Spring and summer snacks to pack for the road
With spring well underway, summer just around the corner, the end of the school year rapidly approaching, and a three-day weekend in sight, many Phoenicians may be thinking about hitting the road for a quick getaway. Whether heading up to northern Arizona or heading to the coast for some vitamin “sea,” there is nothing like a road trip to clear and refresh the mind and the soul. But before that, one must properly pack—and travel snacks are an essential part of any weekend getaway. Sphinx Date Co. offers some easy and delicious travel snacks for everyone:
DIY trail mix—A crunchy, sweet and salty snack, trail mix is one of the best travel snacks because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated, it can be shared among family and friends, and it can be nibbled on and restored as needed. There is no real magic to creating a customized trail mix except choosing the most- loved ingredients. Plan a “snack packing” party with family or friends to prepare some various trail mixes with ingredients such as:
- Nuts and seeds of choice
- Mini pretzels
- Cereal
- Dark chocolate chips (or M&Ms)
- Dates (chopped)
- Raisins and other dried fruit
- Coconut shreds
- Goldfish
- Popcorn
- Granola
Skip the DIY and check out our premade trail mixes!
Apple rings —Slice and core apples to make “rings.” Then spread nut or seed butter on one side of each ring. Top with some finely chopped dates, and cover with another slice (spread side down) to create a mini sandwich. Store in a cooler, if available, or carry a small ice pack.
Cheesy figgy date bites —Slice open some fresh dates and remove the pits. Fill the cavern with a spreadable cheese, such as brie, or a small square of hard cheese, such as parmesan or gouda. Add a small amount of fig jam and a drizzle of honey. Then close and seal the date to keep all the cheesy, creamy and sweet goodness inside. Tip: Pack some hand wipes for this snack. It can get a little sticky, but it’s worth it!
Yogurt-dipped dried fruit —Choose a selection of dried fruits, such as mango slices, dates (pit them and smash them down to create a flat disc), apricot slices, and others. Then, melt some yogurt chips (sometimes called yogurt confectionery coating or yogurt melting wafers) and dip half of each dried fruit into the melted mixture. Place on parchment paper and freeze to harden. Then pack and enjoy on the go. This can also be done with nuts like cashews or macadamia nuts. If using smaller dried fruits or nuts, create a “bark” by spreading melted yogurt chips over the fruit or nuts (or both), freezing and breaking into pieces once solidified.
Even if travel plans are not on the agenda, these snacks are great for after school, a pool party, to accompany a charcuterie board and a glass of wine as the sun sets on the patio, or a morning grab-and- go on the way to the office or the gym. For the best provisions, including local home-grown dates and nuts, stop into the Palm & Pantry or order online!
