Hey gals, it’s that time of year, so grab your preppy plaid blanket, a straw hamper, and companion of your choosing and go on a picnic! One of my great summer loves is eating al fresco. Whether on a beach, in a field, or in my own backyard, picnics encompass two of my favorite things. These of course are food and the beautiful outdoors.

When selecting your picnic menu, you want to make sure that you prepare food that will travel well.  Here is one of my all time favorite picnic menus.

Fruity Chicken Salad

2 cups of chopped cooked chicken (poach or boil it until the center is no longer pink)
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup seedless red grapes (cut in half)
½ cup mayo
1 tsp. grated onion
salt and pepper, to taste
 1 bag mixed greens
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
Gorgonzola, crumbled (about ½ cup)
½ cup toasted slivered almonds
Mixed Greens

1. Combine first four ingredients in a bowl.
2. Combine mayo, onion, and salt. Add to chicken mixture, stir gently.
3. Serve on a bed of mixed greens. Top with gorgonzola and mandarin oranges.
Serve artisan bread with herb butter.

Herb Butter

½ cup softened butter
½ teaspoon dried marjoram
½ teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
½ teaspoon dried thyme
pinch dried basil

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Transfer to a ramekin and refrigerate until you leave for your picnic.

Mixed Berry Shortcakes

2 cups fresh mixed berries (I use blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries)
2 tablespoons sugar
store bought shortcake shells
lightly sweetened whipped cream
peppermint leaves

1. Early in the day, combine berries with sugar. The sugar will help leach out the fruit juice while sweetening.
2. Place the shortcake shells on plates, fill with berries and top with whipped cream.
3. Garnish with peppermint leaves for an elegant touch.

*This is so easy which is why it’s perfect for a picnic.

TIPS

Keep the “lugging” of your basket down:

• Pack durable plastic dishes. Glass is too heavy and paper will fall apart, leaving you with a lap full of food.
• Use attractive acrylic glassware instead of glass.
• Package your food in heavy duty zip-lock bags instead of Tupperware. This will also give you more room in your basket. Plus, there will fewer dishes to wash.

For a classy touch:

• Always use cloth napkins, but to be safe, take along some paper towels for spills etc.
• Pack real silverware. Plastic has a tendency to break and your food is never enhanced with a mouth full of prongs (prawns, yes… prongs, no.)
• Make some lemonade ice cubes (if that’s what you’re serving) and add them into your beverage container. This way you can serve a cold drink that hasn’t been watered down. Also, take along a small baggy with sliced, seeded lemons to float in the glasses.
• If you’ll be dining around twilight, pack a couple of votive candles (with matches) to set the mood.

Just smart thinking:

• Take along wet wipes to wash your hands. Chances are you won’t be near a water source for cleanup.
• If you live in mosquito land, pack a couple of bug repellent wipes as well.
• I always like to bring demi salt and pepper shakers.
• Throw in a little bottle of sunscreen. Nothing ruins a perfectly lovely picnic like sunburn.