Cook On The Go: Creative Ways To Enjoy Hot Food

Who says you need a full kitchen to make a real meal? Sometimes, a little creativity and a few unexpected tools are all it takes to turn snack-time into something special. Whether you're out adventuring, traveling to see friends and family, or simply wanting a warm meal for school lunch or office lunch, there are clever ways to cook on the go and whip up filling, flavorful food without much fuss. Convenience doesn’t have to mean compromise- especially with a few tricks up your sleeve.

A coffee maker is not just for a morning pick-me-up.

While out of town, I found myself stuck in a hotel room, not wanting to go out for dinner or overpay for the restaurant downstairs. I had some snacks, but I was really craving something a bit more filling. After some thinking and a quick trip to the nearby grocery store, I was ready to cook. I placed some dry pasta in a coffee cup and turned the coffee maker on. When the pasta cup was full of hot water, I put a lid on and let it sit for about ten to fifteen minutes—just until the pasta was cooked. I added in some drained garbanzo beans, a Harvest Creek chicken pouch, a splash of Italian dressing, and some veggies of choice. Suddenly, I was snuggled in bed eating pasta salad!

This coffee maker trick could easily work for other noodle dishes, like instant ramen or pesto pasta.

Technology is cool.

My husband has always said how disappointing it is to eat a cold lunch every day at work. Even when he has a packed lunch, it’s tempting to buy fast food just to enjoy a warm meal. This past Christmas, he received a lunchbox that heats food. Every morning, when he parks outside, he sets a timer on the lunchbox. About an hour before his lunch break, it starts slowly warming his food to the perfect temperature. Since it heats gradually, his food doesn’t dry out.

Let’s get medieval.

I’ve always loved a good campfire. The conversations, the dancing flames, even the smoky scent that lingers on your clothes—there’s something magical about it. My family loves to go camping, and while I enjoy a classic fire-roasted hot dog, it’s fun to try out new campfire meals. Smoke doesn’t just smell good—it adds great flavor, too.

A new camp (or even backyard) snack I’ve been enjoying is smoked cream cheese. Wrap a block of cream cheese in foil and place it over the fire—this works best if you have a grate. It doesn’t take long before the cream cheese becomes wonderfully ooey-gooey. Now you’ve got a versatile dip! Mix in a Harvest Creek Buffalo Chicken pouch and you’ve got a smoky buffalo chicken dip. Top it with pepper jelly for a sweet and savory twist. Or, for something a little different (and delicious), top it with cocktail sauce and canned crab meat for a savory crab dip—a quirky but tasty recipe I learned from my mom.

Great meals don’t always come from a full-size kitchen. With a little imagination and the right ingredients, even the most unexpected appliances or outdoor setups can deliver warm, hearty, and downright delicious results. So the next time you find yourself in a pinch—or just want to switch things up—remember these hacks. After all, good food is less about where you make it, and more about how you make it work.