There is something special about eating outdoors, whether it's just sandwiches, cookies and lemonade, or a more elaborate affair like cold poached salmon and champagne. Whatever your choice, make it easy and fun.
Not everyone has a picnic basket, so use whatever you have handy at home. An ice chest, a large backpack, or a canvas or strong straw bag work just as well.
When planning your picnic, consider food transportation. Will the food be easy to move? How long will the food sit before you eat?
Make sure to pack food so it will stay cold the entire time. If your ice melts, your food can keep for one hour before you need to discard it. Food safety is number one. If in doubt, throw it out.
It's probably best to eat soon after you arrive at your destination. You can relax and play games afterwards.
The key to a successful picnic is good planning. Make sure you pack lots of napkins, cold drinks, condiments, garbage bags, wet wipes, a bottle opener, and a big quilt or blanket. If convenience allows, bring seating cushions or folding chairs.
Generally, finger food is the best kind of picnic fare. Some foods do not travel well. Avoid the delicate, soft, spongy desserts that will crush or melt in the heat and make an unappetizing mess. Chocolate chip cookies, pound cakes, squares, or the classic chocolate brownie along with a lot of fresh fruit will satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.
Here is an easy-to-prepare picnic that just requires a little bit of advance planning.
Make a cantaloupe soup and chill well ahead of time. Store it in a vacuum flask. The recipe is below.
Fill baguettes with roast beef, horseradish, and thin slices of red onion and ripe tomato. Or pair grilled chicken with Brie and add fresh basil and tomato. Wrap with parchment paper.
Buy decadent chocolate brownies and a variety of fresh fruit.
Add a chilled bottle of lemonade fizz and some sparkling water.
Bring fresh flowers and a glass jar or simple vase to put them in. Flowers always add a lovely finishing touch.
Cantaloupe Soup
Serves 2 or 3
1 large cantaloupe, cut into 1-inch chunks 1/4 cup fresh orange juice Juice of half a lime 1 teaspoon fresh mint (optional) 1/2 tablespoon honey 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
Place cantaloupe, orange juice, lime juice, mint, and honey in blender and process until smooth. Combine the cantaloupe mixture and yogurt in a bowl and mix well. Pour into a chilled vacuum flask and keep chilled until ready to serve.
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