But yes, indeed, it has been that long. No excuses, just laziness, which isn't an excuse or a reason.
So here I go again: You know how we are not supposed to eat processed foods? They are full of preservatives and bad ingredients, they have no nutritional value, they are the mark of a doomed soul? And most of us try not to eat bad things. But.... every now and then junk food, really bad junk food, is called for.
I was talking with a friend about road trips and about getting up really early (pre-dawn) and hitting the road, taking along a good cup of coffee and some tasty treat like donuts or a good pastry. There are fewer things more enjoyable than watching the sun come up out in the wasteland of California (or any state for that matter) while sipping on coffee and eating that breakfast sugar bomb.
This, of course, let to a conversation about car snacks on road trips. Car snacks can have great nutritional value when one is close to home. Think apples, bananas, trail mix, a slice of homemade banana bread. But once that "close to home" barrier is crossed, nutrition flies out the open car window. No one should want "good for you" food on a long road trip. How boring.
What one wants and needs are snacks from gas station mini-marts. Really good treats like Cheetos, especially the Flamin-Red-Hot Cheetos. These will turn your fingers red and your mouth red as well, so grab lots of paper napkins with your purchase. Other salty snacks are also welcome: Honey-Roasted Peanuts are a favorite, Ranch Doritos as well. Candy can't be overlooked, so grab a few packages of Starburst and a Heath Bar. Mini-mart beef jerky is allowed, even though it has some marginal food value. Check out the selection of refrigerated drinks because if you are lucky you will find a can of Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso hiding there. These tiny cans are not just delicious but they have caffeine, a handy friend on a long drive.
However, each individual has his or her own favorite car trip food. While I totally enjoy all of the above, in my mind the perfect snack on a car journey are peanut M&Ms. They aren't messy, they don't melt (only in your mouth) and you can fool yourself that they have value: a little sugar rush and a little protein from the peanuts. (They are also perfect on an airplane, but that's a topic for another day.) Grab a yellow bag of these little nuggets and you are set for hundreds of miles.
Enjoy your road trip..... drive safely, stay awake and eat good junk food! No one will know, no one can see you. It will make you happy.
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