So I’m stuck in Nogales, Arizona. I came down here under the assumption I would be loaded in one day. I only had two picks and I was here by noon, so no problem right? Fat chance. I’m stuck in a parking lot, in the middle of no where. Just me. I could go to the truck stop, but at this point in the evening I’m pretty sure there isn’t going to be much for parking and what is left I know I wouldn’t sleep because I’d be up all night worrying about someone taking off a fender or worse on Rosie, so here I sit. Locked in. Left to entertain myself. Did I mention I’ve been here since noon, it’s now 8:50 pm local, and they don’t open back up until 10:30 am tomorrow? Yes, entertain myself, I will have to.
Luckily, for the most part I’m self contained. I have food, water, computer, camera, IPod, cell phone, power inverter, magazines, and a ton of paperwork I could should be doing, which I am not…
What I have been doing is thinking about how I live out here. It’s not glamorous by any means. Well, I think it’s glamourous, but I’m betting most of you would not feel compelled to admit the same. I thought I’d share a few tips on how I eat out here, and hopefully some people would share what they know/do out here too….
Years ago my mother use to make burritos and hamburgers and wrap them in tin foil for me… She’d send me with a half dozen to put in my fridge and when hungry I’d throw one on my dash with the heater on. Usually within a half hour or so I’d have a hot meal. What I wouldn’t do for my mothers cooking again…
Note to self: Go visit mom and dad!! Oh, and remember to buy tin foil! It works wonders.
To this day, I don’t depend on truck stops. What I have learned to do is prepare at home and haul with. This works great for me because I’m home in between each trip although it takes work and adds to the getting ready process I already have when leaving. Sometimes, like this week though, I don’t have a lot of time to whip up much. I do have back up though, which is hidden under my bunk in the form of a fast(er) food drawer, or when you get sick of what came from home, dig in here drawer…
My one thing I couldn’t live without, is my crock pot. I have a small sized crock pot that I can get soups, pasta, hot dishes and stews in. It’s easy enough to throw food in the cooker and let it go for a few hours and when it’s time to take a break I have hot food, which hits the spot. I’m happier and the food tastes WAY better since I know where it came from, who made it, and how fresh it is…
I use crock pot inserts so when the meal is done I just throw the insert away and have no dishes to do. As you can see, I keep a variety of easy made foods. I can make a quick sandwich, soup, hot tea, or rice and beans… If anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment!
About Bethany
I recently re-discovered slow cookers. I forgot how versatile it is. I can’t imagine driving with it on though… I would be constantly wiping the drool off the steering wheel!
Do you like carnitas? AllRecipes.com has an easy one to make in a slow cooker, with no need to brown anything beforehand: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Carnitas/Detail.aspx
I’m really enjoying reading your story, I just wanted to drop a quick line to let you know I’m out here reading. Take care out there – Trucker Steve
Thank you Annie! I will check this out, that sounds great. I do love my slow cooker too. They really are versatile, especially when you use a little imagination!
I will say though, I try not to do anything with a huge “stink” factor since I don’t want to open my doors and have last nights pork chops wafting out… Or have myself smell like one when I walk into a shipper or receiver!!
Steve~ Thank you! Right back at you. You have a top notch site.
Hi,
I just found your blog recently via the Daily Coyote and have been reading here for a week or so. Just wanted to say hi and be safe – I love your posts and pictures – very cool.
Peace & Blessings, Kim
I used to carry a crockpot and would make some great dishes in it. The problem was I would be hungry all day long smelling these delicious dishes cooking throughout the day. I have a microwave now with a microwave safe rice cooker and I can do a lot with it much faster. I also prefer to stay out of the over priced truck stop restaurants. I enjoy your blog and pictures Bethany.
having been to the USA for three weeks march/april I ate in a couple of truck stops there if You think they are over priced n not very good food Please Promise me you wont ever eat in an Australian truckstop chain I wanted to move straight there after eating in KY CA NV n AZ…………..
skillful recipe!
. I enjoy studying your website. Where did you get this beautiful web log template from? Greetings from sweden.
I sat here the other day and read the whole blog lol, it was great i think you should do some more truck photos.
I have a 40 litre fridge between my seats and When I know I am going on LONG trips with wide (daylight only running) loads I take my 12 volt oven/warmer with me
it comes from our equivalent of radioshak is bout size of shoebox n plugs direct into lighter socket put greaseproof baking paper in it to save scratching or staining in bout 50 min can heat a frozen meal in takeaway (takeout) container or canned meal I choose the cans with ring pull tops and disposable cutlery. If Running east west (up to 5 days daylight runnung each way cross country in winter months) I sometimes take my compact single burner camp stove so I can cook real meat
also always have snack pack cheese dip n crackers in cupboard and sliced peaches rice custard n yoghurt in fridge.
I love your site. You are one smart, hard working lady. Keep up the great posts. I enjoy all of your photos and your coments about your trips, the farm, and the animals.
Thank you Yvonne for following along. I love what I do, which makes it so easy, and sharing with others is a huge treat for me.