(Untitled)

[bubonicplague]

I'm making an attempt to budget more wisely when it comes to food spending, and one thing I'd like to be able to do is pack some lunches instead of obtaining them at delis and the like. Only problem is, they would have to include foods that require no refrigeration or heating. I would also prefer to make the food in lieu of using pre-packaged

Comments

[crossbow1]

When I was temping and never had refrigeration, it was all about the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. And gazpacho is good, since it's summer. And I never minded packing cold chicken and just eating it at room temperature.

[bubonicplague]

Oooh, PB & pepper jelly! That's going in there, too.

[crossbow1]

Oooo. Good idea. I never thought of using pepper jelly on a sandwich. I often use it with crackers and cheese, though.

[bubonicplague]

I tried it and it was incredible. Best PB&J I've had, no doubt.

[revena]

Most vegetables would be just fine at room temperature for quite a while, and a balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing won't spoil for ages, so you can do a no-refrigeration salad pretty easily. Muffins and breads work well, as does uncut fruit. If you don't mind using some packaged products, I'm a big fan of granola bars, dry cereal like Honey Nut Cheerios (that stuff is tasty) and single-serving applesauce.

[bubonicplague]

Thanks! I made a nice balsamic vinaigrette to go with a fridgeless salad and packed some fruit in there as well.

[madelinekrieger]

Speaking of veggies...

Tomatoes are always good. No refrigeration needed, and you can eat them plain, salted, etc.

Cucumbers are another good one. Grab some extra mayo packets next time you're in a convenience store. Slap some on a slice of bread and throw some cucumber slices in between. I still make those from time to time and love them.

Bananas and peanut butter, apples and peanut butter...

Tuna fish. Again, grab some mayo packets. ;)

[eruvadhril]

When I was in high school and Mum went on a real health kick, she'd cook a bunch of marinated chicken breasts, and slice one up to put in a salad in the morning for us to take to school. Being Aussies, we had these insulated mini-Esky lunchboxes with an iceblock in to keep everything cool, but I suppose just an airtight container would work okay.

[snapefantasy]

We don't have an employee refridgerator either. I just use an insulated lunch bag. Cold cut samiches, left overs that I don't mind eating cold, etc. I don't use an ice pack. I buy bottled water by the case. ($3.99 for 24 16oz bottles is cheaper than pop and better for you) and keep several in the freezer. I use them to keep my lunch cool, and by lunch time, they're often thawed enough to sip on the rest of the day. Yay for ice cold water!