We’re into month two of self-isolation at our house and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s almost nothing that a good snack can’t temporarily solve. Sibling arguments? Feed ’em. Wonky internet? Eat a snack. Zoom call with your boss? Have nachos at the ready.

If doubling your ice cream consumption during a pandemic is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

We’ve always been food lovers at my house, but there’s something about a pandemic that ups your need for ice cream and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

It doesn’t help that travel has spoiled me. Some of the best things I’ve ever eaten were eaten while on vacation. Fried zucchini flowers in Italy, poutine in Quebec, every single dessert in Portugal, seafood in Mazatlan…

Food and travel go together like sunshine and good times – can’t have one without the other. And when we can’t get away, the possibility of at least reliving the moments we love through the foods we associate with those moments can offer a bit of relief.

These spots on the internet may help. The recipes below are being shared by travel destinations and outlets online. They get that, while we may not be able to do everything, the one thing we can do is travel through our palate. And hopefully, a taste of these goodies at home will bring back some wonderful memories.

If you’re tempted to give one of these a try, let me know how it goes!

The snack you eat while shopping: Ikea’s Swedish Meatballs

Remember when we could just wander a store to browse? Who knew we’d move to a time when that simple act would feel like a luxury. Browsing the furniture set-ups at Ikea was second only to popping into their cafe for a quick sit-down snack (and then loading up some to take home from their to-go section on the way out). Now you can honour the ritual at home.

The snacks that keep you hotel loyal: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies are the perfect pandemic food. Good for any meal of the day and as a snack! Just me? The trick is that I’m a bit of a cookie snob. I’ll be trying both of these hotel recipes to see if they can be added to my coveted cookie recipe lists. The first is from the XV Beacon hotel.

The second is one I’m more familiar with. When you arrive at a DoubleTree hotel you can usually get some warm ones as you check-in. Now, I won’t have to pretend that one will be enough. (Click on the photo below for details.)

The theme park staples: Churros and more at Disney

Snacks at Disney are an important part of the theme park experience.

Mickey-shaped ice cream popsicles are second only to Mickey-shaped Crispy treats.

Jumbo turkey legs, Mickey Mouse shaped creamsicles and Dole Whips are as important to Disney fans as meetups with Mickey and Goofy. So, I imagine there are a lot of people who will be very happy to know where to find Disney’s recipes for some of their favourites.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/04/cooking-up-the-magic-create-disneymagicmoments-at-home-with-disney-parks-churro-bites-recipe/

You’ll find other Disney favourites here:

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/topics/disney-recipes/

Your turn. What recipes are keeping you connected to your travel snacking dreams?