As a family who observes a strict kosher diet, we don't have the luxury of grabbing food at the airport or at a restaurant on the side of the road. When we travel, be it by plane or car (or any other means of transportation, although we haven't really done any other), the food must come with us. That means that breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all three must be prepared ahead of time and packaged for travel. Over the years, I have tried many different options and come across several meals that have worked out well. In fact, my family enjoyed the meals so much that they request them every time we go on a trip. Here are some of my favorite take-along travel foods:
This one is the easiest, but most expensive. We are fortunate to live in a town with a kosher Dunkin Donuts. Everyone picks a sandwich or wrap and my husband and I grab some coffee and off we go. Easy and quick, no preparation needed.
For a long road trip, and I have done many of those over the years, sometimes a picnic-style meal is perfect. It forces you to get out of the car and enjoy the scenery, although we have managed to eat this while driving when necessary. I don't mean a fancy picnic, though. Who has time to prepare lots of fancy foods right before a trip? I pack simple picnic foods, preferably ones that don't involve bread, just in case there isn't any water to wash with (We wash our hands and make a special blessing before eating bread). For this meal, I would pack a selection of crackers, shmears like chumus or babaganoush, and either cheese or deli meats. Throw in some baby carrots or cherry tomatoes and you have a relaxed, easy-to-prepare meal.
With a little more preparation, you can make some fun and quick sandwiches that will hold up well in a backpack or cooler bag. A bagel with cream cheese (or one with mayo, tomato and cucumber- if you have never tried this, you should), an English muffin with a veggie burger and cheese, or a wrap made with sliced deli, lettuce and cucumber. I don't pack tuna or eggs, especially for a plane ride, as they are more, shall we say, aromatic.
If we are traveling in the morning, a muffin, scone, or pastry might be all that is necessary (in addition to a bag with snacks packed in everyone's bags, of course).
The never-fail container of pasta is always a winner. Some noodles, either prepared with sauce and cheese or prepared as your favorite variety of pasta salad is portable and easy to prepare. I divide it up into individual containers, to be thrown away after everyone finishes. But if you take pasta, I recommend bringing some extra forks. I can't begin to tell you how many times a small child has lost or broken a fork while traveling. Always have a backup when possible.
But the all-time winner of most requested trip food in our house is the mighty calzone. Many years ago, I made some fresh calzones as were were geting ready to leave the house, wrapped them up and everyone had a warm and cheesy, hand-held meal. It was so well received that it has been requested over and over again. The fillings vary, sometimes broccoli or spinach, sometimes sauce and cheese like a folded pizza, and sometimes a creamy portobello mushroom filling (that recipe can be found in my new cookbook). But whatever the filling, there are smiles on the faces around me when calzones are packed for our trip.
Those are my favorite foods to pack as we get ready to venture out on a journey. With a few more weeks left of summer, I hope many of you are getting a chance to take a trip, whether it is solo, as a couple, or as a family. Get out and enjoy the warm, although maybe a little too warm lately, weather.
Tell me, when you take your trip, what foods will you pack?
Amazing