PICNIC BASKET RECIPES

by Renee Dietz | More from this Blogger

14 Jan 2006 02:17 PM

When packing for a picnic, you want to take foods that will work best in an outdoor environment. Instead of gooey chocolate cake that might melt in the hot sun, you could opt for oatmeal/pecan cookies. The key is to pack your picnic basket carefully, making sure any perishable foods are on ice. To ensure food does not become soggy, plastic zipper bags work great. Even if the ice melts, the food stays fresh.

Usually, everyone has a special recipe he or she prefers but the following are some great recommendations that most people love for a picnic:

Lemonade

You can use frozen concentrate or make homemade lemonade. For this, freeze the lemonade so it is almost completely frozen. Place in a plastic jug and by the time you are ready to drink, the warm sun will have thawed it just enough while still keeping it cold and refreshing.

Sandwiches

Choose your favorite sandwich meat, cheese, and toppings. However, instead of making the sandwiches ahead of time, place the meat in one plastic zipper bag, the cheese in another bag, the tomatoes in yet another bag, and so on. Once you are set up at the park, you can assembly the sandwiches so they are nice and fresh. Keep the condiments in small containers on ice, which again are added at the park.

Fruit Salad

Fruit salad and picnics go hand-in-hand. For this, choose fruits in season, cutting them up into bite-size pieces. Then, create a mixture of honey and lime. Store the fruit and honey/lime mixture in separate containers until you arrive at the park. Then, drizzle the honey/lime mixture over the fresh fruit or use it for dipping.

Dessert

Try to choose desserts that will not melt and become gooey from the warm sun. Again, foods such as oatmeal/pecan cookies, individual pecan tarts, or small fruit pizzas are all excellent choices.

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I have been a successful, published writer for the past 26 years, offering a writing style that is informative, creative, and reader-friendly.

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