Long Haul Truck Driver: Cooking Over the Road

Being that I am cooking challenge, even on a good day, when I started living over the road a few months ago I realized what a challenge it really is. I've never been one to turn down the thought of eating out, but eventually McDonald's lost its appeal.

Eating at truck stops becomes expensive as well. One person can not eat one meal for less than $10. If you are out on the road for a month, you have spent $300 just on one meal a day. Take that money and invest in an inverter (approximately $150) a slow cooker (approximately $20) and a cooler or refrigerator (approximately $100).

Now that you have your truck equipped here are two quick and easy food fixes that will cook while you drive and will provide you with more than just one meal each.

Pot Roast w/potatoes & green beans
2 baking potatoes
1 prepackaged/marinated pot roast (5 lb average)
1 package Lipton Soup Mix
1 can green beans

First thing, before you start driving for the day, put the pot roast in the slow cooker, fill half way with water,add the package of Lipton Soup Mix and turn on high. Let this cook for approximately 5 hours.

After 5 hours add the potatoes (you can simply quarter them and throw them in with the skins on.)

Approximately 3 hours later, the pot roast and potatoes are ready. Check the water level occasionally and add if necessary. At this point add the green beans.

By the time your 10-11 hours of driving are over, your dinner is ready to eat!

Pork chops with Veg-All
4 medium think boneless porkchops
1 can veg-all

Start the pork chops cooking in the morning before you start driving. Cover the pork chops with water in the slow cooker. Check the water level occasionally and add water if necessary.

5-6 hours of cooking and it's ready to add the Veg-All. Cook for approximately 1 more hour.

When you stop, dinner is ready!

Clean up entails a quick trip into the truck stop or rest area to wash out the slow cooker. Most truck stops have dish detergent and a large sink in the coffee/soft drink area. These areas have ample hot water.

These are easy dinner fixes that are much healthier than the typical truck stop food. The best part is that the cooking is done simutaneously with your driving.

Although you are out on the road, you will feel a little bit of home with something that resembles home cooked food.