Introducing the Snackle Box
Use these convenient carrying cases to transport “meals” on board.
As beloved as they are, I have found that big appetizer platters are difficult to carry and balance on board. In addition, when going ashore for drinks, it is challenging to transport these lovely creations to share with others. Therefore, I prefer the “snackle box,” a tackle box (originally designed for storage of hooks, baits, and lures) that also happens to perfectly fit cubed or sliced cheeses, salami, shrimp, fruit, veggies, sliders, nuts, pretzels, crackers, and candy. Plus, these fishing tackle boxes transform into convenient cases requiring only one hand to carry them (leaving a hand free for the boat).
Similar to Japanese bento boxes, a snackle box is divided into compartments that you can fill with (non-watery or non-oily) goodies, then close and transport to your boat. It is a time- and space-saver. Prepare it at home, bring it aboard, and store it below or in an icebox until you open it for cruise cocktails, quick between-race lunches, dessert, cocktails ashore, or relaxing on the boat. Additionally, you can reuse it by simply cleaning and refilling it with another “meal.”
This brilliant idea has been floating around social media for a couple years, often used as a convenient kids’ snack box during long car trips. However, my husband inspired me to adapt it to my boating/cruising needs. I even brought a snackle box as my appetizer contribution to Thanksgiving dinner with my husband’s family. Closing it worked nicely to prevent their three hungry dogs from helping themselves when the family walked away from the hors d’oeuvres table to the kitchen.
Below are some suggestions for successful snackle boxes and a few ideas for serving, but most important, use your imagination to create fun and exciting snackle treats!
How to make a snackle box:
⊲ Select a tackle box. Heavy plastic is ideal. Each compartment should be removable and easy to clean (mine is dishwasher-safe). Pick out a size that meets your needs, whether a flat or tiered box, as long as the compartments are big enough to fit your goodies.
⊲ Clean and dry thoroughly.
⊲ Fill with (non-leaking) foods and close.
⊲ Serve whenever you like (making sure you keep perishables refrigerated).
⊲ Keep the components of your snackle box from dripping or draining when carried (by straining out or covering containers of pickles, canned fish, dips, spreads, sauces) or it will make a terrible mess of your deck and the other dry snackle ingredients.
The Breakfast Snackle:
Hard-boiled eggs and small packets of mayonnaise
Buttered toast soldiers
Mini sausage biscuits
Smoked salmon on mini bagels with cream cheese
Mini waffles (or cut-up, full-sized waffles)
Fresh, cut-up or dried fruit
Small containers of jam, jelly, syrup, and butter
The Lunch Snackle:
Make/buy and wrap assorted sub sandwiches (cut into mini subs) or make small sliders or tea sandwiches to fit in larger compartments and fill smaller compartments with complementary nibbles such as:
raw vegetables
fresh and dried fruit
chips
drained pickled veggies
small packages of dips and condiments
The Dessert Snackle:
For an easy dessert, fill a snackle box with:
chocolates
caramels
dried fruit
cookies
marshmallows
petit fours or small cubes of cake
nuts
cheeses
fresh berries
-by Lori Ross
