Cooking great meals with your car engine. The heat is on.

Ladies, gentlemen, start your engines. But only after you’ve loaded them up with sausages, chicken, crabs, Cajun shrimp and plenty of vegetables.

Car engine cooking will change the way you take road trips, forever. As I’ve stated in the past, I love to get extra use out of the products I buy. Around 15 years ago, I saw a documentary on British television about a guy who had wrapped some sausages in foil, placed them on a strategic part of his engine, and then took a 40 minute drive to his friend’s house. When he got there, the sausages were perfectly cooked and a great end to a small journey.

How cool, I remember thinking. But as I couldn’t drive at the time, I forgot all about it. Until last week. For some reason, sitting in my car at a red light smelling the grilling chicken of a nearby Chipotle reminded me of that story. And now I’m pleased and proud to present you with Car Engine Cooking, brought to you by the one and only source I could find on the subject. a wonderful book called Manifold Destiny.

MANIFOLD DESTINY – The One! The Only! Guide to Cooking on Your Car Engine!

Chris Maynard and Bill Scheller have a serious affinity with cars. Both experienced rally drivers, they must have worked up an appetite on the courses they drove. And as they are also both accomplished cooks, it seems only natural that a book on car engine cooking would be born.

The book is witty, concise and well-written. Well worth a read on any day. It also goes into more detail than I can recount here, covering everything from types of cars, food placement on engines, international VS domestic models and so on. What I can give you is enough to whet your appetite, followed by the most important part of the story – my FIVE favorite car engine cooking recipes from the many delicacies listed in the book. You can purchase the book direct from Amazon by clicking the link below.

The basics – remember, it’s not an exact science.
Chris and Bill advise that although car engines are all different, the principles are the same. So, how do you find the best places on your car engine to place your chicken, your veggies or your succulent piece of rainbow trout? Well, it all comes down to. your finger.

Get your car up to operating speed, or better yet take it for a drive around the block for five minutes, and then bring it back to the garage and lift the hood. Now, finger at the ready, you start quickly touching various parts of the engine (nothing plastic. that will never get hot enough to cook anything). And by quickly touching, it’s the kind of swift stab that means your finger feels the heat but you don’t give yourself a third degree burn. (If you’re feeling really wussy, try an infrared thermometer). Usually, the hottest part of the engine will be the exhaust manifold. On older cars, the top of the engine block will be a good, sizzling place.

You’re not just looking for the hottest parts of the engine. Like any kind of cooking, different foods require different temperatures. A very hot part of the engine will be great for thick meat, a cooler part good for veggies or fish. Or, if you’re traveling many hundreds of miles, you may want to use the cooler part to slow-cook your meat. Mmmm. As always, this is trial and error.

NEVER let the food interfere with the engine’s moving parts
We want a great meal here, not a wrecked engine. And who would want to explain to the local mechanic why there’s a piece of rump roast stuck in the timing belt? Always choose places that are static, and ensure they are not going to move. The boys have put together this handy list of things to avoid.

Car engine cooking no-nos.

1 – Give the accelerator linkage a WIDE berth. It connects the gas pedal to carburetor or fuel-injection system and regulates the flow of fuel to the cylinders. Jam this and either your car won’t start, or worse, it won’t stop!

2 – Don’t block the airflow. You’ll suffocate the engine.

3 – Avoid yanking wires. Or pulling wires. Or forcing a food-package to fit. Basic rule of thumb. if you have to force it, you shouldn’t put it in.

4 – Place food with the engine OFF. Seems like an obvious rule, but if you don’t want a nasty injury, follow this advice.

5 – Avoid foods with lots of liquid. Foil-wrapping a meal with lots of liquid could results in unwanted goop all over your engine. And that’s not good for it.

The FOIL CONE test
This is done to give you a good idea of how much room you have in your new ‘oven’, and cannot be skipped. Simply make a cone of aluminum foil about 5 inches high, place it on the injector housing, then shut the hood. Now, when you open it, how much of that cone has been crushed? If it’s a lot, your car engine will only be good for cooking slimmer meals, like fish and strip steak. If it hasn’t been touched, you’ll need extra foil to stop your packages from moving around.

Preparing your meal
Foil is about to become your new best friend. Grab a sheet of foil large enough to comfortably cover the food/ingredients. You don’t want to be cheap on foil here, more is better. Wrap the foil around, creating a package, and crimp the foil tightly. You want a seal all around the food. And then do it again. And then again. Triple-wrapping in foil is the only way to ensure a tight, sealed, safe package.

