Driving from NY...In Car Meals?

[Emme]

We are changing things up a bit and are driving only 6 hours the first day and 12 the next due to sons work schedule. We are three adults. We DO NOT like to stop at fast food places and prefer to eat while driving. We are staying at a Fairfield Inn the first night but will probably be on the road before breakfast is served at the hotel So here is what I need help with...

First we have an electric cooler that plugs into the car so we have a way to keep things cold. What I need from you all is dinner idea for the first night, breakfast and lunch the second day.

I am thinking maybe sandwiches that first night?? Maybe bagels in the morn??Lunch the next day is a puzzler. Please help me be creative and provide a bit of variety to my family...Thanks!

 

[Pastamom]

What about something like Cheese and Sausage and crackers for lunch the second day? You could cut that up ahead of time.

Granola bars would also work for breakfast and/or lunch. bagels would be good also.

Not all that exciting...sorry

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Lunch the next day...............no big deal---
Just make fresh sandwiches with some cold cuts that you stored overnight in your cooler. Add some chips, a pack of cookies with a soda and you are all set.

 

[java]

First off WHOA where did you find a plug in cooler- off to google that one!
Fairfield usually has a grab and go bag for early leavers- I think if I remember right it was a banana and a bagel with a water bottle? Call your hotel and ask if they have that. It would save you packing bagels (although a fairfield inn bagel can't compare to a NY bagel!)

How about pasta salad for day 2? I have a recipe with pepperoni mozzarella and veggies that's tastes just as good if not better day 2. You could also pack my mom's old reliable on the road picnic item- cold fried chicken. with chips and carrots.

 

[MickeyDisneyFan]

We usually drive to WDW and pack a cooler with some sodas, sandwiches, protein bars and gatorade (especially in the summer)

We usually also pack bagels or raisin bread and cream cheese for the morning and bananas and a few apples.

Then we use the dining plan and eat before we leave and also take a few containers of the fruit salad snacks for the ride back up.

 

[Emme]

First off WHOA where did you find a plug in cooler- off to google that one!
Fairfield usually has a grab and go bag for early leavers- I think if I remember right it was a banana and a bagel with a water bottle? Call your hotel and ask if they have that. It would save you packing bagels (although a fairfield inn bagel can't compare to a NY bagel!)

How about pasta salad for day 2? I have a recipe with pepperoni mozzarella and veggies that's tastes just as good if not better day 2. You could also pack my mom's old reliable on the road picnic item- cold fried chicken. with chips and carrots.

We bought the cooler at WalMart several years ago it has been INVALUABLE! If a hotel room doesn't have a fridge we just bring our cooler in plug it in and we are good to goe

Oh my! I never thought to ask about a grab and go breakfast at Fairfield. Thanks so much!

 

[dex08]

How about pasta salad for day 2? I have a recipe with pepperoni mozzarella and veggies that's tastes just as good if not better day

Please post this recipe! I want it -- sounds great!

 

[java]

Please post this recipe! I want it -- sounds great!

Here you go

Pepperoni, Mozzarella and broccoli pasta salad

1 pound pasta(wagon wheels work great)
2/3 cup veg oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 TBSP red wine vinegar
1tsp salt
1tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp pepper(I use more)
3 cups broccoli florets (steamed for 3 minutes)
1 whole pepperoni(12 ounces) peeled and cut into 1/4 inch pieces
6 ounces mozzarella cut into same size pieces as the pepperoni
1 medium green bell pepper(cut same size)
1/2 cup red onion chopped
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/3 brine cured black olives(ew I leave these out as I don't do olives-)
1/4 cup rough chunks Parmesan or other hard sharp cheese(I use Parmegiano reggiano mmmm)


1. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water

2. whisk oil,lemon juice, vinegar, salt, oregano, and pepper- set aside(dressing)

3. In a large bowl (LARGE LARGE) combine the pasta with all the rest of the ingredient- Add the dressing Taste and add salt. pepper or lemon juice as needed.

 

[dex08]

Thanks, Java!

 

[MSSANDRA]

Maybe cold chicken and potato or pasta salad. You can stop at a rest stop for a short break and eat it there.

For the breakfast, I like muffins and banannas.

don't forget you can always get deli foods from the super market or a sub place to go and eat in the car or a rest stop. We love a picnin lunch at a nice rest stop or welcome center. Fresh air and a little exercise seems to make things a lot better!!

