Our last road trip was unexpected and unplanned, but I’ve been preparing for this one for weeks. The final stages involved getting the food ready. We’re making this trip on a wing and a prayer, and what money I have to spend will be spent when we’re with Ross. We’re packing a cooler and we’ll be picnicking all the way. I’ll buy a few snacks–some chips and drinks–and since that almost never happens, Weston and Morgan will feel like we’re having a party! I prepped in advance as much as possible, and the last couple of days have been all about getting food baked and ready to go.
I packed pepperoni rolls.
Cheesecake cookies.
Chocolate chip cookies.
And homemade sandwich bread.
I also packed some hard-boiled eggs since we have plenty of eggs around here and they make good snacks. And I’m bringing some bags of popcorn with me. I popped it Kettle Korn-style. (Recipe here I sprinkled extra sugar on top and made the recipe times four. I also mixed in some peanuts. This will keep me away from the chips.)
I may do some cooking in the hotel room after we get there. We have a room with a kitchenette and I’m also bringing my own electric burner (just in case) and a few things. If Ross wants homemade food, I’ll make it for him! It’s Navy Week in Chicago, so we may go to Navy Pier, and I know Ross will want to have some real Chicago-style pizza. Or for all I know, he may just want to sit in the hotel room playing the Xbox that Weston and Morgan are bringing and do nothing at all after two months of constant doing (not to mention all the marching). Whatever we’re doing–we’re on our way! We will stop tonight somewhere around Indianapolis.
Note: I’ll be updating every day as best as I can on my trip, but don’t forget that there are also posts almost every day–and sometimes every day–on the community blog at Farm Bell Recipes. Don’t miss out! Recent and upcoming posts on the Farm Bell Recipes blog at a glance:
Sunday (8/8): Bringing Loyalty Home
Monday (8/9): A Good Smothered Steak
Tuesday (8/10): Spicy Bean Balls (or Burgers!)
Wednesday (8/11): Making Baby Food
Thursday (8/12): Seed to Berry in One Season
Friday (8/13): In a Pickle, a Watermelon Rind Pickle
Saturday (8/14): Ode to Tomatoes
Sunday (8/15): How to Make Basic Whole Wheat Crackers
Monday (8/16): No-Bake Treats to Beat the Summer HeatAside from regular community blog posts, in just a few short months, over 1200 recipes have been added to Farm Bell Recipes. What a resource! I’m loving it, and I hope you are, too. If you haven’t become a regular over there yet, what are you waiting for? We love old-fashioned home-cooking! Come join us!
I’ll see you tomorrow from somewhere on the road!
Flatlander says:
Have a safe trip..and I could make a long trip with such yummy treats you are taking.
On August 11, 2010 at 1:54 am
bonita says:
Suzanne, it’s not just Navy Week here, it’s the weekend of the Air and Water show. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights are headlining the show along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street—North Avenue Beach is the focal point. The show begins at 11 am and ends at 4 pm both days. It’s generally very crowded, especially if the weather is nice. Right now the weather is scheduled to be partly sunny both Sat and Sun. It’s a great show especially when the Blue Angles fly their incredible formations. Your new sailor will be so proud (even though he’s going for submarine duty.) Although show is scheduled for 11-4, most of the formation flying usually occurs between 1 and 3 (clouds and visibility notwithstanding). Enjoy the graduation, try not to pop all your buttons, and feel free to embarrass Ross by turning on the water works!
On August 11, 2010 at 2:38 am
Tracey In Paradise,Pa. says:
:sun: Have a safe trip with your family!!
Hugs Granny Trace
On August 11, 2010 at 6:04 am
glenda says:
Have a safe trip and a good time with your Navy son.
Food sounds better than any you could buy imo.
On August 11, 2010 at 6:21 am
Johanna says:
Bon voyage, Suzanne! Wish I could make it around the lake to meet you all. You’ll have a ball in Chicago with Ross, Weston and Morgan. Have a great reunion!
On August 11, 2010 at 6:27 am
Diane says:
Have a safe trip!!! Your traveling food looks so good. I am sure Ross will want to just spend the time with his family. Which is awasome. Think about taking a crock pot with you so that you can plan a meal to cook in it. Most of all have a blast and get all the hugs and kisses you can from that boy. 🙂
On August 11, 2010 at 6:48 am
Phyllis says:
Have a safe and wonderful trip.
One tip which comes from my Mom from many, many years ago when we traveled by car (there were 6 of us brats); pack in the cooler in a sealed plastic baggie a couple of wet face clothes. They feel wonderful when there’s no place to wash up before you eat. Or, use for afterward. And, they can be rinsed out under the tap that drains the water from the cooler.
Take pictures so we can see it all.
Bye-bye! :wave:
Phyllis
On August 11, 2010 at 7:07 am
northcountrygirl says:
Have fun, lots of hugs and kisses, and sweet memories! Have a safe trip and may God grant you and your family safety to and from Chicago, every step of the way.