Finally. my FIVE favorite recipes from Manifold Destiny

Cruise-Control Pork Tenderloin – Cooking distance: 250 miles
I like this one because it’s soft and tender, and is a great treat for the end of a long journey (hey, I’m a Brit. 250 miles is along way to me).

Ingredients:
1 large pork tenderloin, butterflied
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp dry white wine
1/2 cup red onion, minced
2 tsp rosemary (fresh), crushed
Salt & pepper

Blend together all of the ingredients (except the pork) and spread across the inside of the pork tenderloin. Close up the pork, triple-wrap in foil and place on a medium-hot part of the engine. Turn once (125 miles) during cooking.

Any-city Chicken Wings (sweet) – Cooking distance: 140-200 miles
Is there a better snack food than buffalo chicken wings? I can’t think of one, personally. So imagine my delight when I discovered a car-engine recipe. Feel free to swap out ingredients according to how hot/spicy/tangy you like your wings. This is my take on the recipe (the optional ingredients).

Ingredients:
18 chicken wings
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp molasses (optional)
1 cup red wine vinegar
1-2 tsp red pepper flakes
4-6 minced jalapenos
3 cloves garlic
1 tbsp honey (optional)
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
Pinch of salt
Fresh black pepper (optional)
Splash of Tabasco Chipotle sauce (optional)
Splash of Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Blend together all of the ingredients (except wings) and pour over chicken wings. Cover tightly in the fridge for at least 24 hours. Drain wings (save the marinade) and divide into three foil packages. Brush with marinade, then triple-wrap each package tightly and place on medium-hot part of the engine. I like my chicken well done so I do the 200 miles, or around 3 1/2 hours.

Good & simple Cajun Shrimp/Crayfish – Cooking distance: 35 miles
I love shrimp, and this is a quick journey. For most, it’s an average morning’s commute. What a way to start the day. Cajun Shrimp for breakfast.

Ingredients:
1 pound large shrimp or crayfish tails, in shells.
6 small green hot peppers
2 cloves garlic
1 medium onion, finely chopped
Butter or spread
Salt & pepper

Remove seeds from peppers (ouch, they are hot) and mince with the onion and garlic. Butter your foil, add the shrimp and cover with your spicy mixture. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper, then triple-wrap and place in a medium part of the engine. Delicious, seasoned, spicy shrimp or crayfish await.

Eggs On Cheese Pie – Cooking distance: 55 miles
Another good breakfast food, or anytime food. Legend has it that the recipe (minus the cooking method) originated in medieval monasteries. A holy treat.

Ingredients:
Breadcrumbs (Italian or fresh homemade)
1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, cubed
6 eggs (free range folks. be good)
Diced Canadian bacon (optional)
6 empty tuna-fish cans for cooking
Pinch of cayenne and paprika (optional)
Butter or spread.
Salt & pepper.

Wash 6 empty tuna cans and butter the insides. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs into each can and shake to cover the base evenly. Dump out excess. Now cover with mozzarella (and bacon if desired) then crack an egg on top of each, add seasonings and spices on top, then cover with mozzarella. Wrap cans tightly in foil, place on a hot part of the engine with good contact for the base of each can, and after 55 miles they should be good. If not, keep driving till the cheese has melted.

Pat’s Provolone Porsche Potatoes – Cooking distance: 55 miles
Good for vegetarians and a great side dish, this is simple, tasty car engine cooking.

Ingredients:
1/2 pound new potatoes
1 cup milk
1 cup water
2 ounces grated aged provolone (or my favorite, aged cheddar)
Butter
Salt & pepper

Peel and slice potatoes to 1.4 inch thick. Place in a saucepan with the milk and water and simmer 10 mins. Drain, then spread onto heavily buttered foil. Sprinkle with your cheese (or cheeses, experiment with flavors) and seasonings. Sprinkle with butter, triple-wrap and place around medium-hot parts of the engine. Delicious.

And finally, practice makes perfect.
You aren’t going to get all of this right first time. Experiment with different ingredients, different parts of the engine and different cooking time. As I say, the book is an essential resource for all budding car-engine chefs, so please pick up a copy or at the very least see if you can find one in your local library. Soon, you’ll be driving and cooking in perfect harmony. Happy times.

Main photo by Blatch . Thanks Blatch!

