Let's go al fresco

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Posted at 9:58AM, 01 June 2010 by Carol Wilson - Food writer

I think a picnic is one of the great pleasures of summer - whether at the seaside, in the country, local park or even just in the garden!

Picnics have long been a popular feature of English summers, particularly at traditional events such as Henley Regatta and Glyndebourne, where elegant hampers are the order of the day, while more substantial hampers are favoured for cricket teas at Lords... whatever the occasion picnicking has never fallen out of favour.

Forget boring limp sandwiches and tasteless shop bought cakes - I like to come up with different ideas

Nowadays, arranging a picnic couldn't be simpler. Forget boring limp sandwiches and tasteless shop bought cakes though - I like to come up with different ideas for food that will look appetising, taste delicious and travel well. Good cheeses are a godsend; just add some tasty bread and spicy relishes or chutneys to perk up the flavour. A thick, cold Spanish omelette looks impressive cut into wedges and accompanied by a crisp green salad. Bags of ready washed salad leaves from the supermarket are super convenient too.

Always popular is a Picnic Loaf. I slice the top off a large round crusty loaf and scoop out the centre, leaving a 'shell' about 2.5cm thick. (You can freeze the breadcrumbs to use later) I sprinkle the inside of the bread case with olive oil and season to taste, then layer sliced tomatoes, ham, a few black olives, lettuce, cheese and mayonnaise, then cover with the bread lid and wrap tightly in foil and chill until needed. Bowls of marinated green and black olives are popular, as are patés and dips served with a selection of flavoursome breads and crudités. Children particularly love 'Pigs in blankets' (sausages wrapped in bacon); Cakes are always well-liked and my tip is to opt for easy to eat small cakes and fruit breads that won't crumble or fall apart, rather than rich, sticky confections. I avoid fragile or creamy dishes such as mousses, which will only collapse in the heat.

A choice of cold drinks always goes down well - Iced mint tea or fresh Homemade lemonade are my favourites. Drinks can be frozen beforehand and packed (still frozen) to thaw out on the journey. They'll help to keep the food cool too.

Cool boxes and thermos flasks ensure the food will keep fresh and cool and make it easier to transport. Other essentials are plenty of napkins and cutlery, an attractive tablecloth (a few sprigs of lavender, lightly crushed between your fingers and scattered over the cloth will keep insects away as they hate the scent) - and don't forget to pack the salt and pepper!

Do you have a favourite picnic treat?

Comments

lds1985

2 June 2010, 12:28PM
lds1985

Hey! Great post and I LOVE summer time picnics! It is always good to have a fresh look at what you you bring on your picnic and your suggestions are fab! If you dont want to make your own pigs in blankets try these - http://bit.ly/dw9fQc - Always a hit with the family!

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squaccy

2 June 2010, 4:07PM
squaccy

some interesting recipes I hadn't thought about. Picnics for me as a child used to be ham or paste sandwhiches with a packet of crisps and an apple! I think I find it weird carrying round spanish omelettes on a long walk but I think thats because we went for the walk not the picnic whereas most would go for the picnic!!! However, as the weather is improving and me and my partner are enjoying some time being a couple after Uni, I will use your recipes and enjoy myself!!

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Hilders

4 June 2010, 9:25AM
Hilders

I love picnic loaves but they can be messy to eat.... so I buy round crusty rolls, cut the top off scoop out the bread brush the inside with olive oil, then layer salami, ( I've always been lucky and my rolls are exactly the size of my salami :-) ) mozerella, basil leaves, and roast pepper sauce put the lid on wrap tightly in cling film and chill, best made the night before. Delicious and much less messy as its all contained in the roll. Definately going to try a tortilla this summer tho... they look delicious.

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Abi

4 June 2010, 8:15PM
Abi

I like the idea of doing the rolls instead of a loaf. We've done the loaf before but end up with to much height all the time, although it is lovely to eat. I love tortilla and often do the one with Prawns and Chorizo in as well. I love chicken drumsticks of any sort at a picnic but often am worried when it is too hot and having chicken in the heat. Will have to remember about Lavender!

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bridge67 cookery school

10 June 2010, 11:39AM
bridge67 cookery school

I love a picnic. What a great free day out for the whole family

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robert

16 June 2010, 1:33PM
robert

Really good pork pies are a must!

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Whisk Cooking

23 June 2010, 5:11PM
Whisk Cooking

We love picnics and late evening Summer suppers. Our advice is to make as much as you can ahead of time and make sure you serve it in complimentary dishes to make the best display. Check out the Le Creuset offer http://bit.ly/cbR787.

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halle butt

14 July 2010, 1:54PM
halle butt

I make a good pork pie, the key is the stock you make the jelly out of, also you should leave for 24hrs to mature in the pantry. Sunday morning brekky, pork pie, stilton and a glass of port puts lead in your pencil, viagra! gimme a break!

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