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Turkey Day Options for Truckers On the Road

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Thanksgiving Day for Truckers On the Road

It’s almost Thanksgiving and most of us will be stuffing our face with turkey and pie, yelling at the game on TV, or braving the crowds for the new Black Friday store hours on Thanksgiving, but it’s important to remember and give thanks to those who may not get a home-cooked meal with family and friends. The men and women in the trucking industry move America, and often their jobs don’t stop just because of the holidays.

If you find yourself in this on the road, never fear! We have recipes you can make in your cab to give you the comforts of a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal. And you can still yell at your radio if you put the game on!

First, you need to make sure you have the right tools. Stock your cab with a crock pot, hot pot, and can opener. With an inverter for power, you will be good to go. These essential recipes include:

Boneless turkey breast: Put that crock pot to good use! If you purchase a boneless turkey, you won’t have to deal with the skin and bones. As a bonus, it may even come with a gravy packet! All you need to do is plug the crock pot into an inverter, set it on low and let the bird cook with the lid on. We found this article giving step-by-step instructions on how to cook your bird on the road: http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/cooking-turkey.html

Instant/easy-make mashed potatoes: These are easily found in truck stops or at a local Walmart. In several taste tests, we found that Betty Crocker Home-Style Creamy Butter Mashed Potatoes and Idahoan Home-style Butter Mashed Potato were tasty instant potato brands. The best part is that it takes only 3 minutes to cook and all you need is water and a microwave. You can find these at your next stop.
Jellied cranberry sauce: For an easy treat, grab a can of jellied cranberry sauce while you’re picking up your instant potatoes and use a can-opener. Next step, enjoy!

Steamed veggies: Invest in a microwave steamer, which is available at any Walmart. For less than $10, you’ll be able to steam your veggies right in the microwave. This healthy option is cheap, easy and quick. What more could you ask for!

Pumpkin pie: For this, we suggest to stop by a truck stop or diner for a slice of pie. After all of your cooking, you’ve earned a treat. Everyone knows truck stops and diners know how to make a great pie.

If these options just don’t cut it and you find yourself longing for a sit-down meal, here is a list of places where you can get a hot meal on Thanksgiving:

Visit your local truck stop: Most truck stops will be serving turkey dinners on Thanksgiving. Check for your nearest stop and get ready to chow down with fellow truckers. If you can’t spend Thanksgiving with your loved ones, spending it with fellow truckers is a pretty great option.

National chain restaurants: You will be able to get a piping hot meal with all of your traditional Thanksgiving favorites at any Cracker Barrel or Denny’s restaurant. An added bonus is that there is no cleanup for you!

Local diner: If supporting a mom and pop business is on your mind this Turkey Day, consider stopping at a local diner serving Thanksgiving dinner. You might have to ask around, but we’re sure it will be worth it when found. You are sure to taste the love in this home-cooked meal.

Large hotel chains: Our clients suggest trying buffets at Marriott or Holiday Inn chains for tasty Turkey Day meals. This is a great option if you’re planning on stopping for the night. You can even head up to your room once the tryptophan hits for a nice nap.

Whether you choose to do-it-yourself or dine-in, we hope that these options will bring a little bit of comfort to you. Apex is thankful for not only our clients, but truckers everywhere. The world would stop without you, and we thank you for moving America. We wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!