Heating Lunch In Your Car: Safe Strategies

There are many ways to heat up your lunch in your car, ranging from using portable ovens, car food warmers, and car heaters to low-wattage microwaves. If you’re looking for a quick fix, you can use your seat warmer to keep meals warm, or even wrap your food in tin foil and use the heat of your engine to warm it up. For a more long-term solution, consider investing in a car food warmer or cooker, such as a slow cooker or Crock-Pot, which can be plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter or wired into your vehicle’s electronic system. If you’re looking for something more versatile, a car microwave might be a better option, but keep in mind that they require a lot of energy and can drain your battery if used with the engine off.

Characteristics	Values
Type of device	Car food warmer, Car microwave, Combination warmer/cooler, Dedicated cooker, Portable oven, Self-heating lunchbox, Car lighter food warmer, Seat warmer
Power source	12V power, Dual power AC/DC, Car power inverter, Car battery, Accessory socket, Accessory circuit
Use case	Short commutes, Longer trips, Reheating leftovers, Cooking raw food
Advantages	Healthy and frugal, Convenience, Maintains food temperature
Disadvantages	Slow to heat up, High energy consumption, Fire hazard, Bad odours

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What You’ll Learn

• Using a car food warmer
• Wrapping food in tin foil and using the engine’s heat
• Portable ovens
• Self-heating lunchboxes
• Car microwaves

Using a car food warmer

There are several options for car food warmers, which can be a great way to maintain a healthy, frugal diet if you spend a lot of time in your car. Car food warmers are also a good option if you are going on a road trip or long haul trip.

One option is a car microwave, which can heat up or cook food quickly. However, they require a lot of energy and may need to be wired into the fuse panel or directly to the battery. They are a good option for those with shorter commutes.

Another option is a slow cooker or Crock-Pot, which can be plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter. These are better for those with longer commutes as they take longer to heat up. You can also get dual power AC/DC units that can be plugged into the wall when you reach your destination.

There are also combination warmer/coolers, which can keep beverages cool, and dedicated cookers that use a heating element. Most of these devices run off 12v power and can be plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter.

One popular option is the Hotlogic Mini, which uses a low slow conduction heating pad to heat your food to the perfect temperature. It plugs into your 12v vehicle power and has low power usage, similar to a lightbulb. It does not need to be supervised, and there are no settings to configure.

Another option is an electric lunchbox, which can keep food warm but cannot cook meals or reheat cold food.

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Wrapping food in tin foil and using the engine’s heat

Wrapping your food in tin foil and using your car’s engine heat is a great way to cook your meal while on the go. This method is like using a slow cooker, but the results may be drier. It is important to note that the location of the food on the engine matters. The exhaust manifold is a reliably hot spot, regardless of the age of your car. Engine blocks on older cars are usually hotter than newer ones.

To start, wrap your food in multiple layers of tin foil. This will not only protect your car from spillage but also create a tight seal to keep the food warm. Industrial-strength aluminium foil is ideal, but regular foil can be used as well—just be sure to wrap it multiple times to ensure a tight seal.

Next, place your carefully wrapped food parcel in the engine bay. Choose a spot that is big enough to hold the food securely so it doesn’t slide around but isn’t so tight that the food gets squished. The intake manifold, for example, can be a good spot, as seen with a burrito that was ready to eat after a drive to a campsite. Another example is placing food on or near the exhaust manifold, especially if it requires more heat, such as chicken and potatoes.

Finally, turn on your engine and let it run for an extended period. Speed doesn’t matter; it’s the running engine that generates the heat for cooking. Keep in mind that this method is not ideal for cooking noodles, as they require lower heat for longer periods.

With this method, you can turn your car’s engine heat into a handy way to prepare meals while on the road.

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Portable ovens

There are several options for portable ovens or food warmers that can be used in a car. Here are some of the most popular methods:

12-Volt Heated Lunch Boxes:

These lunch boxes plug directly into your car’s 12-volt power source, often the cigarette lighter socket. They can heat up meals in around 20-30 minutes and are a convenient option for those who want to warm up their lunch on the go. Some popular options include the Hot Logic Mini and the Koolatron Heating Lunch Box.

Car Microwaves:

Car microwaves are another option for heating food in your vehicle. These are typically more powerful than heated lunch boxes and can cook or reheat food quickly. However, they require a lot of energy and may need to be wired directly to your car’s battery. This option is better suited for those with short commutes or access to a power source during their trip.

Slow Cookers or Crock-Pots:

Slow cookers, such as the RoadPro 12V Portable Stove, are ideal for those who have longer trips or want to cook a meal while on the road. They operate on low power and take a significant amount of time to cook a meal, but they can be a great option if you have the time to spare.

