Outdoor Eating Delight: Culinary Ideas and Practical Advice for a Scenic Meal
Picnics: The Taste of Freedom!
Picnics are more than just a warm-weather indulgence; they're a delightful exploration of flavors and experiences. From coast to coast and city to the country, picnics are the ultimate outdoor feast!
In this guide, we'll take you on a journey from the rich past of picnicking to practical tips for achieving picnic perfection. So grab a blanket, clear your schedule, and get ready to inhale some fresh air and drool-worthy dishes!
A Culinary Time Capsule
Discover the roots of picnics in the exotic, indulgent banquets of the wealthy. Pastries, hams, and roasted meats are century-old picnic staples. But you'll be thrilled to know that these festive outdoor meals are no longer exclusive to the ultra-rich!
The Picnic Pioneers
The Picnic's Humble Beginnings
Medieval hunting feasts are the precursors of our 21st-century picnics. They might not have been called "picnics," but digging into pastries and hams in the great outdoors is an ancestor we can proudly claim.
In Historical Perspective
Similar al fresco feasts emerged in Persia, China, and other non-European locations. The picnic spirit has been a constant throughout history!
The Victorian Picnic Boom
As we journey through time, we reach the height of the picnic era: the Victorian age. The 19th century was the golden era of picnicking, thanks to its charming, refined atmosphere. Artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Cezanne beautifully captured the picnic scenes of that time.
The Magical Word: "Picnic"
Wondering where our peculiar words "picnic" came from? According to etymologists, the term derives from the French "pique-nique," the true meaning of which remains somewhat of a mystery. One thing is for sure: the shift in picnic's sense from "potluck" to "outdoor eating" was noticeable by the 1860s. And the casual and impromptu vibe is still a strong implication in any modern interpretation of picnicking.
Lessons from a Picnic Pro: James Beard
James Beard, America's first celebrity chef, found his culinary passion at the young age of seven during a family picnic on an Oregon beach. In his own words:
"Huge hampers and baskets filled with delectable tidbits... We stopped at an ice-house and picked up a large cake of ice... My mouth waters just remembering these days."
Tips for Picnicking Bliss
Embrace Enamel:
Lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly, enamel plates make an excellent choice for the picnic table.
Get Creative and Prepared:
Choose easy-to-handle food like chicken drumsticks or fruit on skewers, and be ready for the inevitable intruders – bugs! Don't forget to stock up on containers with lids, mesh covers, and even shower caps to keep food secure and fresh.
Salads Galore:
Whether it's a hearty green salad, grain salad, fruit salad, or a unique corn salad, salads are the unsung heroes of any picnic. Don't shy away from fresh, colorful, and light options that will keep you going pitch-perfect all day long.
Picnic like a Pro:
Lighten your load by streamlining your picnic kit. You don't need tents, folding tables, or a thousand forks to make your picnic unforgettable. A good cooler, blanket, and some fabulous food are all you need!
Bug Off!
Protect your picnic from hungry pests by building a fire for coffee or investing in an alcohol stove if permitted. Remember, you're the guest of nature, so be careful not to disturb the harmony.
Keep It Clean:
Wet wipes and garbage bags are picnic essentials. Don't skimp on the cleanup supplies; you'll thank yourself later!
Stake Your Claim:
Since Mother Nature has a habit of being fierce, come prepared with weights, stakes, and napkin holders to keep your picnic blankets and food from disappearing.
Picnic-Safe Foods:
Choose mess-free dishes like sandwiches, frittatas, or oven-fried chicken for the ultimate stress-free picnic experience.
Refrigeration War: Myth or Fact?
A classic picnic question - is unrefrigerated mayo a health risk? Controversial, yes. Myth? Apparently, no! According to recent research, commercial mayo is manufactured with enough acid to kill harmful bacteria, making it picnic-safe[1]. So, go ahead and pack that egg salad with confidence!
The Picnic Playlist: Cocktails and More
What's a festive picnic without some great drinks to accompany it? A can of wine or a bottle of hard seltzer provides a suitable refreshment, but if you're looking for something stronger, there's a long list of cocktails you can batch and bring along in Nalgene bottles. Winter got you down? The good news is that learning how to make cocktails while camping is just as beneficial for a picnic, so long as you're not the designated driver!
The Picnic Chronicles: Best Books to Inspire You
The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket
If you're ready to elevate your picnic game, "The Picnic" by Marnie Hanel, Andrea Slonecker, and Jen Stevenson delivers a treasure trove of inspiration, recipes, and tricks to take your picnic from good to fabulous.
Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes
For a romantic picnic memoir that's also filled with delectable recipes, dive into "Picnic in Provence" by Elizabeth Bard.
Everything Tastes Better Outdoors
Claudia Roden's encyclopedic "Everything Tastes Better Outdoors" offers an impressive collection of recipes for home-cooked meals, outdoor cookery, and camping dishes to take your picnic and beyond.
Paris Picnic Club: More Than 100 Recipes to Savor and Share
"Paris Picnic Club" by Shaheen Peerbhai and Jennie Levitt captures the essence of Parisian picnics, complete with unforgettable dishes and anecdotes.
Graze: Inspiration for Small Plates and Meandering Meals
Small plates and meandering meals are the stars of "Graze" by Suzanne Lenzer and Nicole Franzen. This book is perfect for finding inspiration when deciding what to bring along to your picnic or for a fancy picnic-style feast at home.
I'm Craving More!
Satiate your picnic curiosity by exploring our carefully handpicked picnic recipe collections. From French recipes for Bastille Day to herbal lemonades and 10-Steak Sandwiches, treat your taste buds to an unforgettable picnic adventure!
[1] Roxanne Webber, "Picnic Problems: Will Unrefrigerated Mayo Make You Sick?", The Washington Post, July 1, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2019/07/01/picnic-problems-cooking-mayo-outdoors-safety-risks-when-to-worry/
- In line with James Beard's passion for picnics ignited during a family outing, midwesterners can find inspiration in the rich past of these outdoor feasts when planning their picnic recipes.
- As you prepare for a picnic in the picturesque landscapes of the Midwest, don't forget to include a corkscrew in your picnic kit, ensuring you can enjoy a refreshing bottle of wine during your al fresco dining experience.
- To really enhance the authenticity of your picnic, consider incorporating some creditline, such as extending an invitation to friends and family or offering to split the picnic costs, creating a truly social and indulgent banquet.
