I'll Have It To-Go, Please: PFB Number Six
October 24, 2010 
At this point, it doesn't matter where we're going. That's up to you.
All I'm concerned with is what we're going to eat along the way.
For this challenge, I wanted to employ a casual, eat-with-your-hands mentality. We're bringing back the rustic theme and giving it a little south-of-the-border flair. The menu items for this gourmet meal-to-go travel extremely well. They are easy, quick to prepare, and simple, although the flavors are quite the opposite.
As usual, I looked for inspiration in the out-of-the-ordinary. I wanted to combine elements that you wouldn't immediately put together, but become surprisingly wonderful friends on your palate. The other requirement is that they had to remain intact in a cooler.
Stay tuned for recipes in the next post!
For our main dish on this trip, we have some Black Bean Falafel with a Spicy Dill Greek Yogurt dip. Greek yogurt is wonderful for this. It is smooth, creamy and tangy, and so much healthier than sour cream. With subtle spice, it compliments the earthy cumin in the black bean falafel, while at the same time cooling the fire in your mouth.
Next up: Our side is a Smashed Pea Guacamole with Cilantro, Ginger and Lime. The peas are so fantastic! They give the guac amazing color and really unique texture. Somehow, this guac tasted more creamy to me than usual. It is pretty unique all around, actually, because the fresh ginger takes it up a notch. This is the most interesting guacamole you will ever taste. Another plus: Did you know that green peas are the only source of protein from a fresh vegetable? Normally, we can't call guacamole 'high in protein', but green peas have almost 6 grams per cup. Serve this side with some blue corn tortilla chips.
Our on-the-go dessert and beverage is a Goat's Milk Mexican-Spiced Hot Cocoa with Cinnamon-Sugar Tortilla Crisps for dipping. A rich and creamy cup of hot chocolate is especially necessary with this currently gloomy Bay Area weather. These two elements are wonderful by themselves, but when dunked in your steaming mug, the tortilla crisps are entirely different. Also, I might say that using goat's milk is essential here. It provided a tangy backdrop to balance the richness of the chocolate and the depth of flavor from almond extract and spice.
Transfer everything to individual tupperware containers. The tortilla crisps will be fine in a ziploc bag and the cocoa fares well in a thermos or two.
If you want to use an ice pack, I suggest placing it next to the yogurt dip and guacamole and far away from the hot cocoa.
The only utensils you will need for this meal are your hands,
the blue corn chips,
and toothpicks!
Pack it all into your cooler (thanks Foodbuzz!):
And be on your way!
Whether you're tailgating, hiking, having a picnic, watching football with friends, or traveling great distances...
Whether by car, by bus, by train or by bike...
I wish you safe travels, wherever the road may take you.
Reader Comments (16)
Looks like a tasty meal! Good luck with the contest!
fabulous job! those falafels look amazing! i will never eat a real one again!
So sorry I was in Tahoe this weekend, I missed the picnic and it looks fantastic!!! Have any leftovers? Great job again Sarah!
Ha ha ha, I love the picture of you riding a bike with the Foodbuzz bag. I think if I would have tried that I would have toppled over. I really like the green pea guac idea!
Your yogurt dip looks amazing! I should whip up a batch and then slather it on everything! Good luck with PFB, voted!
Very different! I like the idea of the falafel on the go!
Sarah, very nice job! Everything looks perfect for a road trip -- creative, "coordinated," and festive (and easy to carry and eat). And I'm dying to try the goat's milk Mexican cocoa and cinnamon-sugar tortilla crisps!
I love everything involved in this meal!! Especially the black bean falafel!! I also love that you take the cooler on your bike :) Good luck!!!
I fully expect this to make it all the way to the Atlantic next summer. I'm going to use my last avacado to try this pea dip. Sounds great. Nice work on the entire menu. It's very picnicy. Good Luck Sara. JS
Looks like great food for the weather we all seem to be suffering with! The hot chocolate looks amazing so I await the recipe for it and the sugar cinnamon tortilla crisps. Lovely post!
Love that last picture of you on the bike, too cute! And what an inventive idea for the smashed pea guac, I would love to try it! Definitely got my vote, good luck! :)
Nicely done! Love the bike!
Loving the photo of you on the bike and great idea for no utensils needed picnic
I love falafel, but I've never made them. Yours look delicious.
[...] my final post for Project Food Blog, I prepared some unique and flavorful bites to be taken on the road. I [...]
Sarah, this all sounds wonderful and I love the photo pf you on the bike. It's a great photo of you. I'm very sorry I couldn't vote for you this time. The computer was out of commision for several days while we were en route to GBury and unpacking. Let us know if you are still in the running.