Travels over the school holidays and Easter weekend bring the promise of adventure and exploration. As you hit the open road, the anticipation builds, and the journey becomes just as important as the destination. One key element that can make (or break!) a road trip is the selection of snacks. After all, what's a road trip without some tasty “padkos” treats to keep you energised on the journey?

Wayne Blake, the General Manager at ANEW Resort White River says although grilled cheese sandwiches, meatballs and chicken wings will always be firm favourites, he suggests a few creative alternatives that will inspire your taste buds.

Here are his top five road trip-worthy foods, and a recipe for the ultimate chocolate brownies, to fuel your travel.

Durban-style popcorn 

Spicy pineapple - tangy fresh pineapple chunks doused in curry powder - is most definitely one of Durban’s most unique snacks, usually sold by street vendors along the beachfront. Be inspired by this unique blend of spices and prepare a pre-mix of chili powder, sugar, salt and a dash of vinegar and generously coat freshly popped popcorn. Make enough – it won’t last long!

Scotch eggs South African style

Portable and tasty as a cold snack, scotch eggs are filling and comfort food at its best. Essentially, they are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, coated in bread crumbs and deep-fried for a delicious snack on the go. For a South African twist, substitute the pork mince for boerewors by simply removing the wors meat from the casting. Prepare a dipping sauce with mayonnaise and a dash of hot sauce or sweet chili sauce for a satisfying snack.

3. Roasted butternut toasted pumpkin seed & Danish feta salad

This scrumptious and filling salad is a perfect roadside “padkos” snack when you need to stretch your legs. Packed with roasted butternut, toasted pumpkin seeds, and Danish feta, it's a flavourful treat that keeps you satisfied (and healthy) on the go. Add couscous, quinoa, chickpeas or bulgar wheat for additional sustenance. Pack it in glass mason jars and enjoy a fresh taste wherever your journey leads.

Falafels 

Made from wholesome chickpeas, falafels are a fantastic road trip snack. Their crispy exterior and flavoursome interior offer a satisfying crunch and bold taste. Whether eaten on their own or in a pita with chili and coriander, humus or tzatziki, falafel is a convenient and tasty option for vegetarians.

Chocolate Brownies

Satisfy your sweet cravings with rich and indulgent chocolate brownies. These heavenly squares of chocolate goodness whether enjoyed as a mid-journey pick-me-up or a post-adventure reward, are the ultimate road trip dessert.

Wayne shares his fool-proof recipe which you can make a day ahead of your trip:

Chocolate Brownies Recipe

READY IN: 25mins

YIELDS: 1 batch              

INGREDIENTS

• 3⁄4 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup cocoa
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened – do not melt completely – best to leave outside day before in a cool dry spot.
• 2 eggs, whole
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄2 cup nuts chopped of your choice or use toasted mixed nuts 
• 200g chopped baking chocolate

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 185 degrees.
• Grease a square 8cm x 8cm pan.
• Sift flour with sugar, salt, and cocoa into a mixing bowl, and set aside.
• Add butter, eggs, and vanilla.
• Use spoon and beat 100 strokes per minute for 3 minutes by hand or 2 minutes on medium speed, with mixer with a paddle attachment.
• Stir in nuts & chopped chocolate until evenly mixed through.
• Pour into pan and spread out evenly.
• Bake 20 to 22 minutes.
• Cool and then cut, into your desired shapes and sizes, pack into your road trip lunch box and enjoy on the road!