Heidi Swanson is a bestselling cookbook author and a tastemaker. A James Beard-award double winner who specializes in natural, plant-based vegetarian and vegan recipes, she gorgeously chronicles what comes out of her kitchen at 101 Cookbooks.
We’re longtime fans, and it was on Heidi’s site that we first caught glimpses of her and her husband Wayne’s travels in their Airstream trailer. Next, Heidi presented “meal in a jar” and “just add water” recipes inspired by their roadtrips, but appealing to us for everyday.
“We’ve done plenty of camping in tents, in cars, and in our Airstream,” writes Heidi. “On the food front, the goal is always the same: delicious meals without a lot of fuss, gear, or cleanup, bonus points for being able to prep components ahead of time.” We needed to see and hear more. Heidi responded to our queries with a family photo album of trailer life and a slew of tips and tricks for tiny-space living. Summer, we’re now ready for you.
Photography by Heidi Swanson (@heidiswanson).
![otherworldly joshua tree national park is one of the couple\2\17;s favor 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-swanson-as-jt-dsf0792.jpg)
Reports Heidi: “We were first going to buy a new, single-axel Airstream, but while that one was being built—it can take months—this one came up on the used market at A to Z Motors and we grabbed it. It’s larger than we had envisioned and has a double axel, which makes it heavier to tow, but it’s been great for us.” They park it 10 minutes from their house and tow it with their Ford F-150 pickup—”navigating through LA in seven lanes of traffic is not for the faint of heart. We’re basically the slowest thing on the road.”
![the couple and polly, their cocker spaniel. \2\20;when we venture out in 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-and-wayne-photo-by-jeff-at-dark-sky.jpg)
Admiring Heidi’s dress? We were, too. Turns out Heidi sews her signature uniform herself: “Every year I make a number of dresses that I work in. Between cooking all the time, camping, and having a dog, I’m so hard on clothes. I’ve probably made five or six versions of this dress in different fabrics; I do a bit of a hack on this Vali Dress.” Photograph by Jeff of Dark Sky RV in Kanab, Utah—motto: “Come for the sites, stay for the stars.”
![essentials at the entry: wayne\2\17;s beanie, the brush they use to swee 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-swanson-airstream-faria-dsf5543.jpg)
The couple dubbed their Airstream B. Balena for baby whale: “she’s heavy, stubborn, and primarily migrates up and down the California coast.”
![polly takes in san elijo beach on the san diego coast. the table doubles as the 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-swanson-airstream-remodelista-sanelijo-dsf6045.jpg)
“We like the clean lines and minimalist interior of our Airstream and have kept it pretty much stock,” reports Heidi. “With a space this tight, the goal is to avoid being overwhelmed by stuff. We try to pack just what we need and use, but it’s an ongoing battle.”
Heidi’s air freshener: “I don’t burn incense in the trailer, but I tuck a packet into one of the shelves and it keeps the place smelling good. We’re currently using Fuego Zen Incense from Xinu in Mexico City: it’s made from beeswax, copaiba resin, and cardamom oil. I also love Bodha’s Purify Ritual Smokeless Incense with jasmine and rosewood notes.”
![\2\20;i love cooking outdoors in all these beautiful settings, but our t 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-swanson-airstream-kitchen-dsf6145.jpg)
![heidi\2\17;s much used cutting board travels indoors and out and doubles 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-swanson-airstream-faria-dsf5576.jpg)
![\2\20;there aren\2\17;t many drawers in the airstream, so every o 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-swanson-airstream-faria-dsf5561.jpg)
![there are only two kitchen drawers—\2\2\1;to the left is the tras 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-swanson-airstream-faria-dsf5584.jpg)
![\2\20;i bring my hand spun brass dabba from diaspora co. on every trip; 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-swanson-airstream-faria-dsf5578.jpg)
The salmon-colored napkins are by LA fashion designer Heidi Merrick from a few years back.
![two of heidi\2\17;s meal in a jar recipes: spicy coconut curry noodles a 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-swanson-airstream-crystal-cove-12-21-dsf1228-2.jpg)
![heidi\2\17;s airstream travels also inspired her to develop a series of 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-swanson-airstream-faria-dsf5554.jpg)
![meal in a jar spicy coconut curry noodles cooked in a mushi nabe donabe, \$\2\2 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/101-cookbooks-heidi-swason-meal-in-a-jar-spicy-coconut-curry-noodles-1.jpg)
![heidi\2\17;s recipes for the road adventure pancakes include rye flour, 29](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/airstream-adventure-pancakes-2-dsf3718.jpg)
![the couple\2\17;s table for the weekend at san elijo beach. 30](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/heidi-swanson-airstream-big-bear-2022-dsf3262.jpg)
Stay tuned: in the weeks ahead, we’ll be presenting Heidi’s outdoor cooking setups and art on the go.
See also:
- The DIY Tiny House Made from Hemp: A Community-Built Mobile Home from Common Knowledge
- Casamidy on Wheels: A Luxe Airstream Makeover, Victorian Card Table Included
- Room to Grow: Kai Avent-deLeon Turns a Mobile Home into a Modern Sanctuary
Frequently asked questions
What is this article about?
This article is about meal in a jar and just add water recipes for the road, specifically for Airstream travel.
Who wrote this article?
The article was written by Heidi Swanson.
What is the website where this article is published?
This article is published on Remodelista's website.
What is the focus of the recipes in this article?
The focus of the recipes in this article is on convenience and simplicity for travelers, as they can be prepared in advance and only require the addition of water when ready to eat.
Are these recipes specifically designed for Airstream travel or can they be used for other forms of travel too?
While the recipes are presented in the context of Airstream travel, they can be used for other forms of travel as well.
Can these recipes be prepared in advance?
Yes, these recipes are perfect for preparing in advance. The idea is to assemble all the ingredients in a jar or container and add water when ready to eat.
Do these recipes require cooking?
No, these recipes are designed to be convenient for travelers and do not require cooking. Just adding water to the jar is sufficient.
What kind of ingredients are used in these recipes?
These recipes typically include a combination of grains, legumes, vegetables, spices, and other flavorings.
Can these recipes be customized to personal preferences or dietary restrictions?
Yes, these recipes can be easily customized to suit personal preferences and accommodate dietary restrictions by adjusting the ingredients used.
Are there any specific storage or transportation tips for these meal in a jar recipes?
The article suggests using leak-proof jars or containers and advises placing them in a sturdy cooler or fridge for transportation.
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