Looking for non-perishable things to pack for my boyfriend...

[tritecliche]

My boyfriend stays in LA for the week for work, and I am looking for homemade things to send with him when he leaves San Diego on Monday mornings. He goes straight to work, so nothing that requires refrigeration. So far Ive sent homemade granola bars, trail mix, brownies, cookies. However, Id like new ideas, and maybe some things that are not sweets.

[DuchessNukem]

Always so nice to know that you've fed someone when you're not there. I work all weekend, every weekend and make sure that there's mucho good homemade stuff for the Duke.

Homemade nut butters: super easy, and can be non-refrig for up to two weeks. Small enough batches that he will use up in 3-4 days and want more by next Monday: buy raw peanuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds w/o shells, roast very gently in oven or toaster oven, cool, then grind well in food processor w/bit of salt, touch of light oil as needed, honey or other sweetener as desired. Empty into glass jar (good for ~2 weeks at room temp).

Can vary with added cinnamon one week, cinnamon/chipotle next, chocolate chips after, white chocolate chips, etc.

[Jen76]

Have you ever canned anything? You could make homemade fruit sauces (apple, pear, apple/berry combo) and can them in half-pint jars. You can also make a tested salsa recipe (like these: http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_salsa.html) that you can waterbath process in single-serving jars.

You could try making homemade bagels that he could eat for breakfasts or use to make sandwiches. There are always the many varieties of quick breads you could make. Banana, Pumpkin-Cranberry, Zucchini. Or muffins. Cornbread muffins are good and can be made savory or sweet.

Kale chips for a healthier alternative to get some greens into him. Send him off Monday mornings with a homemade smoothie.

[tritecliche]

Ideally, Id like things he can snack on throughout the week. I am not opposed to non-homemade things, I just enjoy cooking! He is in a bachelor apartment through the week-microwave, toasted oven, dorm fridge. Thanks for the ideas!

[vstock]

Do some items that can be frozen and then boiled. I think of lasagna or enchiladas or something like it. You make, freeze, vacuum seal, and pack frozen in an ice chest. Monday after work, the are still cold and he boils or bakes for dinner. Heats up a 2nd for Tuesday. Or if you guys can swing it, drive up every other weekend and pack his freezer.fridge full of options.

[corneygirl]

There are things that should be refrigerated eventually but could stand a day out of the fridge. Hummus or a white bean spread and crackers, hard cheese (cheddar, manchego), olives, pickles. Even some roasted vegetables and slices of firm polenta. However, I tend not to worry too much about things that don't have any meat or dairy - outside of hard cheeses not being refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

[onrushpam]

We got a cooler at Costco that keeps food cold for an incredibly long time, even without ice. If you added some bottles of frozen water, it would probably keep food cold for 24 hours! I can't find the exact one we got, but this is the same brand and similar:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/California-...

[Dirtywextraolives]

Spiced mixed nuts
Chips & jarred salsa (unopened)
Any type of jerky
Peanut butter spread on graham crackers

Not sure why you 'd pass up on these things just because they weren't homemade, but perhaps you have other reasons:

Pre packaged jello or fruit cups
Soup in microwaveable cups
Cheese & cracker packs
Hummus & pretzel chips

[LaLa]

i found awesome single serve salsa at Sams Club...those would be great!
also single serve peanut butter
i love thge cheese straws!
These are to die for!
http://gardenandgun.com/article/marth...

[Dirtywextraolives]

Great ideas!

[Tara57]

cheese straws
pretzels
Chex Mix

[nemo]

Are you looking for one-time Monday breakfast ideas or things that he can eat during the week? Lots of savory options if you define the parameters.

[paulpaul]

does he have access to hot water or a microwave?

If he does I say oatmeal, and brown sugar mixed up in a ziploc bag. He could dump some into a mug with some hot water from a coffee machine and let it sit for a a minute. That's a great simple meal early in the day.

[ipsedixit]

Beef jerky
Scones
Muffins
PB&J

... and nice photograph of you.