Pack padkos snacks

Here are some simple snack options to pack and take with on long car trips to go on holiday. These are better options than stopping for take-aways; they are the healthier option and you may save money and travelling time as well.

All of these can be eaten without knives, forks or plates, just pack wet wipes and/or serviettes.

Meaty snacks: Chop up some cooked sausage, boerewors or chicken strips, or viennas or smoked chicken.

Fruity/veggie snacks: Cut up your favourite bite-sized fruit and raw veggies, such as melon, carrot strips, fresh pineapple, watermelon, et cetera. It is a good idea to keep these in a cooler box with an ice pack.

Tip: Home-made ice packs can be made by freezing a sturdy plastic bag filled with water, and wrap in another bag in case it leaks.

Sandwiches/rolls: The filling options are endless, but keep in mind that certain fillings, such as tomato, can make the bread soggy.

Get nutty: Muesli makes a good, healthy snack, as do mixed nuts and dried fruit.

So cheesy: Cheese and crackers also make an easy snack, and cream cheese or cracker bread are other options.

Everyone loves pizza: Make some mini pizzas the night before and chill overnight.

Better bake: Muffins or banana bread are great to pack as snacks. The muffin options are endless, but fruit and bran, carrot or chocolate are popular choices. Search the web and you will find thousands of recipes.

Bit of extra effort: Here is a recipe for spiced, baked apple rings:

• Ingredients: 3-4 sweet apples, thinly sliced into circles (use an apple corer); 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp ground ginger; ½ tsp cardamom; pinch ground cloves; a few spoons of brown sugar to taste. Tip: Don’t add too much sugar else it will turn into sticky caramel.

• Method: Line a tray/s with baking paper. Combine the spices and sugar. Toss the apple rings in the mixture until coated. Bake at 120°C for 60-90 minutes, depending on how crispy you prefer them.

Make sure you have cool water packed for the trip as well. Perform safety a check on your vehicle before leaving.

The Highway Mail wishes everyone safe travels.