The Right Tool for the Job
Ever since I was old enough to swing a hammer, my dad taught me that you always have to use the right tool for the job. I learned how right he was when I bought my first house and broke a bunch of drill bits, but the lesson translates to every part of life. The kitchen is no exception.
Eating wholesome, hot meals every day seems to be a staple to happiness. It’s no secret that good food makes you feel good, and a lot of the food we find on the road is not good! If you want to change your habits and live well without breaking the bank, you need a few simple tools for over-the-road cooking. With the right gear, some easy recipes, and just a little time to think ahead, good food is just a few steps away (and we don’t mean at the drive-thru).
Rice Cooker
You can get a rice cooker for around twenty dollars at just about any store with a kitchen department. Big deal—who wants to eat rice all the time, right? Well, the great thing about rice cookers is that they are a tool that you can use with no interaction required and they cook way more than rice! You can opt for make-ahead mixes with rice as the base, try a quinoa salad, or even make macaroni and cheese. From steel cut oats to jalapeno bread, you can do a whole lot with a rice cooker.
Slow Cooker
This is an easy one. A slow cooker is every busy parent’s best friend, and for good reason. You can buy frozen meals, or make your own for less money, and in big batches. The real secret to slow cooker success? Liners! These disposable open-top bags fit inside of your cooker and eliminate the need to clean it after each use. For just a few dollars at any grocery store in the plastic wrap/aluminum foil section, you can pick up of a box of four liners that will save you loads of time. Then prep your favorite recipes and get ready for several hot meals that you can cook in four to eight hours with no work for you to do. And it’s probably a good idea to get a small pot instead of the family-sized ones, unless you want to share.
Blender
With nutritious smoothies and shakes being a great way to get a quick boost or effortless breakfast, a single serve blender is a big help. You can find dry mixes that blend well with milk, water, or juice, and add in whatever fruit or vegetable sounds good. They even make small blenders with travel lids so you only have to worry about rinsing the carafe when you’re finished, and you can avoid spills.
There are definitely other options, and you need a way to keep food cold along with a few simple utensils. Check out this article from The Healthy Trucker with more suggestions on how to equip your truck for better eating.