Combination Warmer/Coolers:

These units can both heat and cool food, making them versatile for different situations. They may be more suitable for keeping beverages cold rather than cooking a full meal.

Portable 12V Ovens:

For a more oven-like experience, there are portable 12V ovens available, such as the KickAss Portable 12V Camping Oven. These ovens can bake, roast, and warm food, offering more versatility than some of the other options. They are designed to be compact, portable, and easy to use on the road, plugging directly into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.

When choosing a portable oven or food warmer for your car, consider your specific needs, the amount of time you have available for heating food, and the power sources available to you. Each option has its own advantages and will suit different use cases.

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Self-heating lunchboxes

There are several options for heating your lunch on the go, including car food warmers, microwaves, and combination warmer/coolers. If you’re looking for a more convenient and portable option, self-heating lunchboxes are a great solution. These innovative lunchboxes allow you to enjoy hot meals anywhere, anytime, without the need for a microwave or external power source. Here’s a look at some of the top self-heating lunchboxes on the market:

LunchEAZE offers a range of rechargeable and automatic self-heating lunchboxes. With safety ratings, BPA-free materials, and customizable features, LunchEAZE provides a portable dining experience. The lunchbox heats up automatically according to your schedule and has a dual-compartment design for snacks and beverages. It also comes with an insulated bag to maximize heating performance. The LunchEAZE Pro, Core, and XL models offer different features and capacities to suit your needs.

HeatsBox GO is a smart and portable self-heating lunchbox that allows you to heat your meals evenly and efficiently. With its companion app, you can select the target temperature and set the time for your meal to be ready. The battery-powered lunchbox is leakproof and promises versatility, making it ideal for meal prep and busy schedules. The removable inner dish holds up to 925 ml of food, and you can schedule heating times directly through the app or manually.

Hot Logic Mini

The Hot Logic Mini is a 12-volt heated lunchbox that can be plugged into your car’s 12V socket or a household power plug. It can heat up meals from the refrigerator or freezer in just a few hours. The Hot Logic Mini is a popular choice, especially for those who need a portable heating solution.

These self-heating lunchboxes offer convenience, portability, and the ability to enjoy hot meals on the go. They are ideal for long commutes, road trips, or simply enjoying a hot lunch at the office without the hassle of a microwave.

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Car microwaves

Car food warmers and cookers come in various types, including microwaves, combination warmer/coolers, and dedicated cookers. Car microwaves are ideal for people with short commutes as they can heat up or cook food quickly. However, they require a lot of energy and can drain your car battery if used with the engine off.

If you’re considering a car microwave, you’ll need to ensure you have an adequate power source. Most car food warmers run off 12V power and can be plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter. However, for a power-hungry device like a microwave, you may need to wire it into the fuse panel or directly to the battery with an in-line fuse. You’ll also need to consider the wattage of the microwave and ensure your power source can handle the surge in power when the microwave is in use.

There are alternative options to car microwaves that may be more suitable for heating up your lunch in your car. These include:

• Electric lunch boxes: These can be plugged into your car’s 12V power source and slowly heat up your food.
• Combination units: These are similar to electric lunch boxes but offer more utility. They can also double as coolers to keep your beverages cold.
• Slow cookers or Crock-Pots: These are great if you have plenty of time to spare as they cook meals at a low temperature over a longer period.
• Flameless ration heaters: These usually come with US MREs and can heat up your food by simply adding water.
• Wide thermoses: Preheat a good quality thermos with boiling water, and it will keep your food hot for several hours.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I heat up my lunch in the car?

There are several ways to heat up your lunch in the car. You can use a car food warmer, such as a self-heating lunchbox, a car microwave, or a slow cooker. You can also use your car’s seat warmer or the heat from the engine to keep your food warm.

What are some examples of car food warmers?

Some examples of car food warmers include the Hot Logic Mini, which plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter, and the RoadPro 12v Portable Stove, which is a travel-sized food warmer that runs on 120v AC. You can also find heated lunch boxes on Amazon that plug into your car’s 12v power source.

How do I use my car’s engine to heat up my lunch?

To use your car’s engine to heat up your lunch, first warm up the engine by driving around the block. Then, pull over and turn off the engine. Prop open the hood and start touching the flat surfaces to find a spot that’s hot enough to cook your food. Wrap your food in aluminium foil and place it on the hot surface. Keep the hood propped open while your food cooks.

https://www.wisebread.com/cooking-great-meals-with-your-car-engine-the-heat-is-on

https://shunauto.com/article/how-to-heat-up-lunch-in-car