Migration season is upon us and everyone is in a hurry to hop into their cars and drive as far, far away from the office, sofa, routine, and pretty much anything that is not the beach. As always, the first stop has to be a gas station where we pile up the usual sinful snacks, sodas, and of course the hefty bill that we receive as a result. Almost every time we do that, we end up with less money, more calories and sometimes a hassle to get our chickens in line, literally. Because we understand this suffering, we’ve come up with a list of driving-friendly and grandmother-approved snacks to keep your stomachs and wallets full.
- Kofta on a stick
Prepare your kofta by greasing a baking sheet in which you will spread a mixture of minced meat, crushed garlic, diced tomatoes, onions, parsley and coriander, with a pinch of salt. Once cooked, cut up horizontally and layer with some roasted vegetables on a stick. You can easily maneuver between bites and brakes with this one. The roasted veggies will only need some olive oil and salt to cook-their-way to perfection.
2. Mini pretzels
They’re healthier than potato chips, they’re tasty and you can easily grab a handful without losing control of the car or sight of the road. Keep a bunch in a plastic container and keep them handy. They do nicely as a little salty treat.
3. Nature valley bars
These can get messy with all the infamous crumbs, but if you do it right you’ll enjoy the actual bar instead of drown in its byproduct. Open the wrapper from the top only, just enough to get the bar out of the pack, and voila.
4. Baby carrots/ edamame
These are excellent in every way. They’re extremely easy to handle while driving and they won’t load you up on calories but they will make you full and they’ll give you energy. Try pairing the carrots with some hummus dip stored separately in a smaller container. Cook the edamame by boiling it in some salted water until tender, pack it in a box/bag and snack on.
5. Tupperware Nutella-banana dip
If you decide to snack on a banana on your trip, get a medium-sized container filled with Nutella, keep in mind there is no such thing as too much Nutella. Keep the container next to you while you alternate dipping and shifting gears.
6. Green apple peanut butter slices
Cut up a green apple into four quarters and spread peanut butter on them, keep them in a container and easily pick it up with a fork.
7. Parmigiano-reggiano cheese and olive oil popcorn
This is always the life-of-the-road-trip-party snack. Mix some parmigiano reggiano cheese with salt and pepper. Drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil on the popcorn and mix well, then sprinkle with the cheese mixture and shake. Don’t overdo it with the salt; you don’t want oily hands while driving.
8. Mini hot dog calzones
Using pizza dough, cut out an even number of small squares to make sure you have a top and a base. Spread tomato sauce on the base dough, top with sliced hot dogs and whatever topping you prefer. Place the top dough, crimp the edges and bake for 15 minutes. Cannot be easier!
9. Cheese sticks
These can be pre-packaged or cut-up at home all the same. Cut up a portion of your preferred cheese into thinner sticks and wrap each individually. Some crackers on the side make for a perfect, hassle-free snack.
10. When all else fails, French fries!