We are about to enter the carnival that is the holiday season: Every year we embark on a seemingly ceaseless ride of food, family and friends that starts at Thanksgiving and spans through to one of the most sacred holidays, the Super Bowl. While your family may at times seem lethal at these gatherings, it's the food that can be the real danger.
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Without a little forethought, that pan of piping-hot potatoes sitting on your lap in the car could spill and burn you at the first sharp corner or it could end up all over your clothes, seat upholstery and floor during sudden braking.
Worse yet, it could turn into a deadly projectile if you get into a crash. A study by Intel and the University of California at Irvine showed that unrestrained cargo or loose objects in a car can be lethal, not just in a crash but even during emergency braking.
Fortunately, we've got tips and products to ensure that the food you're transporting doesn't become a projectile. Plus, our intel will help you get that leftover pie home in perfect condition for continued indulgence.
The safest place to keep any item is in your car's trunk (use a grippy drawer liner to keep it from sliding around) or secured in the cargo area. Keeping a food container -- or any item -- loose in the car is dangerous.
Casserole Dishes
Cars.com illustration by Paul Dolan
For your famous cornbread stuffing, try a Pyrex Portables set ($39.99) with a three-quart baking, a plastic lid and a handy zip-up carrying case that can be used to keep food hot or cold.
If investing in more kitchen equipment is the last thing on your to-do list, try Reynolds Bakeware Disposable Carrier Kit ($4.99) with a disposable pan and lid and a cardboard carrier. Secure this kit -- or any dishes you're bringing to the feast -- in your car's trunk or cargo area by placing it in a towel-lined laundry basket. The towels will absorb any leaks, and the laundry basket makes it easy to use bungee cords to secure it to cargo hooks.
A cooler is another item you probably have at home that can be useful for transporting food. Don't be fooled by the name, a cooler can be equally effective in keeping hot food hot. It's all about the insulation. Wrap your hot dish in a towel to keep it from sliding around in the cooler and then pop it in the car's trunk. Make sure to secure it with bungee cords too.
Slow Cookers
Cars.com illustration by Paul Dolan
Keep your candied yams in your slow cooker by investing in one with a lockable lid, which keeps leaks at bay and your food secure. There are even slow cookers with temperature gauges that continue to work even when unplugged.
Pies
It's not Thanksgiving without the pies, but how best to get them to your destination? Use a pie or cake carrier to get that pumpkin pie safely to Granny's house. If you want to make sure your flaky piecrust doesn't end up in pieces, consider an insulated carrier to protect your masterpiece from being jostled in the trunk. If you're bringing several pies, a tiered bamboo steamer can work wonders.
Cars.com illustration by Paul Dolan
Leftovers
Be a great guest and bring a few of your own containers for the host to use when it comes time to dole out the leftovers. If the plastic containers seem too presumptuous, instead grab a box of zip-top bags for transporting leftovers; you can even label them with your name so there's no confusion.
With our tips, you'll be able to make the most of the coming months filled with food, family and football.
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