On August 11, 2010 at 7:10 am
Laura B. in Greenwood, IN says:
I wish you would have told us you were coming through Indy. I am about 15 minutes south of Indy and could have found a room for you or you could have had dinner with us! If you need any help navigating your way, or anything else, let me know!
From a Navy wife to a Navy mom, THANKS for the support you have given your Navy son!!
Have a safe trip and give Ross a kiss from all of us!! :wave:
On August 11, 2010 at 7:17 am
CindyP says:
I would love to have that food as I’m traveling. I just hate stopping at fast food places along the way. When your body isn’t used to that food, it sometimes makes for an uncomfortable ride 😉
Safe travels and I’m sending some virtual moral support to get you through the crying times!
On August 11, 2010 at 7:39 am
Sarah says:
Hooray! I’m glad you get to go visit. I’m from Indianapolis. We were just there a few weeks ago. Just beware – there’s major construction on the north side of the 465 loop as you get over to the freeway that takes you to Chicago. And whatever you do – don’t stop in Gary! Have a fun trip. It looks like you’re stocked up for food. It all looks so good! 🙂
On August 11, 2010 at 7:52 am
Ang. says:
Have a great time! Make sure you have Gino’s pizza. It’s the best!
On August 11, 2010 at 8:22 am
Carol Langille says:
God speed, Suzanne. Tell Ross we’re proud.
On August 11, 2010 at 8:26 am
Carmen C. says:
It all looks delicious!!!! Be safe and enjoy your visit with your sailor! Thank him for his service to our country!
On August 11, 2010 at 8:39 am
joycee says:
Everthing looks delicious! When we first married and my husband was in the Air Force, I’d take our popcorn poppper with us when we traveled and had to stay at motels. It was metal, heated up really hot and I could make just about anything in that old thing! We saved money and had a hot meal at the end of the day! Ross will love everything you packed, food from HOME is the best!
On August 11, 2010 at 9:10 am
pakerg says:
Have a safe and happy time with your family! The food makes me want to go! God Bless and Keep you all!
On August 11, 2010 at 9:20 am
Mary Kellogg says:
:fairy: Give Ross a hug for me!
On August 11, 2010 at 9:37 am
Cate says:
Have a safe trip and enjoy your visit to Navy Pier. There is a lot to see and do there and you will have a really enjoyable time.
On August 11, 2010 at 10:00 am
Laura says:
Have a safe trip. I was just at Navy Pier with students (I am an art teacher for high school) They loved it, and I think you will like it, too. Great photo opportunities, really quite lovely for the city. Chicago is making a go at going green. Have fun.
On August 11, 2010 at 10:11 am
Joy says:
OK, guys, I’ll clue you in on something that Chicago doesn’t want you to know. It IS possible to get bad deep dish pizza in Chicago–yes, I know this shatters an image that all Chicago pizza is great….but it isn’t. I suggest that you try the pizza at Pizzaria Uno or Pizzaria Due (old Chicago institutions downtown) or one of the Lou Malnatti’s Pizza. Lou’s has great pizza made with a crust so good you may fight over it instead of leaving it on the pan and their own sauce made with tomatoes grown and frozen for them. He started with one place and has now expanded throughout the Chicago area. Gino’s, sadly, doesn’t measure up. Or, if you’d like an adventure, make your way to Greektown and try some great Greek food. I suggest the Greek Islands which has been around forever and is great. Have a great great time in my adopted home.
On August 11, 2010 at 4:30 pm
ayenbe says:
Travel safe!!! And please thank Ross for his time and dedication serving his country. 🙂
On August 11, 2010 at 6:18 pm
rileysmom says:
You plan a trip like we do…..what food to bring! Who cares about what clothes and are they clean?! Have a safe trip and you simply MUST have good Chicago pizza (Malnotti’s or Gino’s are good bets as Joy has suggested). Also a beef sandwich is a culinary experience, too! I didn’t see a box of Kleenex……
On August 11, 2010 at 7:22 pm
bonita says:
Joy’s right, there is bad deep dish @ some places. Lou Malnati’s is family-friendly and has locations away from the downtown high-rent district. This means you pay for food, not for address. Bet you can cadge a free dessert for new Navy graduate. Can’t wait for graduation pix!
On August 12, 2010 at 1:46 am
Melissa says:
We always take pepperoni rolls and chocolate chip cookies on road trips. Modern day sustinence. We also take Twizzlers which is weird because we never eat them any other time.
On August 12, 2010 at 10:46 am
ScreamingSardine says:
Safe travels!
On August 12, 2010 at 11:41 pm
MousE says:
Have a great trip and fantastic visit!
On August 13, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Sheila says:
Don’t forget to visit the wax museums (if they’re still in operation that is) :).
On November 23, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Sheila says:
I grew up in chicago , I mostly remember vito’s pizza and peppi’s tacos (I adored vito’s). I remember whenever we had company we’d take them to navy pier (though it sure has changed quiet a bit since I was a child) and we’d visit the wax museums and either Dr. Jazz ice cream shoppe or sally’s stage (LOVED Dr. Jazz). Anybody here from chicago? are any of these places still in operation or have they long since gone out of business?
On January 2, 2011 at 9:01 pm