For the last couple of years I’ve been “snack mom” for one of my kids fall sports teams. And if there is one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s after being outside in the cold for hours, kids want a hot meal.
As a parent you can pack all the granola bars, fruit roll ups and peanut butter sandwiches in the world, but when it comes right down to it, what kids really want is a homecooked meal. Real food, not something that comes in a wrapper from Costco or any other big box store.
Not only does a hot meal fill their belly, but it gives the kids and their teammates a sense of community, something to gather around and do together. After all eating is cool, we all do it, and sharing a meal together after a long day outside is just plain RAD if you ask me.
Last year, I discovered the Crock Pot Cook and Carry slow cooker on Amazon and immediately ordered 2 of them. The first time I used it I was totally hooked. Before the Crock Pot cook and Carry I would simply use painters tape to secure the lid on my crock pot before transporting it, but the clamp on lid? Freakin’ genius.
Now as far as transporting your Crock Pot or Slow Cooker goes, it pretty simple.
- Cook Food in Crock Pot to Serving Temperature.
- Place Crock Pot in a blanket or towel lined tote {I use Monoflo totes. Home Depot sells them}.
- Cover Crock Pot with blanket or towels and stuff utensils or plates around it.
- Close tote lid and pack in your vehicle.
- When ready to use, unpack, and serve.
By packing the crock pot in an insulated tote you help keep the temperature of the food at a safe level {165 degrees}. If you are worried about food safety, you can always pack a food thermometer along with you. In my experience, the food stays hot for a couple of hours.
In the past, I’ve packed hot soups, chili, sweet and sour meatballs, teriyaki chicken and rice and whole bunch of other crock pot meals and have never had a problem.
Life is good when your belly is full!
~Mavis
My favorite Crock Pot – Crock-Pot Cook’ N Carry 6-Quart Portable Slow Cooker
My Favorite Slow Cooker Cookbook – Fix-It and Forget-It Big Cookbook: 1400 Best Slow Cooker Recipes!
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Em says
Brilliant! Thanks for the tips! I agree, a nice hot meal hits the spot.
Cecily says
I worked in the food industry for years and just a friendly FYI, once food is cooked to the proper temperature (165 for poultry, 155 for burger, 145 for other meats) it is safe to eat if held at 140 degrees or more. Cold food should be held at 41 degrees or less.
Dayna says
My current crock pot has a slight crack in it so when it goes I’ll be getting one w/ clips!! I’ve been wrapping it in a big towel then using a bungee cord around the towel and lid to keep it on. This was put to the test last weekend when my 4 year old (little stinker he is) tipped it over in the car. It must of been sitting on it’s side for 5 mins or so before we noticed it. Only a bit of the cheese from my scalloped potatoes was on the towel. I’m glad it wasn’t soup in there!! The tote is a great idea. There wouldn’t of been room in our Honda Element for it w/ all our camping gear last weekend though. I think a van is in our future.
Carissa says
I’ve been trying to figure out a way to bring hot food to my bf’s family gatherings which is about 2 hours away from where we live. Just enough time to get there and plug in the pot to keep things warm. No major reheating required. Thanks for the great idea! 🙂
Michele P. says
Love it!
Another one of those “Why didn’t I think of that moments!”
I’ve been dying to make my aunts baked beans…which I’m not sure if it qualifies as a true baked beans recipe since it has hamburger in it…but it’s AMAZING and must be shared with hungry people!
Melissa says
How many hours do you think it could go like this? We’re planning a road trip and would need to keep the food hot for 4 to 5 hours. Would that happen when insulated with a towel, or is that too long? Thanks!
Marcy says
We used an inverter that plugged into the cigarette lighter and then plugged in our vacuum sealer to the attachment plug box thingy (technical I know..LOL) to bag our salmon as we were dipnetting it out of the ocean (fillets).