minimize and cut back on some of the luxuries of living in a brick-and-mortar home. However, there are plenty of luxuries you don’t have to give up, such as being able to log online whenever you please.
Many travelers assume they won’t have reliable internet access when they hit the road, but it’s easy to establish a hotspot inside your RV, so you never have to lose touch with work or the ones you love.
What Is a Hotspot?
A hotspot is the only way to stay connected to the internet without relying on an RV park, restaurant or other establishment’s unreliable WiFi access. A hotspot can be created from your cellular phone or a specific hotspot device.
How Do I Get One?
Cellular providers Verizon and ATT offer some of the widest coverage across the United States, which means you can enjoy reliable internet access just about anywhere. Travelers can use the PDA.net application to tether a phone to other devices in the room, like laptops or tablets.
Travelers should invest in a data plan of 20 to 30 gigabytes per month for high-speed WiFi access that doesn’t rack up a hefty phone bill. Discuss your hotspot needs with an ATT or Verizon representative before choosing your data plan.
Using Free Public WiFi
Free public WiFi can be extremely useful, because it doesn’t use your allotted monthly data. However, free public WiFi isn’t always as reliable as you need. Boost free public WiFi from campgrounds, RV parks or businesses with a WiFiRanger booster. This device improves the signal of free WiFi spots, so you can enjoy more reliable internet access without using data.
Start Living Life on the Road
Full-time life on the road is one of the most rewarding ways to travel, and having reliable internet access can help you stay in touch with loved ones and make money on the go. Stop in and see us at the PleasureLand RV Center to find your dream RV today.
October 15th, 2015 -
The Keystone Residence is the dream vacation home you’ve always wanted — without the budget-breaking cost. The Residence is designed to be your luxurious home away from home, so you can relax in style wherever you choose. Even better than brick-and-mortar homes, this destination trailer can be moved anywhere you please, so your future doesn’t have to be set in stone.
2016 Residence Floorplans
The 2016 Keystone Residence is designed to feel more like a home than an RV, and all 11 of the floorplans prove it. Travelers can choose from floorplans with front kitchens, rear living areas, kitchen islands, master bedroom suites, two master bedrooms, bunk rooms for kids or even one and a half bathrooms. There’s no doubt you’ll find a 2016 Residence floorplan that suits your specific wants and needs.
High-End Residential Features
The 2016 Keystone Residence is loaded with high-end interior and exterior features that are geared toward making you feel at home. Those who purchase the Residence enjoy an 18-cubic-foot residential refrigerator, a water purifier, a glass shower enclosure, a washer/dryer prep space, a microwave, an extra large pantry, an extra large picture window, residential furniture, a king bed with pillow-top mattress, a wallpaper border and a long list of other touches that turn the Residence into a home instead of a recreational vehicle.
A Top-Quality Exterior
The Residence is just as luxurious on the exterior as it is inside. Tinted safety glass windows, a hose carrier bumper, patio awning, rain gutter, detachable hitch, an outdoor activity light and outside speakers turn the exterior of your RV into a comfortable place to hang out at your favorite travel destination.
Start Living the Dream Today
The 2016 Keystone Residence is available right here at the PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota. Log onto our website or stop in and see us to browse our selection of floorplans and purchase your dream vacation home today.
October 13th, 2015 -
As temperatures start to drop and fall begins to settle in, it’s no wonder that October is National Chili Month. Most seasoned cooks have a go-to chili recipe for this time of year, but sometimes it pays to try something new.
This mouthwatering, award-winning chili recipe is one that takes just a couple of hours to prepare but is guaranteed to wow your friends and family at the campsite.
Award-Winning Classic Chili Recipe
What you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground venison (or beef/turkey if venison is not available)
- 1 green pepper (diced)
- 2 onions (diced)
- 1 can Rotel or other Mexican-style diced tomatoes
- 2 cans tomato sauce (8-ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon jalapeno (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can kidney beans (14-ounces, drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can black beans (14-ounces, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup water
Toppings:
- Green onions (chopped)
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Cooking instructions:
- Cook the ground meat in a dutch oven. Add the onions and peppers before the meat is fully cooked. Saute until the peppers and onions start to soften.
- Drain the excess grease from the dutch oven.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings to the dutch oven. Pour in the water and bring the entire mixture to a boil.
- Add the kidney beans and black beans to the dutch oven, then cover the entire mixture and let it simmer for 1-2 hours.
- Serve the chili while hot with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese and chopped green onions on top.
Start Your Fall Adventures at PleasureLand
Fall is one of the most comfortable times of year to hit the road in your RV. The temperatures are mild, the campgrounds are less crowded and the PleasureLand RV Center is offering unbeatable deals on new and used RVs, parts, accessories and service. Log online or stop in and see us to find out more about our special fall deals.
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About Me
Hi, my name is Dan Pearson and I am the Owner of PleasureLand RV Centers based out of St. Cloud, MN. We have three other Minnesota locations to serve all of you RV needs. I look forward to providing you with all your RV information from buying an RV to tips and maintenance. If you would like to contact me, be sure to leave a comment.
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By Dan Pearson