 

[scooterpig]

Hard boiled eggs keep well in a cooler, and all you need is a lil salt n' pepper.

Every consider MRE's?

I think I may try that pasta recipe.

 

[MonkersMama]

When we drive (from WNY) I pack nibbling food for lunch the next day - (pre cut) carrots, celery, ranch dip, cheese strings, pepperoni, pitas, hummus, grapes. The kids loved it. We stopped at the NC visitor's center/rest stop and there are picnic tables almost right in the woods.

 

[dblr]

How about some fried chicken in the cooler, might be messy to eat on the road but if you take a short stop you could even have some side dishes. Take out from KFC would be real easy but most grocery stores have there own.

 

[jacobsmom]

We do: Sausage, Cheese, Crackers, grapes, apple slices, bananas, sandwiches (even pbj make as we drive),wraps, muffins, cold pizza (my guys love it), breakfast cookies, bars, veggies and dip (in mini containers), dry cereal/mixes... Basically the sky is the limit! My guys think it's a blast to eat while we drive.

 

[krcit]

Here you go

Pepperoni, Mozzarella and broccoli pasta salad

1 pound pasta(wagon wheels work great)
2/3 cup veg oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 TBSP red wine vinegar
1tsp salt
1tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp pepper(I use more)
3 cups broccoli florets (steamed for 3 minutes)
1 whole pepperoni(12 ounces) peeled and cut into 1/4 inch pieces
6 ounces mozzarella cut into same size pieces as the pepperoni
1 medium green bell pepper(cut same size)
1/2 cup red onion chopped
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/3 brine cured black olives(ew I leave these out as I don't do olives-)
1/4 cup rough chunks Parmesan or other hard sharp cheese(I use Parmegiano reggiano mmmm)


1. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water

2. whisk oil,lemon juice, vinegar, salt, oregano, and pepper- set aside(dressing)

3. In a large bowl (LARGE LARGE) combine the pasta with all the rest of the ingredient- Add the dressing Taste and add salt. pepper or lemon juice as needed.

Is this a Rachel Ray recipe?? I've had this one or a very similar one and it's very good

 

[Evi]

meal 1

Sandwich, chips, cut up fruit and bottles water.

Snack edemame and salt, rice crackers.

Breakfast

this is since you have a fridge

Poached eggs, precooked bacon, toasted muffin or bagel with cream cheese or butter. Oj

Pick up coffee on the road

snack fresh fruit granola bars.

Lunch Pasta salad with garlic bread and fresh fruit, bottled water.

You could also pack enough bacon and pretoasted bread to do blt's for dinner on day 2 if your running behind.

 

[barbarabini]

Do you think you could find one of those mini plug-in microwaves? That would open up the car food to a whole new level

 

[Emme]

When we drive (from WNY) I pack nibbling food for lunch the next day - (pre cut) carrots, celery, ranch dip, cheese strings, pepperoni, pitas, hummus, grapes. The kids loved it. We stopped at the NC visitor's center/rest stop and there are picnic tables almost right in the woods.

I love the hummus and pita idea...very yummy and different!!

Thanks everyone and keep those ideas coming!

 

[scrapbookmommy]

One of our on the go favorites are turkey wraps. I take cream cheese and dry ranch dressing and mix it together. I spread it on the inside of a flour tortilla shell. Then I add thin sliced deli turkey then shredded lettuce and sliced tomato. Then you just wrap it up like a taco. I cut mine in half but some people cut them into pinwheels. Oh and you can also add shredded cheese. We all love them...well everyone except my youngest and he doesn't like anything. LOL

I also plan to take uncrustables, peanut butter crackers, fresh fruit cups and veggies with ranch. Also going to make some trail mix with peanuts, raisins and m&m's. Gotta have my chocolate.

 

[disneyfans95]

Couple of good things we have done..

Easy pasta salad. Add some pepperoni, cheese etc. Makes a stomach filling side and easy for the non drivers to eat.

Wraps. Easier to eat for the driver. Various cold cuts.

Grill at home some veggies like asparagus, peppers etc. They are just great cold and a great side.

bagged salad, the premade kind that has the dressing and stuff in it.