Rant: Don't Cook In Your Trunk!

As summer nears, and the temperatures rise, you should know that you don't children or pets in your car on a hot day. A child or pet can easily die inside a hot car, within a short time period, so it is vital that this should never be done. We don't want any such tragedy to occur.

Though it is a much less serious matter, there are other items you probably shouldn't leave unprotected in a hot car, including many foods and drinks. Subjecting food and drink to extreme heat can damage it, from melting a cheese to baking a wine. Do you want to lose your food or drink due to the heat? Don't do it!

Summer is the time for travel, and maybe you'll visit a farmer's market, bakery, farm, wine shop, winery, brewery, or some similar place. If you make any purchases, you'll need to transport them home in your car, likely in your trunk, where they could could sit there for hours, or even longer. You might not realize that your trunk can get very hot, thus subjecting your food and drinks to intense heat. You need a way to protect them from such high temperatures.

When I travel, I often bring my wine case (pictured above), which is insulated and holds a dozen bottles of wine. Thus, I can safely transport my wines and it has been invaluable on long trips. You don't need to purchase such a case, though if you often buy wine it can be a good investment. But, carrying some other type of insulated bag, box or other container can be just as good. And those will be needed for transporting food items. You need to be prepared when you travel.

It is an easy solution to a rampant problem. Save our food and drinks from the heat, so that you don't come home and realize they have been harmed by the heat.