Snacks from the gas station are nice for a road trip but why not go the extra mile and create your own road trip snacks that the family will like? You can make the snacks in big batches and they can be prepared using healthy ingredients.
Smores and nut trail mix
In a bowl combine large pieces of graham crackers, three cups of marshmallows, two cups of dark chocolate pieces, and one and a half cups of almonds or pecans. Then put portions of the trail mix in medium-size Ziploc bags and hand them to the kids before getting in the car. Make sure you give them wet wipes since this treat gets messy.
Cherry lemonade
In a pitcher combine three cups of crushed ice, three cups of water, two cups of fresh lemon juice, a cup of cherry puree, a mint leaf and two cups of sugar. Mix well and pour into cold individual thermos cups before putting the lids on them. The kids will enjoy this refreshing drink.
Vegetable and salmon sandwiches
On a few pieces of toasted wheat bread, spread herbed mayonnaise and then add some sliced vegetables and cooked salmon. Top with the remaining slices of bread and cut each sandwich in half. This is a neat way for the family to get in their vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids.
Sweet potato chips
Heat a pot of canola oil and while the oil is getting hot, peel three to four sweet potatoes. Then cut the potatoes in medium-size circle shapes and season them with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Put a few of the sweet potatoes in the hot oil at a time and cook for 10 minutes on each side. Once the chips are cooked, place them on a paper towel lined platter and drizzle honey or cane syrup on them. Then put the chips in small brown paper bags.
White chocolate covered bananas
In a pot, combine a package of white chocolate, a cup of heavy cream and two teaspoons of honey. Set aside and cut up four to five bananas. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the banana slices on them. Drizzle the white chocolate over the bananas and place in the freezer. After 30 to 45 minutes take the bananas out and place them in freezer bags.
Fruits with cheeses
For the kids with sophisticated palates, give them fruits with different kinds of cheeses. Some good ideas include brie cheese with cherries, cheddar cheese with apples, and pears with gouda cheese. This gets your kids used to the idea of pairing fruits with other kinds of foods.
Tips on making road trip snacks
When preparing road trip snacks, you want to make snacks that are delicious but healthy at the same time. Also fix foods that will not spoil easily and that everyone will eat right away. If you are going on a long trip, make enough to last for the duration of the trip. Most of all, enjoy yourselves.