I so enjoy picnic's and this time of year is picnic time so before summer is over I thought I would do a post dedicated to picnic food and picnic planning!
A picnic is a moveable feast, and being able to leave the table, television and fast food drive-through in your rearview mirror is one thing that makes an al fresco meal so special. If you're planning a walk to the park, afternoon on the beach or scenic drive, take along a few classic picnic foods or a few new spins on the classic picnic foods that will satisfy your palate while celebrating the luxury of eating in the open air.
Top 10 Classic Picnic Foods:
- Potato Salad
- Fried Chicken - Or you could pick up a free range Roasted Chicken from the market!
- Watermelon OR if you are tight on space you could take some dehydrated Watermelon!
- Pasta Salad
- Pinwheel Sandwiches
- Bread, Cheese and sliced meats - A French baguette, Italian bread or a Kaiser roll makes a delicious foundation for your favourite sliced meat and aged cheese.
- Deviled eggs
- Ready to Grill items - A hot picnic entree like classic grilled burgers, brats or chicken adds a new dimension to a simple basket meal.
- Lemonaide
- Fruit Salad
- Croissant Sandwich (check out Free People blog for a recipe)
To get you started, consider the 5 W’s of picnicking:
1. Who will be attending the picnic?
2. What is the occasion?
3. Where is the location?
4. Why are you having a picnic?
5. When is your picnic taking place?
Think about your company as you plan the menu. Do they have any favorite foods and/or any dietary restrictions? Kids or just adults?
Is it a special celebration that might require a cake, or is it a spur of the moment cheese and bread kind of picnic? Is this an occasion for a nice wine or a few juice boxes and bottled water?
A picnic can be had anywhere, really, from the front yard to a roof top, to a nearby park or beach. Perhaps you’ve planned a canoe ride, or a hike to some scenic view? Wherever you decide to go, be sure to consider factors like:
A. Weather: if there’s any chance of rain be sure to bring an umbrella.
B. Distance: How far away is the picnic site? Will you have any perisable items? If so, pack them on ice.
C. Ammenities: are there washrooms nearby? Is there fresh drinking water on site? Consider the general accesibility, particularily if mobility is an issue for older folks.
No matter what the occasion may be, picnics are a relaxing, casual way to be with friends, family and loved ones while enjoying fresh air and a memorable meal.
Remember to keep it simple; it should be easy to transport and require minimal clean-up.
Bon appetite!
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